The Colonization of Terenuri (IC)

[Meltheim]

Background:

The Empire of Anduri has reigned for hundreds of years, and just recently a new land to the West has been discovered. The pilot expedition went out 1 year ago, and the first ship has just returned with tales of strange creatures and a cargo hold full of exotic fruits and colorful animal skins. The Andurii have made contact with the natives and exchanged trinkets and tokens of friendship and respect. Some of the Andurii have even opted to stay behind and learn the ways of the new continent and its people.

The Emperor’s health is failing and his eldest son, Aurin is slowly assuming the mantle of rule. As such, the Emperor has demanded that a second expedition embark immediately and has tasked his youngest son, Teren, with establishing a settlement. Teren is taking with him some of his personal guards and household staff, as well as those who may be of use in the new, unexplored wilderness. There are those from the different churches that wish to bring their beliefs to the new land, as well as those from the universities who are eager to learn more. There are also those who seek to make a new life for themselves.

The ships will spend the night replenishing their stores and will head out at first light. The colonization of “Terenuri” has begun

[Meltheim]

"So what you're telling me is, that even with the portals, this is going to take a few weeks?" Dalsaf shook his head in frustration as he pored over the map once again, looking at the diagrams and the figurines that represented the known world. Known world, fah. 2 years ago the known world was nothing but this continent and a couple of islands of the coast. Now it's so much larger. Addressing the advisors once again, "Do we really have what it takes to colonize again? We are spread too thin as it is. I am sure that Lord Teren wants . . ."

"What do I want, dear Dalsaf?" A man, easily six foot tall with shoulder length black hair strode onto the bridge, surrounded by no fewer than 20 of his dovrahiim, Deathwatchers. Their lacquered armor and faceless helmets always inspired awe and terror.

"Surely you must have been infected with that sy-keek or whatever those savages have that lets them read minds. What I want is what is coming to me. My brother has this continent, so it is my father's will that I get the other. If they were fit to rule, don't you think they would have found us first, instead of the other way around?"

Dalsaf's mouth worked soundlessly for a minute as the Eladrin tried to compose himself. "Surely your lordship I meant no disrespect. It is just that I want the empire to be strong, and this expedition . . . you haven't seen what is out there. The Sea is vast, but this is like 1000 seas together." Dalsaf calmed his voice and tried to continue, blending confidence without condescension. "We spent months without sight of land. It is enough to drive lesser men insane. And now these Academs are telling me it will still take weeks. We have three full ships of men, women, children and animals and, as Admiral of the fleet . . . I just don't know if they will survive weeks on this open water."

"I will hear no more of it. Academs, get back to your quarters and find a way to make more portals. This hopping about is not sufficient. I want to be there in days, not weeks. Days." As the masters of the arcane university bowed and bobbed and made their exit, Lord Teren turned back to the Admiral, his voice and his face noticeably softening. "Dal, friend, I am just as worried as you are. We lost half of the fleet on the first expedition and I have no delusions of what awaits us. I only hope that these portals can lessen the losses. You are the best, oh quiet, you know you are. You have good men and women stationed on the other side and you have the empire's best working on these ships." Teren clapped the man on the shoulder in a friendly gesture.

"Teren. I know. I just . . . " Dalsaf paused a moment to look out to the pier, seeing the recruiters and the brave, curious, pious and desperate who made up this journey's passengers. "If I couldn't keep my sons safe, what chance do I have of keeping the Emperor's son safe?"

"You have been to the beyond and back. We will need that strength." With that, Teren tossed the man a smile and turned toward the door. "We depart in 3 hours."

[Meltheim]

Throk, Roman, Rilingfell

Of the three ships in the harbor, the Mother's Star was the only one open to the general public. The first, obviously, was for the imperial host and was captained by the admiral himself. There were easily twice as many servants as royals aboard the Aurin's Gift, but they were all capable people.

The second ship in the harbor belonged to those officially sponsored - either from the churches or the universities. These spots were reserved months prior and only those with official letters were allowed aboard the Hidden Moon. Those who did not have an official sponsor found their way to the third ship.

The third ship, the Mother's Star, had probably the most diverse group of passengers. From mercenaries and myrmidons to farriers, farmers, weavers and wainwrights, this group was the rest - those with no official business who were willing to risk their lives on the frontier. There were many from the guilds, a few from the Explorer's society and more who were simply trying to make a name for themselves, a fresh start.

The quarters aboard the Mother's Star were little better than pallets, but since it was originally designed as a military vessel and had only just recently been outfitted for longer voyages, this was to be expected. The rooms slept 4 each, in two bunk beds on either side of a narrow room. A small bowl and pitcher were in one corner while a chamber pot resided in the opposite. Most everything was bolted down in a way that it could be unlocked and slid out of place for emptying or filling, as needed. Not entirely pleasant, but sufficient for those who were willing to make the journey.

[Shular]

Throk

Following the directions he was given, and only getting lost once, Throk fouond the quarters that he was to share for the duration of the journey. He sighed at the cramped size of it. He'd slept in far worse, of course. At least he had a bed to himself. After "stowing" (strange word) his gear (but keeping his money with him...momma didn't raise no fool), he decided to go back on deck and watch the rest of the people coming on board.

[Ravian]

Rilingfell steadied himself against the ship's rail less then successfully trying to balance upon the ship's slightly swaying deck. No matter how much he loved the thought of exploring this new world, there was still always the ships. There was simply no getting over the ill feeling he felt while upon even a small rowboat, and this tub was far from luxurious. He had hoped that the society could have secured him a pass for the sponsored ship, but to his dismay, despite the society's title of "royal" the Erathisian church and Arcane University had apparently booked most of the available spots before the graduation, leaving him on a ship that felt like Sahaugin were trying to capsize, and doing a fine job at it to boot.

Turning to one of the seamen adjusting the ropes, he asked How long will the voyage be again? I'm afraid I'm already a tad sea sick

[Meltheim]

Throk, Roman, Rilingfell

The sailor looked at the visibly green Eladrin, "Not yet sure. First reports said months, second report said weeks. I guess they are going to try out the portals so I figure we're either going to get there quickly or we'll all end up as fish food!" he ended on a laugh, taking even more joy in any discomfort he saw in the young man's face.

"Go down to the galley and ask Cook for some waterweed. That might help your stomach. Remember though, if you're going to be sick, be sick off the boat or you'll be swabbing your own deck!"

[Dimers]

Another young eladrin standing several feet down the railing piped up, "Can you imagine how bad this must be for people who *don't* step through the Feywild now and again? Being off-balance in a strange environment, going through portals ... we eladrin have an advantage there." He spoke with the certainty of a man with a charmed life, who only has problems by choice. "Well, friend, I'm told the nausea only lasts a few days, and there's waterweed until then. And maybe when we approach the first portal, you'll have a chance to return yon sailor's chuckle to him ... see how well he takes the fear of being hurled through arcanospace." The slate-haired eladrin smiled mildly and let his gaze drift back to the buildings near the pier.

[Ravian]

Thank you friend, I must admit I was hoping for better accomadations then this, but I suppose if I can survive this voyage then the wilds of Terenuri should be a cinch.
He chuckled slightly at his own joke, before another wave of nausea seized him
Excuse me he muttered, rushing for the side of the deck.
A few moments later he returned.
I can only imagine what it will be like when we set sail, but where are my manners? I'm Rilingfall from house Stardawn, and a member of the Royal Exploration society. he offered his hand What of you friend, are you a scholar? I admit that I've never heard of a portal described as "Arcanospace" before, but then I've had little experience with portals in general.

[Dimers]

"Roman Elanai, lately of the University here. He shook the proffered hand solidly, making the embroidery dance on his over-fine coat. No, friend Rilingfall, 'arcanospace' is not a scientific term, simply a descriptive one; small wonder you've never heard of it. I'm not overly familiar with teleportation studies myself -- my specialty is ritual materials -- but it doesn't take a wizard's learning to recognize the horror that many people feel when they think about being sent through a space that doesn't really exist."

The scholar turned again to face the dock with a somewhat downtrodden expression. "If you happen to see a cat out there -- or an orange dog, which is a closer match to the silly beast's size -- do let me know so I can try again to get her on board. As much as I look forward to this expedition, it won't quite be the same without my companion of the last nine years." Roman rolled his eyes in apparent amusement at his own sappiness.

[Meltheim]

Throk, Roman, Rilingfell

A loud voice bellows out from the docks, "ALL ABOARD WHO'S COMING ABOARD. DEPARTURE IN 5 MINUTES!"

The crew of the Mother's Star begins to pick up their pace, as sails bloom and ropes are gathered. The crew member who spoke to Rilingfell moments earlier chimes in, "Pardon the interruption, but if you got sick while we were docked, you might want to gird yourself a bit for launch. Some prefer to stay forward and see what's coming and others prefer to stay near the mast. Just don't lie down though, that's the worst of it." He chuckles to himself a bit

[Dimers]

Roman sighed a final time in the direction of the docks. Well, it's in character for that cat to hassle me; she's been doing it this long, so why stop now? Then he turned to his eladrin shipmate and asked, "Tell me-- ah, we can go downstairs for the herb while we talk. I suppose I should say 'belowdecks'. Tell me, Mr. Stardawn, are you descended from the great general who campaigned in the dragonmen's northlands? I don't know much history, but my father's mother served with General Stardawn as a warmage. Anyhow, I was under the impression that the family was devout Erathisians. Is the reason you're here related to that Avandrian symbol you're sporting?"

[Ravian]

Ah yes, general Stardawn, my father was always keen on talking about our family's part in that war. Of course he always went into detail on the savagery of the Dragonborn, and how they were coldblooded serpents that should be grateful he didn't evict them from our lands. No I'm afraid me and my father aren't on good terms, the conversion I suppose was my last bit of defiance. I can only wonder when the news will arrive that he's taken me off his will. he sighs slightly as they begin to go below deck Well I can only hope my sister enjoys inheritance, as for me I think my life is in this new world. he smiles before a sudden lurch causes him to hold his hand to his mouth, after a moment he gulps. Maybe we should find that Waterweed...

[Meltheim]

Throk, Roman, Rilingfell

Belowdecks the Mother's Star is a bustle of activity as the crew runs around getting everything in order, making sure that all items are bolted down and held securely. Arcanists and Academs alike are heading up to the decks, many standing forward while a few go aft. On the starboard side there are similar activities happening on the other ships - Aurin's Gift, which holds the imperials, and the Hidden Moon, the ship of scholars and clergy.

Apparently none are too used to the swaying of the ships and many queasy-looking individuals have gathered around the open barrels of waterweed to sample its curative properties. Children run around underfoot while mothers, dogs and cats chase and are chased, respectively.

From above decks another voice booms, "DEPARTURE IN 1 MINUTE! GANGPLANKS AWAY!"

[Shular]

Throk

Standing near one side (starboard? port? bah, why can't they use left and right?), Throk watches the hustle and activity. He overhears the two Eladrin speaking, but doesn't recognize any of the names. He does, however, get a chuckle at the nausea of the highborn. He'd had to take small boats across the harbour at times, smuggling was all part of the business, and this big ship was barely moving compared to a rowboat inrough waters .

At the call for departure, he takes one last scan of the crowds on the docks, checking for any cloaks. He then turns to watch the sailors, trying to figure out why they did what they did. It's a little game that he likes to play with himself, even if hs seldomly wins.

[Meltheim]

Throk, Roman, Rilingfell

With a shudder the ships release from their moorings as the behemoths slowly flow into the sea. The six Academs of the Mother's Star have gathered at forward. Three of the Academs look on while three others stand on points of a six-sided star bound within a large circle of metallic filigree and runes that have been set into the deck of the ship. The runes flare as the Academs call them one by one, and a small blue light appears to coalesce about a mile off of the bow.

Similar points of light form in front of the other two ships and a small circle slowly surrounds them. Within the circle the points of a six-sided star are visible and the light begins to resolve itself into a shape like that on the deck of the ship. The Academs begin to chant the names of the runes in an even pace, their low voices rolling across the deck with an almost palpable force. The water in front of the ships begins to churn and froth, as small bolts of lightning extend from the portal in the distance.

The pace of the chanting increases and the runes begin to flare more brightly, pulsing more intently. The three ships appear to be converging on a point as similar bursts of light emanate from their bows. The chant of the Academs gets louder, and anyone in the vicinity will start to hear the others ships as well. The chants appear to harmonize as the portal increases in size, almost large enough to take an entire ship.

The faces of the Academs appear strained, and one faints from the exertion. Smoothly and without breaking rhythm, one of those outside the circle steps in and picks up the chanting while the other two haul their unconscious ally off to the side. The sky darkens and the waves crash over the rails. The three ships approach within a quarter-mile of the portal, now easily 10 feet across, and the bolts of lightning intensify further. Within the portal an inky blackness can be seen, with a vague shimmer of the ocean beyond.

The Academs' voices are now at a shout as pulses of arcane energy ripple outward from the ships. A bolt of lightning shoots out from the portal, hitting the Hidden Moon and scorching a jagged line up the port side of the hull. With the portal at a full 25 feet across, the three ships slowly make their way into a single file line with inches to spare. The Hidden Moon is first to go through while Aurin's Gift follows closely behind. The Mother's Star is last to go through and the deafening sound of the ocean, the lightning and the chanting suddenly stops.

******
On the other side of the portal, the waves are calm and serene and the sky is clear and bright. The warm sun caresses the cheeks of the sailors and passengers alike. Breathless, the Academs collapse to the deck. One of the less bedraggled looks toward one of the sailors and shouts through gritted teeth, "Inform the captain we'll be ready again in an hour. Only 19 more jumps to go."

[Meltheim]

Hallowhiem, Moloch

"Hallowhiem, did you see this latest sending?" a gruff voice barks the question to nobody in particular. "We've got word that the ships from Anduri might be here by the end of the week, not the end of the month like we planned! You've got to be ready to lays .. . lias... whatever. You have to be ready to receive upwards of 300 people." The voice deteriorated into grumbles and muttered curses about food and bedding as the sound of shuffling paper filled the silence.

"Hallowhiem, are you listening? Did you hear what I said? We have to get this place ready NOW!" the voice continued. The noise of a wooden chair sliding across the floor is followed soon by the stomping of small feet. A bald dwarf with a gloriously braided beard comes out of the small office, looking into the empty room where he expected the Human to be. "HAL WHERE THE BLOODY BLAZES ARE YOU?"

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Off to the side the air shimmers and blurs for a second, before a humanoid form appears. Still blurry, the features of of Hallowhiem can be discerned. His long black hair it tied back from his pale face, and his green cotton clothes still translucent, he turns, still reading a book in his hand, and responds.

"Yes Fargem? You bellowed? I was in the other room researching..., oh never mind, what is it that you want me to do now? Another message you need delivered, or another director else you need me to convince of our importance while they are doing busy work getting ready for the second pilgrimage to arrive?"

He closed the book and let the hand holding it drop to his side, his face coming into better focus. The dark smear on his face coalesced into a goatee, and the folds in his clothes began to show through. His boots had more dirt on them than usual, and the dagger he had stuffed sheathed in his belt had some visible dirt on it. His image shimmered for another moment, before he shook it off and became completely corporal.

"Or perhaps you just need me to get something down for you again, it that it?" His expression conveyed his annoyance, one eyebrow raised, and the tiny tips of his ears reddening.

[Meltheim]

Hallowhiem, Moloch

"GET SOMETHING DOWN? I . . . I . . . fah. I'll get you down boy . . . if you weren't . . . you get one drop of that Eladrin blood in you and you think you're so fancy . . . " Fargem clears his throat and holds out the note. "The pilgrimmage will be here by week's end! It appears that they have gotten better at the portal hopping since the experimenting in Shipbreaker Bay last spring. They've only lost a dozen Academ so far and all three ships are still intact."

Rubbing his hands back and forth, the dwarf spares a glance for Hallowhiem's clothing. "What are you so dirty for anyway? The only smudges you should have are from ink, and the only injuries are parchment cuts. Have you and that beast of yours been causing trouble again? If I find droppings in the library . . . ho ho boy . . ."

Seeing the exasperated and annoyed look on the young man's face, Fargem changes tactics. "As much as it pains me to reward layabouts such as yourself, given the delicacy of our upcoming situation and the fact that you seem to have the most experience with this, I'm promoting you. You'll need to see to it that everything is ready for his Lordship's arrival and that we've got enough beds downwind of the imperial buildings so that the unwashed rabble don't disturb his lordship's pretty little nose. I'll also need you to check the perimeter and make sure there aren't any unsavory elements about. The elves have picked up their hits against the Amythest Lady and her people, and I need to ensure that Lord Teren will be free of distraction from those savages."

As if talking it out calmed him down (or perhaps he just liked making lists and giving orders), Fargem seemed somewhat relaxed at this point. Looking up to the human, he waved his hand and gave him a genuine smile. "Look lad, do this right and I'm sure you'll see a commendation or something. Screw it up though, and it won't matter who your grandfather was. You'll be on stable duty before you can do that fancy shimmer thing of yours. Now get to it!"

With that, the dwarf turns back and heads into his office, grumbling all the while.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem shouts at the dwarf as he walks away, "You know Jirus wouldn't come into the library, much less make a mess. Has he or has he not been a boon to your work, when my silver tongue didn't do the trick his beak sure has. Not to mention how you've used him as a pack animal, hauling your junk around." Taking a breath, he walked over to his desk, and sat down, eyeing the papers he was supposed to be working on.

Finding a way to deal with all the new pilgrims this soon will be a challenge, I was counting on a few more weeks to convince the warborn to move in with the peaceborn. Yes, it would take some time, but we were so close! That would free up a good number of the beds needed. New construction was going slower than anticipated, the constant attacks didn't help the matter. He had tried to negotiate with the elves, and while he felt he was making good progress, his wonderful Lady had decided it wasn't good enough, and decided to instead negotiate with steel. How pointless it was, trying to fight an enemy of unknown strength, unknown size, on their own soil. He had had a chance to learn some of the elves powers, and the energies they could tap into were amazing.

One elf he had met with could move objects with his mind alone. Nothing impressive there, if Hallowhiem hadn't been so keenly aware of the fact that no spell had been cast, that the elf was doing it on pure impulse. The implications to that alone were astounding. Another elf he watched turn into an owlbear when he went to them to identify what it was that had attacked his convoy and killed his fellow paladin, and good friend. They had a unique culture, and the art he had seen was astounding. But now, whenever an elf appeared, the guards sounded an alarm and everyone ran around screaming, either to fight or hide.

Hallowhiem paused for a moment, reflecting on how it could have gotten so bad so fast. The two elves he had just recalled fondly had met there end facing him in combat. He plucked a dagger from his boot and threw it against the wall, digging into the support beam, finding a grip around many similar nick marks.

Jirus and I do our best to patrol the forest, but it's almost as if neither side wants this conflict to end peacefully. If the ships really are inbound so quickly and they have enough powerful mages to get here so fast, then maybe they can ward the defenses, or turn the tide. While I won't shed a tear for my Lady being demoted, I'm not thrilled about the idea of having to suck up to another royal that is too perfumed for his own good. What we need is more laborers, and fewer leaders. Fargem is doing the best he can to keep the peace in the camp, but there are times that I fear even my silver tongue may fail us. Hopefully whatever this promotion gets me will give me more influence over those in power, so I spent less time fixing problems with solutions they ignored from me in the first place.

He looked over at a map on the wall, near his thrown dagger. He stood up, prying it from it's hold, and tapped it against the settlement's border. If he could squeeze some more space out of the military, get them back to the rotations they had on the boats he could get most of the room he needed. The rest was going to be a matter of getting people used to being condensed again, at least until this new batch could start building their own living quarters. More workers meant it would go faster this time, but he feared that the new arrivals would have to spent their first week here sleeping on the boat.

[Dimers]

Roman was chanting along with the Academs under his breath, occasionally dashing notes onto the back pages of a strangely decorated book. ... alphabetic progression has continued, with the exception of the fourth jump; check for answer in older Draconic works? ... As yet another of the magi staggered and was replaced in the circle, the passengers watching expressed anew their exasperation, this time including a disgusted comment on the surely weak ancestry of the fallen Academ. Roman broke off his murmurous chant into a wheeze, cleared his throat, and spoke again to no one in particular. "The rites must be so much more draining than even my trained eye can see; they're really pouring their lives into this attempt. I pray -- (Sehanine-shine-your-gentle-blessing-on-the-benighted-of-this-world, Luna-Lovi-Cheva) -- I pray we don't have any more cardiac incidents with so many portals left to traverse."

Roman cleared his throat noisily again and wondered aloud, "Why is Teren's party in such a hurry that they would ignore the consequences to their servants' lives? As I understand it, we're already fully three weeks ahead of our expected time of arrival. Surely the land will sit still for us?"

[Shular]

Throk

Throk watchs the ritual with a combination of curiosity and suspicion. He doesn't really trust magic..it could be damned tough to kill with a sword. He stares in something close to wonder at all the flashy lights and, when the water turns calm, he looks back to see what happened to the waves.

His eyes bulge out at what he sees, and he cries out "where did the city go?!?"

[Dimers]

Roman

"The city is still where it was, my swarthy friend," commented the now wet and somewhat shaken mageling. "It was we who moved ... perhaps a few dozen miles west. We're chasing the setting sun. Won't catch up, mind you, but if you had an eye for that sort of thing, you could see how the sun seems to be a smidgen farther back in its cycle." He smiled wryly. "Isn't moving the sun much more amazing than moving the city?"

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Having pondered enough, Hallowhiem moved into action, in his own idiom. He sauntered over to a large closet in the corner, opening the doors, revealing his paladin armor. Scratches marred it's surface, as did several scorch marks, signs of the many battles he had dealt with since arriving. He paused for a moment, running his fingers over some of them, remembering the events around each incident that left a mark on this plate.

Shaking his head, he removed the breastplate from it's housing, and put it on. It wasn't a graceful action, but with practice he had gotten better at putting it on by himself. Slight acts of magic aided him, and quickly enough he had strapped his arm and leg protection, and set his helm firmly on his head. He reached behind the armor's now empty housing, and withdrew his shield. He placed it next to his armored feet, and pulled the longsword in it's sheathe from the rear of the closest. He strapped the weapon to his hip firmly, and let a small prayer leave his lips that the only time he would have to draw it today was to impress some of the native children. Lifting his shield again and slipping his left arm into it, he tightened the shield until it mostly supported it's own weight. He wiggled his fingertips, and felt the leather stretch firmly in his palm. Lasted, he checked his daggers, slipping one into his right boot, one into the small of his back, and the one he had been playing with early into it's sheathe opposite his sword.

All ready to leave his room, he contemplated teleporting again, but decided to just use the door. It still startled most of those in the camp to see a fully armored figure suddenly appear in the middle of the camp. He quickly left his room, walked down the small flight of stairs, past the library, and out into the main camp.

He strolled towards the trading stables. If he was going to broker a living arrangement and set the 'born to a more peaceful attitude, then he was going to need some especially good meat. He had helped the traders arrange deals with the locals, and they knew that he was often all that stood between their efficiently running their business and those in charge from trying to make everything "run orderly." He noticed some of the locals were currently selling their wares to the traders, and he did his best to listen in. He didn't want to scare them, so he turned his back. A fully armored and armed figure that close could make most skittish, and the soldiers here seemed to always be on edge, looking for a fight. Hallowhiem's skills had gotten the natives and the traders a deal so that the colony had access to fresh meat, furs, and information about this new continent.

And the last was the most important. How many people had gotten sick when they first landed, and how many more had eaten poisonous food before we had learned what was good, and what could be used as cures? The natives had saved us, and look how we repay them. Hallowhiem bit his lip. If one of the traders was one with the gift of mental abilities, he didn't want his disgust with out the camp was run to be misinterpreted as directed towards the natives. Corellon knows there was enough of that already. He didn't interfere with the bargaining. He had got them together, but finding a good price was their deal. He'd later make his own, but he wasn't interested in taking advantage of anyone.

[Meltheim]

Throk, Roman, Rilingfell

Various winged familiars dotted the skies in the days that followed the initial jump, crossing between the ships passing messages and coordinating efforts. Most passengers had gotten into a rhythm and more or less understood what to do on the ship to help time pass. On this day, the fourth since the journey had begun, a particularly brightly colored bird soared up to the crow's nest above the Mother's Star. Seconds later, a voice shouted, "FINAL JUMP IN ONE HOUR!"

With this, a flurry of activity begins both above and belowdecks on the Mother's Star. Where before there had always seemed a dull hum of business, their now appeared a fervent rushing about. Sailors disappear and reemerge in official uniforms, complete with hats, sashes and the like. Some have even washed their faces.

A group of six Academs assume the now-familiar positions at the front of the ship, each with a slightly terrified and weary look to them. On the other ships, similar activities can be seen taking place. Without any indication that something had changed, suddenly the sky is clear and the decks are quiet, save the occasional squeek of a pully or cough of a passenger. Everyone has learned how to cope with the sudden tugging sensation that comes with the jumps, and many passengers have now taken seats or secured themselves against a railing or bit of cargo. Some have even altered their breathing to try and stay calm and focused in anticipation of the jump to come.
*******
Hallowhiem, Moloch

"Hal, Hal!" A small boy scampers toward the Paladin with a note in his hand, "word's just come. They'll be here in an hour!" Breathless, the boy hands the note to Hallowhiem. "You're to gather the receiving party and head to the docks. There was something else about the Exi .. exilark ... you know, the Amethyst Lady and all her people. Fargem says they're not to know. Says Lord Teren wants to catch them with their pants down." The boy puzzles for a second, then looks curiously to Hallowhiem, "The Lady don't wear pants though . . . just those shimmery robe things. OH! And Fargem said one other thing but I couldn't read it. Something about getting a 'degalayshun of natives for the Lord's arrival' I think. What's a delagayshun? Is that one of those guys with horns and tails?."
*******
Throk, Roman, Rilingfell

A voice, clear and strong, suddenly breaks the silent tension. "My fellow Andurii. In just a few short minutes, you will all become citizens of Terenuri, the western front of the Anduri Empire. Count yourselves lucky that you have made it this far and take heed to remember this day, as no doubt you will recall it fondly to your children and grandchildren." A small figure can be seen on standing at the front of Aurin's Gift . . . the Lord Teren himself. Small cheers erupt in different pockets of passengers across the fleet before quieting down.

"No doubt many of you have had questions about the urgency of our travel, about why we have risked so much to get here so quickly. My hope is that you will understand once we have arrived. Terenuri needs your help. Terenuri needs your strength of your arms and the sweat of your brow. Terenuri needs the faith in your heart and the wisdom in your mind. We all must make sacrifices in the name of progress, and your loyalty to the Empire will not go unnoticed."

With that, a few sailors begin walking around with rolls of parchment and talking to various passengers. It appears that they are checking their names against the ship's manifest and giving some direction about what to do upon arrival.

"Those of you who further the knowledge and understanding of our world . . . you will be given the tools to further your studies, and allowed access to some of our empire's most beloved relics." Those on the Hidden Moon raise their arms in appreciation and let out small cries of joy.

"Those of you who work with your hands, providing the much needed goods and services to your Empire . . . you will be given a tax holiday for your first year of services." Cheers erupt and dancing breaks out among many of the passengers of the Mother's Star, though many of the sailors and passengers still appear unfazed.

"And finally, those of you who have taken up arms in the defense and expansion of the Empire . . . your families will be given priority in the third wave of ships, and you will be given one month of furlough to spend with them once they arrive. Those of you without families may instead take other items of your choosing to help you in your defense of our Empire." With that last, the rest of the Mother's Star breaks out in cheer and chants of "Hail Teren, Long Live Teren" begin across the entire fleet.

"Thank you all. Hold fast with me and we will make Terenuri our new home. FOR THE EMPIRE!"

[Dimers]

Roman

Roman raised his eyebrows in surprise and thought in mild bewilderment, I wonder in which of those categories I've been placed. I can fit the requirements for any or all ... Perhaps I should try to claim all three prizes. A momentary smirk crossed his lips. Bureaucracies were vulnerable to exploitation. It wouldn't make me any friends here, though, would it?

He cheered patiently until the crowd had mostly stopped, maintaining his chipper and enthusiastic mien despite not having any particular feeling about the young prince-governor. "Hail Teren! Long live Teren!" Indeed, may all the pantheon bless him and keep him, if he proves as good for this land as his ancestors were for our former home. I suspect he faces more difficulty than they did, though. Entire nations of unknown intelligent creatures are in the new world, and intelligence is never predictable. ... Gods bless him anyway; he'll need it.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk supposes he must be in the last group, since he doesn't have a family to speak of. He wonders what sort of items will be given out, but he also worries a bit at the "defense of the empire" bit. Did he join the army and not realize it?

[Meltheim]

Throk, Roman, Rilingfell

"RILINGFELL STARDAWN, ROMAN ELANAI, SARKOV BORNSBY, SYLAS DRAVAST, THROK . . . uh THROK NOLASTNAME!"

A squatty sailor with a twice-broken nose and a large roll of parchment stands on the deck, his black matted hair sticking out in odd places under his ill-fitting hat. A dwarf in deep blue robes and a human in leather armor make their way to stand in front of the sailor.

"Right then, all here are we? It says here that you lot are to meet with Hallowhiem for 'special duties'." The sailor chuckles to himself for a moment before regaining composure, "ahh anyway, he can be found at the Imperial Disbursement Department of oh what the hell is all this. Anyway, he's the shiny human who thinks he's an eladrin. He'll probably be the one at the pier waiting for the ships to come in. Anyway, see him about getting your gear and your assignment once we dock."

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem scanned the note as the boy spoke, finishing it before he finished speaking, and with a wide smile on his face and a touch of a twinkle in his eye, responded, "No, those are Tieflings, a delegation is a group of different people that work together. Thank you for the note son, now run along and tell your folks, I'm sure your pa will want to be there when the big boats come in." Hallowhiem slipped the note into a pocket and gave the child a friendly pat on the back. "Get going, today is a big day. The second pilgrimage has arrived!" He turned back to the bargaining he'd been observing, and informed them that the ships were coming. He asked the traders to gather any of the other people from this land come join him at the docks. The promise to get them to the docks, and to see the ships were almost as powerful a lure as the prestige he inferred they would receive, being the first ones to meet Lord Teren.

He made his own way to the docks, stopping to inform the guards to allow any native through that invoked his name. If this Teren wanted to catch Amethyst Lady with her preverbal pants down, then this might be what the colony needed. It would be interesting, for certain. He stifled a laugh at the mental image of the Lady caught on a latrine, flowing robes rumbled with a soldiers pants clumped around her heels as the new lord of the land wagged his finger at her on the docks. It was a good thing none of the mind readers were around, less he have to explain the image.

He weaved his way along the docks, making his way to the pier where the boats would dock. He still had a few days of work to be done before the colony was fully ready for the influx of people, but now was not the time. He spied his boss, and several of the locals had already found their way there. A dozen or so hunters had arrived, as had a couple crafters. Their art truly was unique. He turned his head briefly, catching sight of a few more natives making their way past the guards. As always there was a hassle, but for once the guards were obeying his instructions when he wasn't there with order's from a higher authority.

He unstrapped his shield, shifting it to his back, and placed his left hand on the pommel of his longsword, assuming a relaxed but prepared pose of the ships. His armor could be better, but hopefully those that had been at sea would not judge him so quickly. He stepped up to the group surrounding Fargem, nodding and shaking hands of familiar faces and uttering words of encouragement. He took his place next to the dwarf, and gave him a little grin. "Fargem, this is the day. I've got ideas on how to deal with most of our worries, and actually, the immediacy of the colonists arrival may play into my hands in getting us what we want. I know we rehearsed this several times, but we never expected them to get here so quickly, or to have it be a surprise. We always had our exalted Lady at the front, but if she's not in the know," he shot a quick wink to his boss, a wordless thanks for not making him deal with her today, when her pompous nature would be at it's worst, "then what is the plan? I hope you don't expect to be the welcoming face of our colony to the King's son!"

Hallowhiem gave him a rare look. He wasn't sure what to do, and his normal self-confidence and wit couldn't match the importance of what was about to come. He was perfectly content to go between those in power, conveying messages and making deals, but this was an official ceremony. This was history in the making. This was beyond his expertise, and he knew it. Fargem may not be the most charismatic of dwarves, but he had better experience in these matters. Hallowhiem was going to do as he was told, for once without any lip.

[Dimers]

Roman

Roman goes down to his tiny berth to collect his personal possessions, and takes a few moments to (yet again) clean the walls, floor and containers in the room with cantrips. If I bunked here alone, the sailors would think wizards didn't have bodily functions, he thinks with amusement. He considers collecting together the belongings of the half-orc and eladrin with whom he had bunked, but realizes that it would be beyond his capacity to carry, even employing a mage hand. So he returns to the deck to see the fishes dancing and experience the return to land.

[weseldar]

Hrm, I wonder where everyone is... Moloch Tetraex thought to himself, as he walked slowly through the near abandoned city of Terenuri, pulling a cart full of pelts with him. On his back was a longbow, and a quiver with several well-used arrows as well. Attached to his belt with a leather cord was a dagger, with a worn grip and a stone blade, as if it had been made long ago.

And then he heard it. A soft drone at first, then raising to a discordant cacophony. He peered around the last bend before reaching the pier.

Standing before him were thousands of men and beast alike, all waiting on the docks, some chatting, some selling goods as if it were a market place.

Moloch, not used to crowds, looked around the area to see what the hubbub was about. To the nearest person he saw, he asked Umm, excuse me, you wouldn't happen to know what's going on, would you? The man looked at him, sneered with a mouth of rotten teeth, and dashed away. I guess it has been a while since I've been in the city.

Again, he tried to see what was going on. In front of him was a child of some sort, but wearing a full coat of worn, plated armor, and holding a long sword. Maybe he's just short for his age Moloch wondered.

Excuse me, son, but you wouldn't happen to know what is going on around here, or could you find your father, so I could speak with him about these crowds? But what turned around was not a boy, but was a dwarf! I am very sorry, please oh please, I am very sorry. I'll just be out of your way said Moloch, eying the dwarf's sharp blade.

Moloch dropped the handles to his cart, attempting to make a dash out, before the dwarf reacted to the embarrassment.

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri Settlement]

With the final preparations made and the assignments given, the Academs once again start their rhythmic chanting. The now-familiar points of light appear in the distance, but this time land can be seen through the portal that starts opening. The bolts of lightning and darkened clouds are no match for the cheering and euphoria that has spread throughout the fleet.

Aurin's Gift is the first to sail through. Lord Teren stands proudly with his dovrahiim on the deck, no doubt making a pleasant surprise for those on the other side. The Hidden Moon comes through next, shining gloriously as the Arcanists shoot off sparkling lights in celebration of making it across the ocean. Finally, the Mother's Star lines up with the portal and prepares to cross over into the New World of Terenuri.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning strikes the circle of Academs and the portal wavers slightly. The loss of the other two ships had been calculated to perfection at this point, but the ritual had not been worked with fewer than three participants. The remaining Academs take their positions in the circle while the charred bodies of their cohort lay writhing in agony on the deck. The portal is shrinking, the image of the sunny, calm shores on the other side is wavering.

Another bolt of lightning this time takes out part of the mast. The passengers aboard the Mother's Star panic, screaming and running for cover as the portal fluctuates and continues to shrink and destabilize. With the Academs shouting their chants with full force, blood streaming from their ears and noses, the Mother's Star makes it almost completely through the portal before it finally collapses, slicing the ship cleanly in two pieces.

*******

On the other side of the portal it is pure chaos. While Aurin's Gift is perfectly docked and passengers are already disembarking, the Hidden Moon is trying frantically not to crash into the pier. Suddenly the portal collapses and the front half of the Mother's Star appears for a brief second before it begins to capsize and sink. Children scream as people try to abandon ship and swim to shore. All of this has happened so quickly that not many know what to do.

SKILL CHALLENGE!

Alright, here is our first encounter. A Skill Challenge!

Here are the rules:

Difficulty = 10. You must roll a 10 or higher in order for the skill check to be a success.

You each have 1 action point, and can use your action point to reroll a bad roll.

You must achieve 8 successes before 4 failures.

You cannot use the same skill two turns in a row, and you cannot use the same skill as the person immediately before you.

So, describe your action and then make your skill check in spoilers. After everyone has had 1 turn, I will summarize the round and then everyone can have a second turn. We will continue until you have 8 successes or 4 failures.

You can use any skill, so long as it makes sense. No "I use history to remember how to swim" or something like that.

Ready? GO!

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem saw the portals opening before him, and the large ship sailed right into the dock. With the first ship moored and disembarkation starting, he turned and watched the second ship exit the portal. As the bow of the third ship emerged, something seemed off. A tinkle in the back of his mind alerted him that something was horribly wrong. He started to make his way towards the end of the pier when the portal collapsed, cleaving the mighty ship, and rocking the second of fiercely. We can not afford to lose these ships, these men like this, not now!

Hallowhiem muttered a quick prayer, and with as loud a voice as he could muster, bellowed to the onlooking crowd. EVERYONE, WE NEED A RESCUE. FISHERMEN, GET YOUR BOATS IN THE WATER! MAGES, START LIFTING WHATEVER YOU CAN! SOLDIERS, GET THE ROPES AND START HAULING PEOPLE IN! Hallowhiem did his best to rip his armor off, but with so many straps tightened so well, it would take some time. He did manage to get his shield and sheathe off.

Diplomacy [roll0]

Edit: Snapped out of their stupor and bewilderment, the amassed crowd began to move into action. Those near smaller boats climbed aboard and threw of their mooring ropes. The few mages that had survived the year began to chant incantations, and guards and soldiers rushed to help anyone they could out of the water.

[Dimers]

Roman

As the disaster begins to unfold, Roman attempts to fill in a missing place in the circle. But the task is clearly beyond him; the mental force of the attempt feels like a punch to the throat. Can't -- help -- have to think! He returns to his gear in the last moment before the ship is cut and is fortunate enough to fall gracefully into the water with the framed bag upright above his head. It takes on only a small amount of water.

A halfling girl is flailing around just a few feet away when Roman gets his head above the surface. She's clearly even less of a swimmer than he is. He swims to her, grabs one of her hands, and squeezes it tight around a frame member of his pack. Then he chokes out the arcane words for a simple animation, persevering through a wave slapping into his nose and mouth, and directs the pack to swim toward shore. Laden with the girl's weight, though, it can't go quickly, and Roman must keep it in sight to give it the constant mental directions it requires. So he gathers his strength for a long bout of treading water, making little progress toward land but keeping himself, his pack, and his rescue all afloat.


Endurance:
Use an action point to reroll: [roll]d20+7


The water in his lungs quickly begins to interfere with Roman's breathing, and he's unable to concentrate on the spell for long. He is now adrift and beginning to fade!

[Dimers]

(My edit didn't work for adding in a second roll, so I'm trying again in a separate post.)

Endurance: [roll0]

Roman's heartiness sees him through, if barely. Spluttering and straining his will, he keeps the pack paddling above water, oh-so-slowly pulling the terrified halfling toward safety. I refuse to simply give in! My training can conquer this!

[Shular]

Throk

As the front of the ship disappears into the water, Throk begins to swim easily, moving towards the shore with a powerful stroke. When he sees the people ashore mobilizing to rescue the swimmers, he takes a quick look around to see if there's anyone who particularly needs help.

Swim check (+9) automatically succeeds. I'll leave it to DM to roll perception check (+2, if neccessary) to spot if anyone needs help.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall jerks up from his nausea, realizing now is not the time to be sick, quickly eyeing the situation he notices the fleeing citizens are threatening to overturn what remains of the ship. Shouting above the cries of the masses he attempts to direct the paniked crowd toward the life boats that remain in a safe manner please move away from the shattered side of the ship if you wish to walk upon dry land, good people. Now please move yourself towards the life boats and begin boarding in a organized fashion. Woman and children first please, and anyone who is strong enough please help in the unloading as some of the sailors may be detained at the moment! as they begin to heed his advice, he sighs, glad that the Exploration society included proper procedure in evacuating a sinking vessel. He then begins to look where his help would be best.
Diplomacy check: automatic success (+10 bonus)

[Meltheim]

Moving on, since Weseldar has neglected to post . . .
ALL - [Terenuri Settlement - SKILL CHALLENGE]

As the Mother's Star began to capsize and dump its passengers (and cargo) into Shipbreaker Bay, people from both the pier and the ship began their attempts at getting themselves and others safely to shore.

Instantly, one individual on the pier began shouting orders and rallying the onlookers. Smaller rowboats were deployed as able hands and skilled swimmers took to the water to try and pull out the passengers.

Soon after, another individual emerged from below the surface with a small halfling child riding on his pack. Those who had the chance to look noticed that the pack seemed to be almost swimming of its own accord. Many would chalk this up to the natural motion of the waves or their own minds playing tricks on them.

A strong half-orc with two swords strapped to his back cut through the water with ease, keeping his eye out for struggling swimmers or those in need of help. He made it to the shore easily before turning around to check on the progress of those still in the water.

Finally, a proud Eladrin stood aboard the deck and calmed the chaos by directing passengers to evacuate using the life boats.

Elsewhere on the pier, a young Tiefling looked on in surprise and shock at the scene as it unfolded before him. Too frozen to move, his mind raced frantically at how he could possible help.

*******

About two dozen passengers and half of the cargo are in various states of sinking and floating in the bay. The passengers from Aurin's Gift (the imperials) and the Hidden Moon (the mages and clerics) have not yet jumped in to action and probably still do not fully realize what has happened in these last 30 seconds.

4 successes! You have to earn 4 more successes before earning 4 failures in order to pass the Skill Challenge. You can post your next set of actions.


Hallowhiem used Diplomacy and succeeded
Roman used Endurance and failed, but then succeeded with an action point
Throk used Athletics and succeeded
Rilingfell used Diplomacy and succeeded
Moloch did not act within the time limit and forfeited his turn

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem struggled with his armor, but there was no chance he was going to be able to get it off in time to help those in the water. He moved to join a group of sailors and soldiers, tugging on a large rope that was helping those in the water climb to the pier. Between pulls he dug down, deep into his reserves, and with slight fatigue summoned his companion, a young owlbear. His friend appear on the dock next to him, and with a swift gesture and strong voice, Hallowhiem commanded him.

"Jirus, get in the water. Fetch people!" Hallowhiem poured everything he could into their bond, trying to convey to his friend the emergency of this task, and what actions would be the most helpful to those drowning.

Nature [roll0]

Edit: Jirus nodded, understanding the basic order and obeyed. He dove into the water, swimming with powerful strokes to a group of survivors that were clinging to a piece of hull they had converted into a raft. The scarring from the portal closing scorched one edge. Jirus swam over, and yanked a rope that dangledin the water with his strong beak. He turned, and began to paddle his way back towards shore, several of the passengers pulling the other end of the rope to keep them connected. Whenever they moved past others in the water, arms were extended to provide aid as the small craft moved closer to shore.

[Dimers]

Overturning his own memory like a looter, Roman searches for a way to use mystical might where his own muscles won't suffice. Suddenly, he has the answer -- an old rite, insightful in studying magical theory but otherwise largely useless. It would allow the caster to increase the energy of an arcane spell focused in an item, but that item had to be organic, had to have been used by the caster for years, and would be destroyed in the process. And, well, one could always buy a new pack, couldn't one?

Arcana: 14 = level/2 + training + IntMod + eladrin + background. [roll0]

Roman bites his tongue to draw blood, speaks hidden words thrice, and grabs the pack's frame firmly. It begins to splash with such vigor that spray falls a dozen feet behind. By the time the integrity of the leather gives out, leaving only dirty ash and a pungent brown smoke, Roman has towed in another of the ship's passengers and helped to retrieve a floating trunk.

[Dimers]

Roman

(Assuming the skill challenge has been met at the end of this round of checks ...)

Though mentally worn from the ordeal and the arcane activity, Roman has the presence of mind to get out of the way once his pack has burnt away. He forges up the beach breathing steadily and deeply, then begins to mage hand his belongings up from the shoreline. He also automatically cleans the kelp and seawater out of his clothes and goods with prestidigitation and finds that the activity is centering rather than straining. Like an athlete stretching to cool down from exercise, he thinks without emotion.

[Shular]

Throk

Getting angry Throk rushes along the docks towards the Hidden Moon, whose passengers seem to be unaware of what is going on. He uses his size and anger to get past people and to the side of the ship.

"You FOOLS!" he shouts at those aboard the ship, "can't you see they're DROWNING?!?" And he gestures at the sinking ship and passengers.

Intimidate to get past the people on the docks and the attention of those on the ship. [roll0]

[Ravian]

Rilingfall examines the situation and begins helping the sailors in setting out more lifeboats, carefully bracing himself he raises the lifeboat off of the stack with his shoulders as support, straining under the weight of doing it himself but refusing to back down before these people are taken to safety
Athletics check: [roll0]

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri Settlement]

Shocked into action by the bellowing of a crazed Half-Orc, the passengers of the Hidden Moon immediately demonstrate their knowledge of the arcane and divine, as dozens of mage hands shoot over the side of the ship to start lifting passengers and wreckage out of the water. Small protective spheres envelop children and animals and float them to safety, while self-propelled lifeboats make their way out to grab those further from shore.

From seemingly nowhere, an owlbear cuts through the water, grabbing several who had fallen overboard and were struggling to stay afloat. The final lifeboats are loaded and sent on their way as the Mother's Star finally hits the bottom of the bay.

Skill challenge completed successfully

[weseldar]

In the blink of an eye, everything happened. The ship began to sink, the ork charged, the mages helped. Moloch stood, petrified in fear, then pride. He dropped his cart and ran towards the dock, and helped, though he wasn't particularly strong. He helped pull in the life boats.

I'm sorry, I had 2 tests and an essay to study for, and I didn't have time to check the forum. I hope this is adequate.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem's arms were growing tired, and when one of the Tieflings he had asked to join him for the arrival celebration moved to join in pulling survivors in, he gladly made room. If we can't have a nice fancy arrival, at least Teren will see the natives helping to save his people's lives. That should bode well for these good people. Breathing in rhythm with the rest in line, Hallowhiem spoke to the newcomer.

"Thank you for the assistance friend, you're help here is greatly appreciated. I apologize, but the regal event I had promised your people is not happening today it appears. But there is good here, your people and mine working side by side, saving the lives of the new settlers, insight of Lord Teren. This will help change the atmosphere around here, and attitudes in regards to your people."

[Dimers]

Roman

The wizard muses aloud, "We were very lucky. A large sinking ship can exert a terrible pull, strong enough to defeat an experienced swimmer. But it looks like everyone got out of danger in time." Well, out of this half of the Mother's Star, anyway ... Then he goes to offer a soothing or companionable voice to any of the passengers who seem to be traveling solo. After such a shaking event, they'll need -- well, we all need a little personal contact.

EDIT: For the remainder of the day, Roman helps mostly by staying out of the way and following general instructions. However, he also spends time prestidigitating seawater out of valuable clothes and the like, and prioritizes talking with passengers over finding shelter for himself (his tent is fine if nothing comes along). If his former bunkmates Rilingfall and Throk aren't too involved elsewhere, he'll seek them out to inquire after their well-being.

If anyone asks about his spellcasting during the disaster, Roman will probably respond initially with soundbites about wizardry and offers to entertain and/or educate at a later date.

[weseldar]

Oh, uh, it is not a problem, sir,Moloch says to Hal. I didn't even realize there was a regal event. I just came to sell my pelts.

Moloch dries his hands on his rough clothing, and averts his eyes, being the introvert that he is. He begins to turn in the direction of his cart, now turned over from the ruckus, with pelts scattered about. Curses, these will not fetch a good price at market, if there is one...

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri Settlement]

After the harrowing journey and the disasterous arrival, those survivors of the Mother's Star with the most grevious injuries are put in the limited housing available, while most others are satisfied making camp on the beach. Most of the evening is spent huddling by fires and keeping warm, though many from the Hidden Moon begin salvage work while those from Aurin's Gift and the settlement try to do some inventory.

The night is far from restful, despite the collective exhaustion of the settlement.

*******

As a new day dawns across the Terenuri settlement, the sun appears to drive away fatigue and despair and bring new life to those from the Mother's Star. As muscles are stretched and the beginnings of breakfast appear in the camp areas, a few uniformed individuals having an animated conversation make their way down from the Aurin's Gift, one with a ledger in hand.

"14 crates of feed, 6 crates of textiles, 9 crates of dry goods, 3 cows, 16 sheep, 3 horses, 4 goats, countless personal belongings and ... 38 people." intones the dry, raspy voice of the man glaring down at the ledger.

"And a third of my ship!" bellows a heavily bearded individual who many recognize as the captain of the Mother's Star. "When is Teren sending the rescue party? I lost good sailors out there!"

"Lord Teren has not made any decision about a rescue party yet, Captain. Rest assured that we all feel badly for that which was lost and that you will be made aware of said decision once.... "the accountant continues.

Red-faced and furious, the Captain interrupts, "Condolensces are not enough. I want to know what happened. Why did the portal collapse? Who is responsible?"

The conversation drifts away on the breeze as the group continues past the encamped and in to one of the buildings.

Traders, hunters and fishmongers who had been visiting regularly have suddenly found themselves and their wares indispensible to the settlement, as the need for blankets and food overwhelms almost all other things. Passengers slowly pick themselves up and go to the piles of salvage, looking for their belongings. A few representatives, one a particularly well dressed Paladin of Corellon who had helped rally the rescue effort, have gathered behind some desks and crates at the center of the settlement. A line has formed and passengers appear to be receiving bundles of equipment.

A young boy walks from camp to camp with the ship manifest and a pen, and seems to be checking off names and pointing to different lines at the center of town. The boy looks in your general direction, "name, sir?"

[weseldar]

My name? Well, lad, I am Moloch Tetraex, Hunter and Pelt Monger. He continues passing around pelts for the unfortunate passengers. They're dirty, anyways. Worthless to buyers. And helping others is good, isn't it? Even if they aren't natives...

[Shular]

Throk

Throk looks at the boy. "I'm Throk," he says. "I'm here for the, uh, defense of this place. I was told to talk to some guy called Hallowheim about special duties, whatever that means."

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem approaches as the Tiefling finished his statement from the other direction, in his full armor, with his companion Jirus by his side. The owlbear is laden with blanket and packets of food. He had taken to making rounds, distributing goods to those on the beach, taking notes and providing assistance as best he could. Upon reaching the small group and hearing his name, he replies, "That would be me. I've been given the responsibility of finding housing for all the new settlers. I appreciate the aid you're giving with those pelts." He stood, his own set of papers in his hands, some exhaustion showing on his face from working his long hours.

[Dimers]

Roman

Addressing the boy with the manifest, Roman says, "Roman Elanai. I was on the middle deck." He then turns to Hallowhiem, his pupil-less eyes darkening slightly in response to the sun reflecting off the paladin's armor. "I too was told to report to you, sir. I've done all I can for the moment as a wizard, and while I'm willing to help out the settlement as simply another pair of hands, perhaps you have a task for me that others could not perform?" While speaking, Roman haltingly offers the owlbear a hand to sniff. "He won't bite? A masterwork of taming, that."

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
My name is Rilingfall Stardawn, I'm a new representative from the Royal Exploration Society, I was here to continue the society's project of recording the geography and demographics of Terenuri. Were you not... informed?
He looks expectantly, hoping by chance that the society's reputation has preceded it.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem dismisses the young lad with a polite nod. Turning to the wizard, he answers his question first. "Fear not, Mister Elanai, Jirus only attacks when I command. I've raised him from a cub, and he's always been a good companion. He particularly likes being scratched behind his ear tuffs."

Turning to the half-orc, he continues speaking, "Yes, Throk, special duties, that's what my department does. I can only imagine what Fargem had in mind for you, but if you're free in a bit, I could use your help, I have an issue getting the Warborn and Peaceborn to bunk together. It would open enough space for some of the families to get off the beach. I've made progress of my own with them, but given how much sooner you all arrived, having someone such as yourself with me may help."

He turns his head to peer at the second Eladrin, and flips through his papers until he finds a mention of the Royal Exploration Society. This chap would best be useful to help with the elven queen. Perhaps he'd be able to go with some of the native hunters to help find more resources for the colony. "Ahh yes, Mister Stardawn, I have you listed on my, em, list. I'm sure that I will be able to find something for you when I get back to my office, this is more of a checklist then an assignment list."

[Dimers]

Roman

Starting with simple scritches, Roman is taken in by the owlbear's enthusiastic response, and the two of them are soon play-fighting, fake racing, and generally having a grand old time. The eladrin seems to have set aside responsibility for now, though if one were inside his head, one might hear the subconscious excuse that Jirus is likely to stay near Hallowhiem anyway.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
At the mention of the name Jirus, Rilingfall stares at the owlbear strangely as if expecting it to suddenly polymorph into his old friend and mentor. When Hallowheim mentions his name, he jerks back to reality, still halfdazed.
What? Oh yes of course, I see...
He then resumes watching the cub, a curious look on his face.
Coincidence? It must be... Yet I still can't shake that feeling...

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri Settlement]

"Hal! If you're over there, who is distributing this equipment? Lord Teren made promises boy and I'll not have my assistant breaking them."

The yelling, which has an already familiar feel to it, is coming from a small dwarf with puffed out red cheeks on the far end of the square. He also has a ledger and is pacing back and forth between the table and chair that Hallowhiem previously occupied. On the table you can see several items, mostly weapons and armor. A small boy struggles with the weight as he wheels another cart full of equipment over to the table. The dwarf looks over its contents briefly before pointing him to a tent across the square.

"You know what, forget about it. I don't care if you want to chat the day away. Just get over here, get them their gear, and put them to work. Bring the horned one too, maybe he can make himself useful."

A small crash lets you know that the cart won the battle against the boy, and items of all shapes and sizes are now littered across the square. One, a small glass orb, rolls its way over to settle at the foot of one Roman Elanai. It begins to pulse softly as soon as it touches his boot.

Magic item time! Please make your way over to the table to collect your standard issue "welcome" gear from Lord Teren.

[Dimers]

Roman

"Hoh no, Jirus, that's not for you to eat." Roman bends down to pick up the orb. Brows raised in surprise and then lowered in scrutiny, he notes, "I do believe there's more magic in this trinket than a mere pulsating glow! Definitely not for owlbears' tummies." He strides energetically toward the overturned cart proclaiming "Young sir, I have one of your escapees here!"

As he helps collect the scattered equipment, Roman takes the share Fargem says is meant for him. Nice to see the miniature bureaucracy working so quickly -- surely it won't be like this in a few more years, he muses.

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri Settlement]

The table is littered with odds and ends and bits of weapons and armor stick out. It appears that the table is a combination of salvage from the ship and bundled "welcome packages" that consist of some blankets and a few small items.

As Roman approaches the table, he notices that there is a soft glow, perhaps only visible to his eyes, surrounding a few of the items.

Fargem glances upward at the party and you can tell that he's definitely more bark than bite. "Alright, Hal finally brought you all over here. Take one bundle from the left - that will be some bedding, a token of the Anduri empire and a small map of the immediate area. We can't have you all getting lost, right?" You can see that Fargem has a small brooch fastened to his cloak with the crest of the Andurii - a purple falcon on a field of green. "And then if you need any weapons or armor - which I recommend as it's a bit wild out there - you can grab something from over here. This was supposed to be part of the official welcome ceremony, but a lot of this got knocked overboard in the portal mishap."

As the party gathers their welcome kit and picks through the weapons, Fargem takes Hal aside, "Hey, here's a little something that the boys and I got for you, in thanks for all the work you've done. There's a lot more to do, but hopefully this will make up for all the yelling." Fargem gives him a playful punch on the shoulder and hands him a sword in a beautiful dark blue and silver scabbard.

"Hey, peltmonger, I don't suppose you want any of these arrows or anything, do you? Most of us are sword and board types here - not much in the way of archery." Fargem motions to Moloch and points to two bundles of brightly fletched arrows.

Roman - you now have an Orb of Mental Constitution
Throk - you now have a Paired Shortsword +1
Rilingfall - you now have a Frost Greatspear +1
Hallowhiem - you now have a Harsh Songblade +1
Moloch - you now have 6 Onslaught Arrows +1 and 6 Firestorm Arrows +1

You each have an Amulet of Protection +1 as well - feel free to reflavor this as a brooch, necklace, cloakpin, whatever you want.

Let me know if you need me to post the details of these items

[Ravian]

Rilingfall picks up the spear suprised to find it to be cool to the touch, eyeing the point he notices crystals of frost have formed around the tip, and he can feel its chill distinctly. Going through a few basic motions he found it quite to its liking, finely balanced, with little resistance in swinging. Noticing a nearby puddle, he extends his full reach in a thrust and shoves the spear into it, smiling as he watches the water freeze solid.
Oh yes this should do just nicely he smiles as he pulls the greatspear up.
Finally he takes the gray cloak on the table and drapes it over his shoulders.
Never underestimate the value of a cloak, it keeps you warm, can function as a blanket in a pinch and can tangle up a blade if used in a fight, plus magic enchantments help too.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk takes a bundle to the left, combining the contents to his own belongings. He then goes to the other table, grabs an amulet, and looks at the weapons. With a shrug he grabs a shortsword, but his eyes widen as he holds it in his hands and feels energy in it. Not knowing why he does it, he brings his other hand to the hilt and, with a simple twitch, the one sword becomes two! He grins as he expertly twirls them around, but all he says is "heh."

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri Settlement]

Fargem seems slightly distracted as he watches the small boy try to pick up the contents of the cart. "Hal, have you gone on patrol yet today? Might as well take this lot with you, give them a tour of the area. Why don't you take them north up to the coast and then sweep back around south. Grab some lunch from Gertie and you can probably be back here by the afternoon. Lord Teren wants to do some big announcement tonight, so make sure you're all here for it."

[weseldar]

Moloch walks timidly over, and picks up the arrows. After caressing their fine points and feathers, he smiles. Thank you so much sir. These will make hunting...an ease. He returns to his place among the group.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem quickly unties the sheathed longsword, tying it to his back. Quick flashes of memory jump through his head, many of those who meet their end by this blade. He readjusts his cloak, but with the sheathe now against his back the fabric doesn't latch properly. He spies a particularly well designed brooch, and uses it to reattach his green cloak. It billows a bit more than before, the sage green matching the underarmor he wore. He bows his head slightly to the dwarf, a honest smile on his face. As he holds it in his hands, he senses that there is more than meets the eye to this gifts. The Eladrin appeared to freeze a puddle with his spear, and the half-orc pulled two blades from one sheathe. The way that Eladrin had wielded that spear, and his reaction to hearing Hallowhiem name his owlbear, that was something to approach later.

"Thank you my friend. This, means quite a deal to me. I will put it to good use, you can be certain of that." Keeping his hand on the pommel of his intricate sword, he appraises his new "team." And interesting batch to be certain. He speaks to both his boss and the assembled group "I've been busy working on the beaches since the crash, so I haven't had a chance to make a patrol yet. I have some solutions for getting one of the 'born barracks open, the details are on my desk, which I can detail when I get back. If you all are assigned to assist me, then it appear we have our first mission. Eh, Moloch was it? If you would be so kind as to join us, I've heard rumors from some other traders about a unqiue animal, that from what the Amythest Lady has told, is quite special. If possible, I'd like to try and capture one, alive if possible, for Lord Teren."

Hallowhiem watched his companion play with the wizard. It was a good sign, not only had his training on "play versus hunt" appeared to work, but Jirus was quite wise, with good insight, and if he liked this wizard, that was a good omen. Or perhaps it was the Eladrin blood using arcane magic, like himself.

[Dimers]

Roman

"What can you tell us about this rare creature we'll be looking for today, Hallowhiem?" asks Roman. He pursues relevant details like build, coloration, diet, footprint, general behavior and so on, focusing his thoughts on this one particular unfamiliar creature out of the dozens he might see today. While listening to the answers, Roman also pays attention to any input from the native hunter, who likely knows the creature better than anyone in the village of Terenuri. Searching for a common language to use, he discovers that they can communicate at least the simpler concepts using a sort of debased Draconic, removing the elaborate modifiers and conjugations.

Then Roman returns his full attention to Hallowhiem. "And perhaps more importantly, sir, what else should we be looking for while on patrol? Survivors washed up from the other half of the Mother's Star, of course, but yon dwarf hinted there might be danger near the settlement."

[Meltheim]

Hallowhiem proceeds to inform the group about the rare, beautiful birds that are sometimes seen in the northern coast. The female of the species is rather nondescript, but the male has bright and decorative plumage that is highly prized by Lady Visenia, also known as the Amethyst Lady, also known as the leader of the Exilarchy of Amethyst.

As the party gathers what provisions they need for the morning's patrol, including some wheels of cheese (from some local animal that made Moloch chuckle), a few rounds of bread and some exotic fruit (which resembled flame-colored pears), Hallowhiem continues in describing the local terrain. Referencing the small hand-drawn regional map that was part of the 'welcome kit' you were each given, you can see that there is a small coastal fishing village that has done some trading with Terenuri. The inhabitants (a mix of elves and gnomes) are polite enough, but remain wary of the newcomers even a full year later.

Is the party ready to head up the coast? It is about 15 miles round trip. You can choose to go by horseback or walk. Horseback will be faster (1.5 hours each way), but will require endurance checks (DC 15) to avoid getting fatigued (loss of healing surge) every hour. Walking will be slower (3 hours each way) but won't require any checks.

[Dimers]

Roman

"Elves and gnomes, you say? From what I was told before the trip, they'll be able to understand the eladrin language, more or less, am I correct?" Roman is clearly distracted by the thought of meeting these people; the set of his face and the polished gleam to his eyes say that he's thinking hard. My first chance to meet an "elf" and we won't be formally introduced. What should I wear? -- no, that's academic, I only own two outfits now. Should I impress them with a prestidigitation show? Perhaps, though the "gnomes" have some such magic themselves. I'll bring my fiddle; music is a universal language -- oh, I can review my linguistics texts for, wait, no I can't, I don't own any anymore ... The cascade of thoughts continues for some time, frequently provoking pacing, finger-tapping and pursing of lips.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk shrugs. What does he care about some silly bird...if it isn't cooked. "You're the boss. Just point me in the right direction and I'll do what I can to keep you alive."

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Fascinating, entire displaced groups of fey, living an eintire continent away. I can only imagine what their society would be like. Must remember to record our meeting in the journal.
He ponders for a moment before turning to Hallowheim.
If such an offering would help secure relations with this Amethyst lady, I'm all for it. It would be the perfect opportunity for me to compile information on the Exilarchy for the Society's records.

[weseldar]

My liege..I would be honored. Any mode of transportation.

The thought of an adventure sparks in Moloch's eyes. Having never left the town, nor the nearby forest, it shall be an adventure indeed. a smile appears, as he thinks of the awaiting glories, battles, and tales he can tell on return.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

"Yes, you are correct. The native Elves lanuage is predominate, and it is very similar to our Elradrin language. Any other questions? No? Alright then all, away we go." Hallowhiem uses his free had to make a slight whirl of his cloak as he turns, enjoying the slight dramatic flourish. He leads the hodgepodge group from the beaches edge, across the colony, and stops by Gertie's for lunch. He waves to various guards he knows as he passes, tipping his head to a couple vendors he has assisted in setting up their wares.

He takes pride, knowing that, despite the odds, he has helped keep the colony clean. So far, there was no black market. Being a military focused group, the first batch made it pretty easy, but now a large number of civilians would make that record harder to maintain. The easiest way to prevent the black market had been to make sure that there was a legal way to get things for people that needed them, or to convince them they didn't need it when he was unable to procure a given item. But civilians en masse expected to be able to have more, and were less disciplined. When he got back, he would have to be alert for any signs. If Lord Teren and Lady Visenia got along, that would bode well the colony, and the incoming supplies from the native people.

This bird would help that. Teren showing an appreciation for the local fauna, and showing a sign of respect to the reigning royalty, even if it was all false, would be good. Between the Exilarchy of Amethyst and the new soldiers, the rebel elves should be able to be fought off. We have fresh mages, and more clerics and paladins, which should help turn the tide. The ability for the natives to manipulate nature was potent, but a wizard's fireball was sure to be a good counter to plant magics. And surely the power of the gods could overpower the power of mortals, even if those mortals will could alter reality. As much as he wanted to learn more about how these people could do it, he recognized the threat they posed to the colony.

He stopped in front of Gertie's, and held the door open for the rest of the party to enter. He gave Jirus a look, and with a nod, let the animal know it was ok to run around and play with some of the children nearby. The few that came along on the first ship were used to him by now, but the shock and surprise on the new arrivals' faces when the children ran up, embraced, and rode on the ferocious looking beast made him chuckle every time.

Once everyone was inside, he raised his hand to Gertie, calling out as he takes a seat "Hey Gertie, any chance these poor sobs and I can get something to eat? Fargem wants me to patrol up the beach and be back 'fore Teren starts his big speech!"

[Shular]

Throk

As the group follows the fop, Throk tries to organise his thoughts and understand what is going on around him. He's still a little shaken by the destruction of the ship. "Stupid magic," he thinks, "that's what happens when you depend on it too much."
He looks around at the small settlement, and decides there aren't enough hidden alleys. Not to mention close rooftops to run from house to house on, or usefull sewars good for bypassing checkpoints. On the other hand, there doesn't seem to be much crime here, which means he could possibly be the first to set something up. A place like this is bound to continue growing, so maybe he could get some kind of black market running. People are always willing to buy things tax free, or to get their hands on something that's "illegal" for no good reason.

The people, on the other hand, he doesn't know what to make of. This Moloch, for example, spoke a stange language, and what's with the horns? Looking around again, Throk notices several people with horns on their heads, as well as the occasional short, but definitely non-dwarfish, person, and some who look a bit like eladrin, but with more wildness in their eyes. "Too new", he thinks. He doesn't trust new.

This place, Gertie's, on the other hand, doesn't seem so bad. With the mention of food, Throk realizes he's starving.

[Meltheim]

All – [Terenuri Settlement]

Gertie’s is a nice taste of the familiar for so many who find they are having difficulty adjusting to the new, alien landscape of the settlement. Most of those who came over were used to the large cities with their tall buildings, paved streets and loud merchants, and this quiet frontier life is a little rough for most.

The instant the party walks in to Gertie’s, they are hit with the aroma of roasted meat turning on the spit, the smell of sweat, ale and sawdust on the floor, and the sounds of a dozen conversations all fighting for dominance. Most here are finishing up breakfast, but there is a steady stream of people moving in, out and around the establishment that it is easy to see this is a replacement for “home” for many of the settlers.

An older woman at the bar hands over bundles of salt meat (pork?), loaves of bread, wheels of cheese and waterskins to some of the patrons. By the tools propped against the wall, you can tell that they are likely going out to the forest to fell trees to expand the settlement, and have just stopped in to gather a field lunch. She waves to Hallowhiem as the group walks in. “Hal, my boy! I heard Fargem bellowing about you heading up the coast on patrol this morning. Would you mind trying to gather some of those tasty mushrooms they have up there for me? Gerard just told me that Lord Teren requested some local dishes for tonight’s event and I think those would do just the trick. Just grab as many as you can. I don’t like making Gerard go up the coast if he doesn’t have to.”

She hands several packages of food to Throk, as well as an embroidered leather bag to Hallowhiem, and mentions that it should easily hold however many mushrooms they can find. The bag seems small, but the old woman seems certain that it will do the job. “I need those by this afternoon if they’re going to be ready for tonight, so you best get on the road! Oh, I shouldn’t have to mention this, but make sure you don’t grab any of the poisonous ones. The last thing I need is to cause an incident tonight.” With that, another group of laborers comes through the door and beelines for the bar, taking Gertie’s attention with them.

Alright, you guys now have a Bag of Holding. You can use this to gather the mushrooms that Gertie has asked for, or anything else you want.

---------------
Bag of Holding

This item appears to be a simple sack of brown canvas.

Property: This bag can hold up to 200 pounds in weight or 20 cubic feet in volume, but it always weighs only 1 pound.

Drawing an item from the bag is a minor action.
---------------

Shall we hit the road?

[Dimers]

Roman

Roman takes in the smells while people-watching with interest, but doesn't move far from the door. His posture says that he's ready to be on his way. At the mention of poisonous mushrooms, his ears bend a bit. I'll be sure to have Hallowhiem point out the good and the bad as we walk.

Then he reconsiders -- The paladin certainly has a potent personality, to make me forget the talents of my other companions of the moment! -- and asks Moloch in Eladrin, "Expert Of Forests, while we travel will you please show us eating mushrooms and wrong mushrooms? And if you wish it please inform me whether the peoples of this big-land display skill in ... in ... (hmm, how to express 'alchemy' ...) changing small substances into other small substances with more usefulness?"

Roman's brain keeps churning. Being diplomatic is easier in Eladrin than in Draconic; that would come out more like 'It is my will that you give information tribute to my hoard.'

[weseldar]

Moloch understands what he was saying, for the most part. Oh, yes, certainly. The poisonous are quite easy to spot. I'll check, just to be sure, if you would like. And I'm not entirely sure about the alchemy. I am not a great user of magic, and I mainly kept to myself in the forest. I'm sure there are some, however.

Moloch smiles to himself, realize that his skills will be very beneficial. He cannot wait for their true adventure to begin!

[Meltheim]

All - [Road to Ilifar]

With some information about the mushrooms in hand, the party heads north out of town and through the outer pickets. Hallowhiem earns a slight nod from one of the guards as the party leaves the settlement proper. After only a few hundred yards, the road (created simply by other troops patrolling this path over the last several months) curves slightly westward to follow the coast. The ocean breezes greet the party with a mix of salty spray and gull cry, and suddenly the group finds themselves very, very alone in the world.

Time passes slowly as the group heads up the coast. The occasional red-furred animal is seen in the distance and a brightly-plumed bird or two flies overhead, but otherwise the trip is uneventful for the first hour. It is obvious that this first leg of the trip is relatively well traveled by most of the foot patrols, and even wheel ruts can be seen in places where the earth is softer. Past the first few miles, however, the terrain turns decidedly more wild.

In the distance, perhaps a few miles off, Moloch's keen eyes are the first to see Ilifar.

Feel free to describe any actions you want to take while travelling. It should take you about 1.5 hours total for the trip there. You can pass in silence, in idle chatter, or really whatever you want. Where you are right now is about 2/3 of the way done, with another 30 min or so walking left. It is late morning.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Such an interesting land Rilingfall thinks to himself as he presses a native leaf into his journal.
He turns to look at Moloch, interest in the tiefling evident in his eyes. Slightly tentatively he asks in elven: Tell me, my classes said that most of the Tieflings on Teru...er Ouham...

Who knows which natives might be offended by our term for the land...

...lived in the deserts, how did you come to be so far out?

[Dimers]

Roman

Roman walks a bit erratically, trying to split his concentration between keeping attentive (for mushrooms / brightly-plumed birds / unspecified danger / unspecified wonderfulness) and some sort of game he seems to be playing with a small, weighted net he appropriated in town. You see it vanish from his hand, then his gaze drifts forward and the net reappears a ways down the road, in a small pile as if dropped. Then he picks it up, bundles it, and starts the process again. He's too distracted to talk much.

[Meltheim]

All - [Road to Ilifar]

As the party continues their journey, with Moloch pointing out some of the different plants and animals of Oauhm while Rilingfall tries to jot down as many notes as reasonable, Roman's net snags on something in the distance. Upon examination, it appears that the net has been tangled in a snarl of thorny vines. The net is easily removed with Roman's deft arcane fingers and suffers no apparent damage. However, as Roman's eyes follow the vines to their source some distance down the landscape, he realizes that they have arrived. Ilifar awaits not 500 feet away, blanketed in a soft coastal fog.

The village appears cozy and quiet, with thatch-roofed buildings and, from this distance, the silhouettes of a dozen villagers or so in the square. Also in the distance, small patches of mushrooms can be seen on the side of the road, just outside the well worn pathways that make up the roads of the village. As the party approaches, however, Moloch notices that there is no more birdsong, and that the gentle hum of insects has died away. Only the gentle crashing of the ocean against the bluffs can be heard. No smoke from breakfast cookfires can be seen or smelled, and only the creaking of the party's armor serves to break the silence.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
slightly unnerved by the silence, Rilingfall draws his spear, holding it like a walking stick to avoid looking threatening but still prepared.
Strange... he mutters to himself, watching the figures in the fog.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk doesn't really like the wilderness. Too many trees and strange creatures. Who knows how they'll react? Give him a nice backstreet alley any day. Rats are predictable, beggers even more so. Still, he tries to keep his eyes open as much as possible.

Seeing Moloch and Rilingfall both becoming more wary, Throk draws his swords and moves up. "Trouble?" he asks.

[Meltheim]

All - [Ilifar]

The silhouettes in the fog begin to resolve into more clear pictures as the party gets closer to the village. Even then, all that any of them seem to see are short squatty figures with wide brimmed hats, standing completely still.

Moving closer still, it becomes clear that the small patch of mushrooms has turned into a small field, blanketing the ground before them. Small pathways are visible among the clusters of fungi, but the mushrooms even appear on the sides of buildings and anywhere the smallest semblance of shade and moisture are present.

The figures finally are revealed to simply be larger mushrooms, some standing nearly 4 foot tall with wide caps a yard across. The crashing of the waves continues to be the only sound, though the overwhelming smell of decaying plant matter permeates the air.

[Dimers]

Roman

"Very unusual. I recommend caution, my good fellows. Perhaps I should animate some object and send it ahead of us, in an attempt to flush out any hostile sentience?" The wizard is now much more focused and in-the-moment. He peers around, listening carefully and even sniffing the air. Then, realizing that spores might be a problem here, he adds, "And it might also be wise to put cloths over our faces, regardless. We don't want to breathe in rapidly expanding fungal growths."

Active Perception check: [roll0]

[Shular]

Throk

Throk pulls his light scarf up up over his nose and mouth. It's not the first time he's masked his lower face this way, though the previous reasons may have been a bit more nefarious in nature. However, he's still rather confused. "Wait," he asks, "are these the poison mushrooms we were warned about? They can't be the good ones, cause we would have needed a bigger basket, right?"

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem walks in the front of the group, guiding them along the road, pointing out things here and there that he's learned, whether or not the group is interested in hearing it. He watches as Jirus walks ahead, roaming on and off the path, sniffing everything he finds. It had been a while since Hallowhiem had been able to really let Jirus run around, and it was nice to see him relax.

However, coming around a bend he sees Jirus sitting in the middle of the road, head cocked, listening to something. Taking note, Hallowhiem also tries to figure out what has disturbed his companion.

Nature on the forest surroundings [roll0]


Once he catches up to Jirus, Hallowhiem pats him on his broad shoulders, and instructs him to come along. Jirus walks by his side as they continue down the road, but still somewhat un-at-ease. He can tell his comrades are also unnerved, and when the half-orc askes about the condition of the forest, hands on his weapons, Hallowhiem replies "I am unsure, but something does appear to be off in these woods. I do not recall so much fog on my previous trips. It may be prudent to keep an eye out. There has been some trouble with some of the natives, mostly Elven raiders. No need to draw your weapons yet, but I'd keep your wits about you, and your hands ready."

Has he peers through the mist, he listens for anything to alert him to danger. The woods are very quite, something was quite awry here. He spies a clearing, filled with mushrooms of various sizes. Seeing how large some have grown, he taps the embroidered leather bag Gertie have him, wondering how he could possibly fit those fungi insight. Rubbing it between his fingers, he tries to discover the secrets it may hold.

Arcana on the Bag of Holding [roll1]

Edit: Responding to the wizard, he shifts his cloak to cover his own mouth, but watches Jirus for his reaction. He was born in these woods, and had evolved to live here. If the mushrooms weren't what was bothering him, then it was something else, as yet unseen. "I agree Roman, this clearing has, something, off about it. If you have something we can use, I would be glad to assist you in it's preparations. My companion seems concerned, and I've found that his senses are often better than my own out here."

[Meltheim]

All - [Ilifar]

The party's journey through the forest comes to an end, as they reach the edges of the village. From here all can see that the village opens up to a large square, and it is in the square that the larger mushrooms dominate the view. Small dense patches cover the ground in places as well, but it is possible to make one's way through without too much difficulty. Despite the ocean breezes, the air here is thick.

After tugging on the edges of the bag and shaking it out, Hallowhiem is able to *somehow* open it up to the size of a large sack, easily 3 feet across and just as deep. The embroidery around the opening appears to shimmer slightly as he does this, but there is no other indication that anything has happened to the sack.

A fountain at the center of the square is full of cloudly, brackish water, while houses and shops line the perimeter of the square. On the far side of the fountain an incredible bird, about 5 feet long with a gigantic fan of a tail, extends its long neck and sips lightly from the fountain. It's rainbow-hued plumage tells you that this is likely the bird you were after. It does not give any indication that it has seen or heard you.


Feel free to make whatever checks you want, go into any shops and investigate, harvest mushrooms, etc.

edit: Sorry, it looks like we crossposted a bit, and I assumed you all were at the entrance to the village.

[Dimers]

Roman

After sending a handy log galumphing loudly ahead of the party, Roman enters a quick mystic trance to scan the surroundings for magic. When that, too, fails to return any useful information, he stands by the fountain and tries again. Then he sets down his pack on a relatively mold-free area and pulls some tools from it -- a charcoal stick with a sort of iridescent gleam, and a large sheet of paper that seems bleached white in the middle. Incanting a short ritual, he causes the tools to draw a remarkably life-like representation of the area near the fountain, including in the picture the fountain itself, a few tall mushrooms, and one of the clear pathways.

Simple Animation used for this encounter, and if it doesn't provoke a response, I'm not maintaining it.
I can detect magic at 7 squares distance. The roll to detect while outside the village square (1 minute): [roll0]
The detection standing in the village square (1 minute): [roll1]
And the Arcana check for the ritual (also 1 minute): [roll2]

The resulting picture isn't perfectly clear thanks to wisps of fog, and the iridescent charcoal doesn't put down much color, but it's otherwise quite accurate. The area included is about 20 feet on a side.

[Meltheim]

All - [Ilifar]

(Dimers - reread my post above. I forgot to add the damn bird in my original post :smallredface: )

Despite his best efforts, Roman's efforts at locating arcane energies at work in the immediate area only serve to remind him that he and his companions have the only arcane devices.

However, his charcoal goes to work, creating a rough approximation of the immediate area. Buildings in the perimeter, dense patches of mushrooms throughout, and large stalks interspersed between. crude figures representing his companions even appear near the bottom edge of the map, along with what appears to be a large bird near the fountain.

check the battle map link in my signature for details

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem watches the arcane ritual takes place, and following the basics of it, does his best to channel his mystical prowess into the eladrin, giving him more energy to work with, and a better chance to succeed.

Jirus walks around the village, sniffing the various mushrooms, trying to see which ones are good for eating.

Arcana +2 check [roll0]
Nature check on mushrooms [roll1]

[Meltheim]

All - [Ilifar]

Jirus seems to have found a few mushrooms that he's interested in eating, but he restrains himself for the time being. Moloch is able to confirm that they don't appear to be poisonous, but obviously nobody will know until they eat one.

Hallowhiem also is the first to notice the rather large bird on the edge of the fountain, sipping water.

[Dimers]

All -- recap and re-ordering of cross-posted actions/checks, including from OOC thread

The party walks into Ilifar cautiously and quietly, keeping alert and covering our mouths. We see no people, even in buildings we pass. Hal directs Jirus to find tasty mushrooms. Nobody has any bright ideas on what might be causing the fungal bloom. Hal spies a bright bird sipping from the fountain at the center of town. Roman uses magic to make a net invisible and captures the bird in it; he and Moloch move forward and truss it up. Hallowhiem also moves forward, starting to pick mushrooms to feed the bird. Throk follows more cautiously, keeping focused on watching for trouble.

[Meltheim]

All - [Ilifar]

While trussing up the squawking bird, Roman notices some ... movement (?) from one of the larger mushrooms as it releases a large blast of spores over the immediate area, causing a bloom of smaller mushrooms to erupt from the ground. From the corner of his eye, Throk sees another mushroom doing the same, and a similar patch emerges from the side of a building, as if they were being surrounded.

Initiative time. Roll in OOC and don't forget the bonus from Rilingfall. Also, look at the battlemap and tell me where you want to be.

[Dimers]

Roman

Roman's ubiquitous cheer fades. "It looks like we're not the only ones establishing a colony in this land," he remarks quietly in Andurii.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Seeing the mushrooms shift, he recognizes a familiar hazard of this area. He draws his Songblade from it's ornate sheathe, and squeezes his shield's hand strap, preparing for battle. "Be warned, these mushrooms are dangerous. They have poisonous spores, and they can coordinate through them. It seems the largest red one is in command of the smaller ones, and I suspect the small red pair have some extra abilities as well. And, if I recall correctly, they function more on sound than sight. I'm sure they've sensed our locations already, but as they have yet to attack, I suggest we prepare, and get into advantageous positions."

Jirus has shifted his weight backwards, crouching in front of the large mushroom, eyeing it with suspicion. His keen sense of smell has already detected the spores in the air, and how high the concentration is around this particular mushroom. His shoulders move side to side, head low, a clear visual sign that he is preparing to attack this fungus, should Hallowhiem command him.

[Meltheim]

Combat, Round 1

Combat Summary

Throk
Move to P16
Hits Mushroom Guard 2 for 6 damage
Hits Mushroom Swarm 9 for 11 damage (killed)

Roman
Stands from prone
Hits Mushroom Swarm 3 for 1 damage (killed)
Misses Mushroom Swarm 4

Mushroom Guard 1
Move to P15
Misses Throk

Mushroom Guard 2
Misses Throk

Mushroom Sovereign
Misses Jirus, Roman, Moloch

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
Skips turn - no viable targets

Moloch
Misses Mushroom Sovereign

Rilingfall
Moves to P13
Misses Mushroom Guard 1

Hallowhiem/Jirus
Moves to K5
Moves Jirus to Q7
Marks Mushroom Sovereign with Divine Challenge
Hits Mushroom Sovereign for 15 damage

Mushroom Swarm 1-5
1 - Shifts to L4 and misses Hallowhiem
2 - Shifts to L5 and hits Hallowhiem for 2 poison damage
3 - dead
4 - Shifts to I8 and misses Hallowhiem
5 - does not act

[Shular]

Throk

Seeing that the party is surrounded, Throk decides to take the fight to the mushrooms. He hopes to attract the attention of the large group to the south, leaving the rest of the party time to take out the big guy.

Skirting the mushroom patch near him, he moves to attack two of the mushrooms.

Move: move to P16
Standard Action: Dual Wield
Attack vs Mushroom Guard (P17): [roll0]
Hit: [roll]1d6+3[roll] damage
Attack vs Mushroom Swam 9 (Q17): [roll1]
Hit: [roll]1d6+3[roll] damage
Effect: Both targets marked.

Note that Combat Superiority gives an extra +1 to hit on opportunity attacks, in case any try to get past Throk

Throk's attacks strike true. The mushroom swarm immediately falls apart, while the larger, sturdier mushroom's attention has been turned on Throk.

[Meltheim]

Throk - [Ilifar]

Throk notices that the squelched mushroom swarm has now become a sticky glop of fungus on the ground, making the terrain very difficult to walk through.

[Dimers]

Roman

Noting Throk's violent action, Roman thinks Certainly no chance for diplomacy now. Grabbing his fallen orb and standing up from the finished bird-tying process, he makes "In for a penny, in for a pound!" into a battlecry and launches squirming bolts toward the centers of nearby mushroom clumps.


Minor action: pick up adjacent item
Move action: stand from prone
Standard action: Unraveling Dart attack spell, two targets
---Unraveling Dart at swarm3 in I7: [roll0] for [roll1] base damage. Assuming minions so exact damage doesn't matter, but we'll all get to see if they have vulnerabilities this way.
---Unraveling Dart at swarm4 in I8: [roll2] for [roll3] base damage.

One of the missiles broadens and flattens considerably, slapping a large patch into lumpy paste. The other smashes a few mushrooms, but not enough to hinder the second mushroom clump. Speaking as if reporting on an experiment, Roman announces, "No especial weakness to fire or empowered light. I'd expected otherwise, based on the formations we've seen."

[Meltheim]

The hearty mushrooms stir into action and one lumbers across the field, moving eerily through the sludge of smaller mushrooms and fungi. The mushroom sprays a mist of spores at Throk that dig into his skin. The other mushroom does the same, hoping to bring down the brutish figure. Throk appears not to notice the barbs as they fall harmlessly from his toughened skin.

With this, the large mushroom, which appears to be a leader of sorts, sprays a fine mist of spores that coats several members of the party. The spores have little effect, and do not impair the party in any way.

Mushroom Guard 1
Move: Move to P15
Standard: Spiny Strike
[roll0] vs AC (includes +2 for flank)
[roll1] damage

Mushroom Guard 2
Standard: Spiny Strike
[roll2] vs AC (includes +2 for flank)
[roll3] damage

Mushroom Sovereign
Standard: Spore Blast (close blast 3, affecting Jirus, Roman, Moloch)
[roll4] vs Will
[roll5] poison damage and target is dazed until EoNT

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
Seeing nothing in immediate range, the swarm stays put

[Ravian]

Taking size of the situation, Rilingfall looks past the fact that a giant mushroom is blowing spores on his allies and notices that two smaller mushrooms are attacking Throk, while he doesn't seem to be faring badly, the Rilingfall would rather not take the chance. Moving away from the enormous fungus, he takes position behind one of the mushroom guards and lashes out with his spear, putting the creature in a difficult position, engage the warlord and provoke Throk's retaliation, or allow himself to continue to be attacked at spear range.
Viper's Strike:
Attack roll: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
If the guard shifts before the end of my next turn, it provokes an opportunity attack from Throk

[Meltheim]

Moloch

Moloch looks up from the bird to see large mushrooms all around him, and quickly looses an arrow at the largest one near him.


Standard: Careful Attack vs Mushroom Sovereign
[roll0] (forgot to add +2 to attack for Careful Attack, giving total of 17. Still a miss)
[roll1] damage (includes 2 from Jirus' aura)

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Seeing the large mushroom attack, he takes several steps forward, ordering Jirus to move around behind the mushroom to get out of the way of his attack. Pointing his blade at the fungus, Hallowhiem utters a silent oath against his target, then with a swing of his longsword, erupts a blast of magical energy, crackling from hilt to tip where it flies through the air towards the red mushroom.

Move action: Hallowhiem to K5
Move action: Jirus to Q7
Jirus provokes an OA from Sovereign
Minor action: Divine Challenge to Mark Sovereign
Standard action: attack Sovereign with Eldritch Blast
Attack: [roll0] (Cha +4, Songblade +1)
Hit: [roll1] (Cha +4, Songblade +1, Jirus +2)
Effect: Sovereign marked

The blast impacts, leaving a scorch mark against it's stalk. Hallowhiem observes that not only does the sword hum through the air as he swings it, but that his attack felt even more powerful than usual. It feels almost as though the attack was amplified by the sword Fargem had given him.

[Meltheim]

Hallowhiem's senses are assaulted as three of the mushrooms near him scream a psychic wail. They instantly assault him, converging on his position and spraying poisonous spores on him. Only one succeeds, and Hal feels a little worse for wear.

Mushroom Swarm 1
Move: Move to L4
Standard: Attack Hallowhiem
Attack [roll0] vs AC
Hit: 2 poison damage
Mushroom Swarm 2
Move: move to L5
Standard: Attack Hallowhiem
Attack [roll1] vs AC
Hit: 2 poison damage
Mushroom Swarm 4
Move: Move to I6
Standard: Attack Hallowhiem
Attack [roll2] vs AC (+2 for flank)
Hit: 3 poison damage (+1 for flank)

[Meltheim]

Combat, Round 2

Combat Summary

Round 1

Throk
Move to P16
Hits Mushroom Guard 2 for 6 damage
Hits Mushroom Swarm 9 for 11 damage (killed)

Roman
Stands from prone
Hits Mushroom Swarm 3 for 1 damage (killed)
Misses Mushroom Swarm 4

Mushroom Guard 1
Move to P15
Misses Throk

Mushroom Guard 2
Misses Throk

Mushroom Sovereign
Misses Jirus, Roman, Moloch

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
Skips turn - no viable targets

Moloch
Misses Mushroom Sovereign

Rilingfall
Moves to P13
Misses Mushroom Guard 1

Hallowhiem/Jirus
Moves to K5
Moves Jirus to Q7
Marks Mushroom Sovereign with Divine Challenge
Hits Mushroom Sovereign for 15 damage

Mushroom Swarm 1-5
1 - Shifts to L4 and misses Hallowhiem
2 - Shifts to L5 and hits Hallowhiem for 2 poison damage
3 - dead
4 - Shifts to I8 and misses Hallowhiem
5 - does not act


Throk
Funnelling Fury missed Guard 1 and Guard 2
Marked Guard 1 and Guard 2
ACTION POINT
Footwork Lure missed Guard 1
Gained 5 THP from Rilingfall for using AP

Roman
Moved to N11
Sun Strike vs Throk
Throk and Rilingfall gain 5 THP

Mushroom Guard 1
Spiny Strike hits Throk for 16 damage

Mushroom Guard 2
Shift to O16
Spiny Strike misses Throk

Mushroom Sovereign
OA hit Jirus (in previous round) for 12 damage and slides Jirus to M6
Slam misses Jirus
Slides Jirus to R7
Takes 4 Radiant Damage from Hallowhiem for violation of Mark

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
6. Move to N14 and miss Throk
7. Move to N15 and hit Throk for 3 poison damage
8. Miss Throk
9. Dead
10. Move to P16 and hit Throk for 3 poison damage

Moloch
Careful Attack misses Sovereign

Rilingfall
Inspiring Word on Throk to heal 9hp
Adaptive Stratagem on Throk to give +2 to damage/saves until EoNT
Direct the Strike on Throk (Throk hits Mushroom Guard 1 for 15 damage)

Hallowhiem/Jirus
Echoing Dirge on Mushroom Swarm 1 & 2 (dead)
Ethereal Stride to teleport to N6 (with +2 defenses until EoNT)
Jirus shifts to Q8
Warlock's Curse on Sovereign
ACTION POINT
Echoing Dirge on Sovereign for 25 damage and Sovereign is pushed to P9, Q9, P10, Q10
Mark maintained

Mushroom Swarm 1-5
1. Dead
2. Dead
3. Dead
4. Move to M6 and hit Hallowhiem for 2 poison damage
5. Move to N12 and hit Roman for 2 poison damage

[Shular]

Throk

Seeing Rilingfall approaching the treacherous toadstool from behind (do these things even HAVE behinds?), Throk grins. He knows how to deal with multiple attackers.

With quick strikes from his two blades, he attempts to move them to less threatening positions.

Standard action: Funneling Fury
Attack vs Guard 1: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] and slide target to O16
Attack vs Guard 2: [roll2] vs AC
Hit: [roll3] and slide target to O17
Effect: Both targets marked
Move action: depends on attack results. Will edit accordingly.

[Shular]

Throk

Confounded by the frightening fungi's odd defenses, Throk fails to land any decent blows. Without hesitation, he goes to plan B, striking out at the menacing mushroom between him and Rilingfall, hoping to draw the terrifying truffle out of position.

Action point!
Standard action: Footwork Lure
Attack vs Guard 1: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] damage, shift to O15 and slide target to P16.
Move action: If attack hits, shift to O14. If attack misses...bend over and take it up the poop-chute. (Not literally, but won't bother moving.)

Missing again, Throk sighs, and prepares for things to become very uncomfortable.

[Dimers]

"Oh, my," says Roman mildly, seeing the great volume of fungus about to descend upon the half-orc. He splashes through the fountain while murmuring a prayer to Sehanine. A pale grey-blue light shines down from nowhere, moving in a graceful arc for a few seconds, pulling Throk along its path before touching Rilingfall and winking out of existence. Roman draws his longsword from its belt sheath and snaps his gaze back and forth, trying to decide his next course of action.

Move action: move through Moloch and the fountain to N11, avoiding OAs.
Standard action: Sun Strike, modified by Power Of Love feat, to slide Throk to O15 and grant 5 temp hit points to Throk and Rilingfall. No attack roll required.
Minor action: draw longsword in right hand (orb is in left).
End of turn: bonus to defense and damage vs. Sovereign expires.

The goddess's cool, gentle touch protects the warriors from harm, to a small degree.

[Meltheim]

The Mushroom Sovereign, not content to have the owlbear dance around in front of it, strikes out, trying to bludgeon the creature into submission.

Mushroom Sovereign
Opportunity Attack vs Jirus
Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1]
Effect: Sovereign slides Jirus 1 square to M6 (Jirus can then continue his move action)

[Meltheim]

The Mushroom Guards see their quarry slipping away and move to take action.

The Mushroom Sovereign is not comfortable being flanked and tries to eliminate some of the pesky mammals who dare to defy his glorious presence. For the time being he will ignore the pesky creature who taunted him. Instead, he calls upon his brood to assist the guards.

Mushroom Guard 1
Standard: Spiny Strike vs Throk
Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] damage
Mushroom Guard 2
Move: Shift to O16
Standard: Spiny Strike vs Throk
Attack: [roll2] vs AC
Hit: [roll3] damage
Mushroom Sovereign
Standard: Slam vs Jirus
Attack: [roll4] vs AC
Hit: [roll5]
Effect: Sovereign slides Jirus to R7
Mushroom Swarm 6
Move: Move to N14
Standard: Attack Throk
Attack: [roll6] vs AC
Hit: 2 poison damage
Mushroom Swarm 7
Move: Move to N15
Standard: Attack Throk
Attack: [roll7] vs AC (gets bonus for CA)
Hit: 3 poison damage (gets bonus for CA)
Mushroom Swarm 8
Standard: Attack Throk
Attack: [roll8] vs AC
Hit: 2 poison damage
Mushroom Swarm 10
Move: Move to P16
Standard: Attack Throk
Attack: [roll9] vs AC (gets bonus for CA)
Hit: 3 poison damage (gets bonus for CA)

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Upon seeing his companion struck, Hallowhiem's eyes flash, and the target of his fury is bathed in a soft yellow light, before the aura ignites, wounding the large fungus. His eyes still alight, he utters "I'm the one you should be worried about, now that you've hurt my friend!'

Violation of Mark, 4 Radiant Damage

[weseldar]

Moloch eyes the Mushroom Sovereign with anger, and raises his bow. He nocks one of his new firestorm arrows, pulls, and releases.

Infernal Wrath- Encounter Power
Moloch v. Mushroom Sovereign (AC)
Attack: [roll0] (+1 to hit for power, +1 to hit from arrows)
Damage: [roll1]

Next attacker (to Moloch) ignites on fire


I apologize for my absence. I have been busy lately, but I assure you, I will do my best to post at least once a day from now on.

[Ravian]

It didn't take a tactical strategist to realize that Throk was in trouble with these fungal pests, but Rilingfall believed he had the tactic to help the half-orc.
Throk keep on them! Don't let these spore soaked brutes get the better of you! With the morale situation taken care of, he moved on to strategy. Try to sever their Mcyc.. Er... stalks, they should be more vulnerable there!
Minor Action: Inspiring word on Throk (spend one healing surge and regain an extra [roll0] hp
Minor Action: Adaptive Strategem on Throk: gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls and saving throws until the end of next turn
Standard Action: Direct the strike (once again) on Throk
Make a Melee basic attack on the Mushroom guard that has taken damage already

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Surrounded by small fungi, but still angry at the larger one for wounding Jirus so, he swings his blade, charging it with energy to destroy these fungi.

Standard action: Echoing Dirge
Attack Swarm 1
Attack Swarm 1 [roll1]
Hit Swarm 2 [roll2]
Hit Swarm 2 [roll3]

Edit: And the small fungi explode! In his anger, he whispers a spell he knows that allows him to mimic his beloved grandfather's fighting style. The air around him blurs for a moment, then he himself blurs, before he disappears. He appears directly before his target, eyes aglow and body still appearing to be blurred, not quite solid yet. Seeing his master rally, Jirus moves back into position, ready to attack. Hallowhiem sees his bloodied companion, and curses the red thing that hurt him so. A second glow surrounds the great red mushroom, this time it appears harsher, and does not disappear as it had before. Again he swings is longsword, charged with his magical might, he mirrors a move he learned from the great Eladrin Swordmage.

Move Action: Ethereal Stride
Hal teleports to N6
Jirus shifts to Q8
Hal +2 to all defenses until end of next turn
Minor Action: Curse Sovereign
Action Point: Standard Action: Echoing Dirge Sovereign
Hit: Cha vs Will [roll]1d20+7 (4 Cha mod, 1 songblade, 2 flank)
Damage: 1d8+1d6+12 (4 Cha mod, 1 songblade, 2 aura, 1d6 curse, 5 resourceful presence)
Effect: Sovereign is pushed to P9, Q9, P10, Q10, into difficult terrain. Mark maintained.


With a grin he watches the thing slide before him, stopping when it hits another large patch of mushrooms. He looks with satisfaction that the apparent leader of this assault has been wounded. That will teach it to attack his companion.

[Meltheim]

(Taking Throk's MBA from Rilingfall's Direct the Strike so that we can resolve this round.)

Throk uses the warlord's distraction to his advantage, and quickly lashes out with his sword, hoping to catch the guard by surprise..

MBA vs Mushroom Guard 1
Attack: [roll0]
Hit: [roll1] damage (includes +2 from Adaptive Stratagem)

[Meltheim]

The psychic wail continues as two remaining mushrooms swarm toward their attackers, hoping to bring them down before they cause more pain to their Sovereign.

Mushroom Swarm 4
Move: Move to M6
Standard: Attack Hallowhiem
Attack: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: 2 poison damage

Mushroom Swarm 5
Move: Move to N12
Standard: Attack Roman
Attack: [roll1] vs AC (he's a minion, sorry!)
Hit: 2 poison damage

[Meltheim]

Combat, Round 3

Combat Summary

Round 1

Throk
Move to P16
Hits Mushroom Guard 2 for 6 damage
Hits Mushroom Swarm 9 for 11 damage (killed)

Roman
Stands from prone
Hits Mushroom Swarm 3 for 1 damage (killed)
Misses Mushroom Swarm 4

Mushroom Guard 1
Move to P15
Misses Throk

Mushroom Guard 2
Misses Throk

Mushroom Sovereign
Misses Jirus, Roman, Moloch

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
Skips turn - no viable targets

Moloch
Misses Mushroom Sovereign

Rilingfall
Moves to P13
Misses Mushroom Guard 1

Hallowhiem/Jirus
Moves to K5
Moves Jirus to Q7
Marks Mushroom Sovereign with Divine Challenge
Hits Mushroom Sovereign for 15 damage

Mushroom Swarm 1-5
1 - Shifts to L4 and misses Hallowhiem
2 - Shifts to L5 and hits Hallowhiem for 2 poison damage
3 - dead
4 - Shifts to I8 and misses Hallowhiem
5 - does not act

Round 2
Throk
Funnelling Fury missed Guard 1 and Guard 2
Marked Guard 1 and Guard 2
ACTION POINT
Footwork Lure missed Guard 1
Gained 5 THP from Rilingfall for using AP

Roman
Moved to N11
Sun Strike vs Throk
Throk and Rilingfall gain 5 THP

Mushroom Guard 1
Spiny Strike hits Throk for 16 damage

Mushroom Guard 2
Shift to O16
Spiny Strike misses Throk

Mushroom Sovereign
OA hit Jirus (in previous round) for 12 damage and slides Jirus to M6
Slam misses Jirus
Slides Jirus to R7
Takes 4 Radiant Damage from Hallowhiem for violation of Mark

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
6. Move to N14 and miss Throk
7. Move to N15 and hit Throk for 3 poison damage
8. Miss Throk
9. Dead
10. Move to P16 and hit Throk for 3 poison damage

Moloch
Careful Attack misses Sovereign

Rilingfall
Inspiring Word on Throk to heal 9hp
Adaptive Stratagem on Throk to give +2 to damage/saves until EoNT
Direct the Strike on Throk (Throk hits Mushroom Guard 1 for 15 damage)

Hallowhiem/Jirus
Echoing Dirge on Mushroom Swarm 1 & 2 (dead)
Ethereal Stride to teleport to N6 (with +2 defenses until EoNT)
Jirus shifts to Q8
Warlock's Curse on Sovereign
ACTION POINT
Echoing Dirge on Sovereign for 25 damage and Sovereign is pushed to P9, Q9, P10, Q10
Mark maintained

Mushroom Swarm 1-5
1. Dead
2. Dead
3. Dead
4. Move to M6 and hit Hallowhiem for 2 poison damage
5. Move to N12 and hit Roman for 2 poison damage

Throk
Dual Strike on Mushroom Guard 1 for 9 damage
Dual Strike on Mushroom Guard 2 for 9 damage
Mark on Mushroom Guard 1 and 2
Shift to P14

Roman
Beguiling Strands on a whole lot of shrooms
Swarm 10 - push to Q17 and killed
Swarm 5 - missed
Swarm 6 - push to M16 and killed
Swarm 7 - push to M16 and killed
Swarm 8 - push to Q19 and killed
Mushroom Guard 1 - push to P16 and 4 psychic damage
Mushroom Guard 2 - miss

Mushroom Guard 1
Move to P15
Pacification Spores on Throk for 16 poison damage
Throk cannot take Standard Action until EoNT (Guard 1)

Mushroom Guard 2
Move to O14
Pacification Spores on Throk and Rilingfall
Miss Rilingfall
Hit Throk for 9 poison damage
Throk cannot take Standard Action until EoNT (Guard 2)

Mushroom Sovereign
Spore Blast on Hallowhiem and Moloch
Hit Hallowhiem for 14 poison damage
Hit Moloch for 14 poison damage
Hallowhiem and Moloch are Dazed until EoNT (Sovereign)

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
6. dead
7. dead
8. dead
9. dead
10. dead

Moloch
Infernal Wrath hits Mushroom Sovereign for 7 fire damage
Careful Attack hits Mushroom Sovereign for 14 damage (4 from Quarry)

Rilingfall
Inspiring Word on Throk heals for surge+4 hp
Fey Step to N14
Viper's Strike on Mushroom Guard 2 hits for 17 damage (2 from frost spear) and is slowed

Hallowhiem/Jirus
Misses Mushroom Swarm 4

Mushroom Swarm 1-5
1. dead
2. dead
3. dead
4. inactive
5. inactive

[Shular]

Throk

"Huh," Throk thinks to himself, "the fop seems to know what to do in a fight at least." Annoyed by the swarms, Throk still considers the guards to be the bigger threat. He disregards the giant mushroom making its way towards him (partly because his brain is having trouble registering the concept of a giant mushroom making its way towards him). He strikes again at the two guards, giving the injured one some exta attention, then steps away from being surrounded.

Standard action: Dual Strike
Attack vs Guard 1: [roll0] vs AC
Hit: [roll1] (includes +2 for adaptive strategem and +1d6 for Furious Assult racial, not expended if attack missed).
Attack vs Guard 2: [roll2] vs AC
Hit: [roll3]
Effect: Both targets marked.
Move action: Shift to P14

[Dimers]

Roman

Seeing a fine opportunity to sow confusion, Roman focuses for a moment on the orb in his hand. Ethereal grey waves snake out of it and rush into the melee. A series of tiny coughing sounds erupt, and the mushrooms start tripping over one another, crashing into obstacles and breaking apart as they scramble around madly. A few simply burst from the psychic pressure of competing commands from their sovereign and Roman's mental control.


Standard action: beguiling strands
attack vs swarm10: [roll0] ... push to Q17 and kill
attack vs swarm5: [roll1] ... miss
attack vs swarm6: [roll2] ... push to M16 and kill
attack vs swarm7: [roll3] ... push to M16 and kill
attack vs swarm8: [roll4] ... push to Q19 and kill, creating new difficult terrain
attack vs guard1: [roll5] ... 4 psychic damage, push to P16
attack vs guard2: [roll6] ... miss


Roman smiles smugly and holds his ground, seeing that his position forces some difficulty on the beleaguered mushroom master.

[Meltheim]

The Mushroom Sovereign sends a shower of spores out across Hallowhiem and Moloch, hoping to stun them while his colony cleans up the true threats. Immediately, the two Mushroom Guards pursue their pray, hoping to pacify them and fill the with spores until they become one with their colony.

Mushroom Guard 1
Move: Move to P15
Standard: Pacification Spores - close burst 1 (Throk)
Attack: [roll0] vs Will
Hit: [roll1] poison damage and Throk cannot take Standard actions until the end of Mushroom Guard 1's next turn
Mushroom Guard 2
Move: Move to O14
Standard: Pacification Spores - close burst 1 (Rilingfall, Throk)
Attack Rilingfall: [roll2] vs Will
Attack Throk: [roll3] vs Will
Hit: [roll4] poison damage and the target cannot take Standard actions until the end of Mushroom Guard 2's next turn
Mushroom Sovereign
Standard: Spore Blast - close blast 3 (Moloch, Hallowhiem)
Attack Hallowhiem: [roll5] vs Will
Attack Moloch: [roll6] vs Will
Hit: [roll7] poison damage and the Hallowhiem and Moloch are Dazed until the end of Sovereign's next turn.

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
Dead :smallcool:

[weseldar]

Moloch gags, and flushes his eyes with his water from his pack, knowing he won't be able to attack until he can see clearly. Right now, all he can see are blurred mushrooms and little red stars all around...

[Meltheim]

Moloch struggles through the dazing effect of the spores and, ignited by his anger at being hit, manages to draw an arrow and fire at the Sovereign.

Free: Infernal Wrath (reaction to being hit by Sovereign)
[roll0] fire damage

Standard: Careful Attack vs Sovereign
Attack: [roll1] vs AC
Hit: [roll2] damage

Quarry: [roll3] damage (if the above attack hits)

The arrows pierce the meaty flesh of the Sovereign as a psychic wail fills the minds of all around it. YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS, FLESHLING. WE ARE COMING. Then, as the flames shoot forth from Moloch's outstretched hand, the Mushroom Sovereign ignites and begins to whither/melt into nothingness.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Seeing the giant mushroom wither puts a smile on Rilingfall's face, that only left the guards and a scant few swarms

Come on Throk we've almost finished them! he shouts encouragingly. He then focuses upon the feywild passages around him before blinking directly behind on of the Mushrooms Throk faces. His spear wisps frigid energy as he plunges the fungus in its stalk hoping to trap the creature between the two of them.

Minor action: Inspiring word on Throk: Spend one healing surge and regain an extra [roll0] hit points
Move Action: Fey step to teleport to N14
Standard: Viper's Strike
Attack roll: [roll1] vs Armor Class (CA from flanking)
Damage: [roll2] damage and if it shifts before EMNT it provokes opportunity attack from Throk
Free: (If attack hits) Frost Greatspear Daily power: +[roll3] cold damage and is slowed until EMNT

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Seeing his ally burn the large mushroom, he turns his visage to the smaller creature behind him. Although he is growing exhausted, he lifts his marvelous blade, catching the light from the sun, and swings it down with all his might.

Attack: Cha vs AC [roll0]
Hit: Radiant [roll1]

[Meltheim]

As Rilingfall steps into the feywild, he is overwhelmed by the world around him. Where normally he might have stepped into a peaceful glade or a chattering forest, he instead finds himself in a dense, heavy jungle full of snarls and screams. The feeling of a thousand predatory eyes is upon him, and the coppery smell of blood lingers in the thick air.

Though it lasts for but a moment, the feeling of wrong will sit with Rilingfall for some time.

**********
With the defeat of their leader, the remaining Mushrooms seem to have lost much of their driving force. If it was possible, they would even seem to sag on their stalks, and spread spores less furiously than before.

The two Mushroom Swarms don't even attempt to attack the party members near them, and instead lie dormant.

[Meltheim]

Combat, Round 4

Combat Summary

Round 1

Throk
Move to P16
Hits Mushroom Guard 2 for 6 damage
Hits Mushroom Swarm 9 for 11 damage (killed)

Roman
Stands from prone
Hits Mushroom Swarm 3 for 1 damage (killed)
Misses Mushroom Swarm 4

Mushroom Guard 1
Move to P15
Misses Throk

Mushroom Guard 2
Misses Throk

Mushroom Sovereign
Misses Jirus, Roman, Moloch

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
Skips turn - no viable targets

Moloch
Misses Mushroom Sovereign

Rilingfall
Moves to P13
Misses Mushroom Guard 1

Hallowhiem/Jirus
Moves to K5
Moves Jirus to Q7
Marks Mushroom Sovereign with Divine Challenge
Hits Mushroom Sovereign for 15 damage

Mushroom Swarm 1-5
1 - Shifts to L4 and misses Hallowhiem
2 - Shifts to L5 and hits Hallowhiem for 2 poison damage
3 - dead
4 - Shifts to I8 and misses Hallowhiem
5 - does not act

Round 2
Throk
Funnelling Fury missed Guard 1 and Guard 2
Marked Guard 1 and Guard 2
ACTION POINT
Footwork Lure missed Guard 1
Gained 5 THP from Rilingfall for using AP

Roman
Moved to N11
Sun Strike vs Throk
Throk and Rilingfall gain 5 THP

Mushroom Guard 1
Spiny Strike hits Throk for 16 damage

Mushroom Guard 2
Shift to O16
Spiny Strike misses Throk

Mushroom Sovereign
OA hit Jirus (in previous round) for 12 damage and slides Jirus to M6
Slam misses Jirus
Slides Jirus to R7
Takes 4 Radiant Damage from Hallowhiem for violation of Mark

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
6. Move to N14 and miss Throk
7. Move to N15 and hit Throk for 3 poison damage
8. Miss Throk
9. Dead
10. Move to P16 and hit Throk for 3 poison damage

Moloch
Careful Attack misses Sovereign

Rilingfall
Inspiring Word on Throk to heal 9hp
Adaptive Stratagem on Throk to give +2 to damage/saves until EoNT
Direct the Strike on Throk (Throk hits Mushroom Guard 1 for 15 damage)

Hallowhiem/Jirus
Echoing Dirge on Mushroom Swarm 1 & 2 (dead)
Ethereal Stride to teleport to N6 (with +2 defenses until EoNT)
Jirus shifts to Q8
Warlock's Curse on Sovereign
ACTION POINT
Echoing Dirge on Sovereign for 25 damage and Sovereign is pushed to P9, Q9, P10, Q10
Mark maintained

Mushroom Swarm 1-5
1. Dead
2. Dead
3. Dead
4. Move to M6 and hit Hallowhiem for 2 poison damage
5. Move to N12 and hit Roman for 2 poison damage
Round 3
Throk
Dual Strike on Mushroom Guard 1 for 9 damage
Dual Strike on Mushroom Guard 2 for 9 damage
Mark on Mushroom Guard 1 and 2
Shift to P14

Roman
Beguiling Strands on a whole lot of shrooms
Swarm 10 - push to Q17 and killed
Swarm 5 - missed
Swarm 6 - push to M16 and killed
Swarm 7 - push to M16 and killed
Swarm 8 - push to Q19 and killed
Mushroom Guard 1 - push to P16 and 4 psychic damage
Mushroom Guard 2 - miss

Mushroom Guard 1
Move to P15
Pacification Spores on Throk for 16 poison damage
Throk cannot take Standard Action until EoNT (Guard 1)

Mushroom Guard 2
Move to O14
Pacification Spores on Throk and Rilingfall
Miss Rilingfall
Hit Throk for 9 poison damage
Throk cannot take Standard Action until EoNT (Guard 2)

Mushroom Sovereign
Spore Blast on Hallowhiem and Moloch
Hit Hallowhiem for 14 poison damage
Hit Moloch for 14 poison damage
Hallowhiem and Moloch are Dazed until EoNT (Sovereign)

Mushroom Swarm 6-10
6. dead
7. dead
8. dead
9. dead
10. dead

Moloch
Infernal Wrath hits Mushroom Sovereign for 7 fire damage
Careful Attack hits Mushroom Sovereign for 14 damage (4 from Quarry)

Rilingfall
Inspiring Word on Throk heals for surge+4 hp
Fey Step to N14
Viper's Strike on Mushroom Guard 2 hits for 17 damage (2 from frost spear) and is slowed

Hallowhiem/Jirus
Misses Mushroom Swarm 4

Mushroom Swarm 1-5
1. dead
2. dead
3. dead
4. inactive
5. inactive

Throk

Roman

Mushroom Guard 1

Mushroom Guard 2

Mushroom Sovereign Dead

Mushroom Swarm 6-10 Dead

Moloch

Rilingfall

Hallowhiem/Jirus

Mushroom Swarm 1-5

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Having missed the small fungus before him, Hallowhiem notices that it seems to have given up. He shoots a glance at his allies, and sees that all the other mushrooms appear to take a less threatening stance. Because mushrooms normally have an aggressive stance... He calls out to his allies, "It seems that the threat is over. Stay on your guard, but if possible, I want to try and examine these things, ALIVE. We were sent to gather mushrooms. And then we were attacked by mushrooms. I don't know if this is a trap, or some natural occurrence, but it would be wise to endeavor to determine the origin of these nasty fungi."

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
What on... Rilingfall whispers to himself after witnessing that strange occurance. Normally when he fey stepped he would mostly see mist, maybe a fey glen or glade, nothing like that... he didn't even know how to describe it Wrong... yes that was the word to describe it. Looking at the fungus frozen on his spear he suddenly shouts at it: You! What's wrong with the feywild? What did you do to the feywild??

[Dimers]

Roman

"Rilingfall! What's the matter? What did you see?"

[Ravian]

Claws, eyes, blood... it was wrong. He looks haunted by his vision.

[Dimers]

Roman

Returning to the matters at hand, Roman shifts a bit so that he has a clear view of both remaining toughshrooms. He fires off two unraveling darts from his orb, risking the potential ire of the patch of mushrooms giving off forlorn psychic moans at his feet.

Move action: shift to O11
Standard action: unraveling dart at guard1 and guard2
Ranged attack provokes OA from swarm5
No cover for either target after the shift
Guard1: [roll0] vs Fortitude, dmg [roll1] plus either vulnerability or +3
Guard2: [roll2] vs Fortitude, dmg [roll3] plus either vulnerability or +3

Given that vulnerability is almost always 5 or more, I'm entering the minimum damage for Guard1, 7+3=10.


Roman's distraction causes him to miss one of the creatures, but the other collapses, crying out incoherently for a moment in the warriors' minds.

[Meltheim]

The final Mushroom Guard sags in place as his companion is defeated. It doesn't appear to be a threat anymore.

edit: Encounter over! You can all take a short rest, spend healing surges, etc.

[Shular]

Throk

Unable to properly focus, Throk stays in position, trying his best to hold his enemies' attention.

No action. Will make opportunity attacks if possible.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem takes a hard look at the mushroom before him, stretching out with his senses the way his grandfather taught him to. He tries to detect what caused this fungus to animate and attack, looking for any sign of outside influence, and to determine if the battle is truly over. Once he determines everything that he can, he sheathes his songblade, and once again opening the enchanted bag, he covers the mushroom with it. With the mushroom fully inside the large bag, he draws the bag shut, picks it up, and looks over at the half-orc. "Hey Throk, bag the mushrooms for me, will you? I want to take a better look at them later."

Arcana [roll0]
Nature [roll1]

[Dimers]

Roman sees Throk's wounds and pallid color; he winces. "Sehanine's bright smile, man, those beasties must have been crawling all over you. Here, have some fresh drinking water -- I'd offer alcohol for your wounds, but I only have beer. I don't think that would help."

While he listens to what Rilingfall has to say about the wrongness in the Feywild, Roman starts using cantrips to clean spores, blood and grunge off the party members.

Roman's attention and cleanliness might offer a bonus to other characters who offer healing to Throk, or to any Endurance checks the party needs to make as a lingering result of mushroom reproductive activity. I guess that's a Heal check: [roll0] ... as much as I might like it to be Arcana. :smallsmile:
And Roman will ask Rilingfall questions that might help him (Roman) get a better understanding of what's wrong when he fey steps to check out the problem. If Rilingfall or any other party member can use a skill in cooperation with Roman's Perception or Insight check, please make a roll. E.g. Rilingfall could mention things about the natural world that might be startlingly different in this corrupted Feywild; Moloch might convey a trick he has for a lot of Perception in a very short time.

[Dimers]

Roman

Recovering from the whirlwind battle, Roman reflects on his toughness. I may not be a model of physical fitness, but it takes much more than a puff of dust to put me away. As he reviews the events in the combat, one thought pulls him up short. The leader called us "fleshlings", though it too was a creature with a body. And it implied a legion ... a legion somewhere else, coming this way. According to Rilingfall, the Feywild is in disarray; could be related ... Hmmm.

Roman spends a healing surge to top off his hit points, and makes an Arcana check to see if he knows of a Feywild power (fungoid or otherwise) that might refer to natural-world creatures as "fleshlings". Arcana: [roll0]

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
I'm afraid I don't remember much, it was mostly a flash, it was like a jungle full of beastial eyes and claws, and the secnt of blood all around he tries to search his memory of the place he traveled through
Perception:[roll0]

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
He shakes his head. No just a blur...

He suddenly realizes something This is a village isn't it? Where are the elves and the gnomes? Did the mushroom things drive them off or something?

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Taking a deep breathe, Hallowhiem relaxes, and walks over to Jirus. Both of them are covered in their own blood, and Hallowhiem moves his hands over his friend, healing his wounds, before turning his attention to himself. Overhearing the Eladrin speak over the trouble in the Feywild, Hallowhiem looks his fey friend in the eye, both hands holding the large beak comfortingly. He peer into the large eyes, trying to see if whatever it is that disturbed Rilingfall and effected these mushrooms is having an effect on Jirus.

Two healing surges used, Nature roll on Jirus for Feywild effects, [roll0], Hal moves to Q9

[Dimers]

Rilingfall suddenly realizes something This is a village isn't it? Where are the elves and the gnomes? Did the mushroom things drive them off or something?

Roman

"Horrifying as the idea might be, they may have consumed them. We should look closely for signs of hasty departure or violence in the town. Hallowhiem, when did the patrols last come to Ilifar?"

[Meltheim]

Hallowhiem -

Jirus looks into Hallowhiem's eyes, and conveys a deep sense of fear and foreboding.

[I]Ancient. Primal. Awake.

Hallowhiem is able to understand a few concepts, but nothing more.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk considers Hallowhiem's request, looks at the mushroom people who tried to kill him, then looks back at Hallowhiem. "Uhh...no?" Doing his best to avoid anything remotely resembling fungus, Throk starts exploring the village, looking for survivors or at least people's remains.

[Meltheim]

Throk - [Ilifar]

Throk finds that most of the houses and shops appear overgrown with mold and fungus, and that any food has spoiled and any water is stagnant and scummy.

Inside the houses and shops are various mundane goods such as textiles, clothing, fishing equipment, and other assorted household items. No weapons other than the odd sword or sling are found, and there do not appear to be any signs of any villagers, alive or otherwise, in any of the buildings that Throk investigates.

A thin layer of spores covers most surfaces. Wooden surfaces are damp and showing the first signs of rot, while stone surfaces are moist with bits of lichen sprouting where possible.

It is as if nature is trying to reclaim the village itself.

[weseldar]

Moloch, having flushed out his senses, and able to see the village itself, sees the true horror. How did this even happen? I've only ever seen mushrooms no more than a few inches tall. But Moloch knows there must be a reason for this, knowing that his hermit-like education and prior lifestyle does not explain everything in the world.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem stands up, and walks with Jirus towards the pair of Eladrin and the Half-Orc. He looks at the remaining enemies, thinks for a moment, and responds to Throk. "No, you're right, I have everything I need already. Do with them as you please." Turning to his fey brethren, he continues "From what you've said, and what I've gleaned from Jirus, it seems to me there is something amiss in the Feywild. Through him I can sense something, something old, and powerful. Like a primal giant has just awakened. And considering what seems to be happening, I have to imagine this, this being, is angry."

Jirus lays down in the center of the group, appearing tired. Hallowhiem tosses some of the meat Gertie had given them for food down to him, and Jirus paws the parcel around before ripping into it with his beak. "I mean, just look at this place! The patrols come up and down the coast two or three times a week, but from what I've heard from the guards, they rarely go out for more than an hour. The last patrol to get out this far was probably a few weeks ago, and there were no issues mentioned in any reports that I've read."

He pauses for a moment, recalling the data he had read in reports, before finishing. "Ilifar is a small fishing village of about 50 residents, most of whom make a living selling their fish and textiles at market. Coin mostly comes in from travelling merchants on their way through the coast, but for the most part the village is sleepy and quiet.

I can't imagine that whatever happened here was an attack from the elves, there is nothing out here worth stealing, nothing necessary that would make the colony suffer, and too far out to be some kind of warning. And there would be some sign of battle, wounded or dead. As far as I can see, there are neither. What have you gathered?" He finishes, directing his last comment to Rilingfall, hoping to learn more about what is wrong here.

[Shular]

Throk

Upon hearing that this is a fishing village, Throk thinks hard for a minute. Fishing...fishing...boats! He immediately walks down to the shore to see if there are any fishing boats on shore, or if some of the villagers might have taken to the water to escape.

[Meltheim]

Throk - [Ilifar]

Throk sees a few small boats tethered to a rickety dock, each with oars in their oarlocks. The beach is smooth and unmarred, and the wind kicks up bits of sand when it gusts. Several fishing rods lean up against a small shack, but they have already begun to rust. The shack also shows signs of decay, and small mushrooms appear to have sprouted on the thatched roof.

The village appears deserted, and other than the violence done by the party, there does not appear to have been any fighting done recently.

Even as the sun shines down from directly overhead, the group can't shake the unsettling feeling of dampness and clamminess in the area.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Looking about uneasily, Rilingfall suddenly remembers the thing that brought them to this site in the first place, the bird. He approaches the colorful captured avian, trying to identify it from his studies

Nature Check to find information on the bird [roll0]

[Dimers]

Roman

Roman takes several long, deep breaths, clearing and calming his mind in momentary meditation. He steps into the Feywild and, while being drawn toward another nearby crossover portal, tries to sense as much as he can about the strangeness that so shocked Rilingfall.


By RAW, I can't try to use Perception without taking a standard action, which makes it impossible during fey step. But I bet it makes sense to Meltheim anyway.

I think Insight is at least as important here as Perception, since much of what Rilingfall and Jirus gathered is an emotion or aura. In particular, if my Insight roll is good, it might give some idea about whether there's a hostile intelligence at work locally, and could also serve as a baseline reading for any patterns that we might see as we adventure.

Possible modifiers: I only have a moment to sense anything, which probably applies a penalty. Roman is always open and not afraid of being hurt; I think it'd be appropriate to give a bonus to sensing, perhaps with a penalty of psychic damage!

Insight: [roll0]
Perception: [roll1]

[Meltheim]

Rilingfall -

The bird, enmeshed in Roman's net, is unlike anything the explorer has ever seen. The feathers are brightly colored and intricately patterned. You think that if the bird were startled in the wild, that the tailfeathers could spread at least 6 foot across, striking a startling pose. As you observe the bird, the bird seems to be observing you. It looks you in the eyes as it flutters its beautiful plumage in an effort to get free.

A high pitched voice fills the Eladrin's head [I]Get a load of this guy. Seriously? A net? This is not going to end well for me.

The feeling of something speaking inside your head is unnerving to say the least. Moments ago you had never thought such a thing to be possible, or at least only heard about it in children's stories aboard The Mother's Star. Now apparently both the menacing fungus and this bird have tried to contact you without making a sound.

The bird continues to struggle before giving up, apparently frustrated. The long tail feathers appear to soften and unruffle in response. You could swear it was glaring at you.

[Meltheim]

Roman - [Ilifar]

Roman, a scholar, understands that light requires dark, and that there are many places in the world that are older than memory. However, none of that rational logic prepared him for this.

As Roman takes the familiar step that usually leads him into a jaunt through the Feywild, he is suddenly gripped with pure panic and terror.

A dark, feral jungle surrounds Roman and there exists a feeling of thousands of unblinking eyes looking upon him, as if unseen predators were watching his steps through their domain. The air, thick and heavy, appears to exert itself bodily upon Roman. The smell of blood is present, but so is the sense of desperation and urgency. The only sounds, however, are those of Roman's breathing and his boots crunching on the dirt.

When considering Rilingfall's account, as well as the paladin's mention of an ancient primal power, Roman believes he may be able to wrap his head a little further around what is going on.

Stepping out of the Feywild feels almost like being reborn. The village of Ilifar is cool and light and refreshing, and the sun overhead is not oppressive.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Rilingfall takes a step back in surprise that a bird is talking Psionics? Shapeshifter?
He then turns toward the others trying not to be overwhelmed by the fact that in less than 24 hours he had saved passengers of a sinking ship, fought giant fungi, discovered a horrible prescence in his home plane, and now helped capture a talking bird. He clears his throat before speaking.
Everyone? I don't mean to alarm anybody but I think the bird is talking.. or telepathing or something

[Meltheim]

All -

As if in response to Rilingfall's revelation, the bird's voice fills your minds with the sound [I]Caw caw, chirp chirp, meow me ... chirp chirp

Jirus turns toward the bird, tilting his head at an awkward angle as if he was listening to something intently. He then lets out a sound that Hallowhiem would recognize as the closest thing owlbears can make to a laugh. The netted bird then goes quiet, shifting its gaze to the place where Roman suddenly appears from the Feywild.

[Dimers]

Roman

"My goddess! What ... what astonishment! Intelligence, hostile ..." Roman's commentary peters out as he sees his companions looking oddly at the bright bird. "I missed something. Rilingfall, what were you saying as I stepped through?"

Once he's been updated, Roman will try his arcane best ('give it the old college try', if you will) to 'speak' at the bird mentally. He has had only limited experience with mindspeech, but does know enough to try formulating concepts instead of words, to help remove language barriers. He sends, approximately, We did not get information that you had sentience! We apologize for treating you as if you were mindless. Were the fungus people friendly to you?

If either is necessary:
Arcana to attempt to use a mental connection with a telepathic creature: [roll0]
Diplomacy as a general guideline for politeness of speech: [roll1]

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Upon hearing a sound in his mind, he scans the forest for elves or gnomes, before realizing the mental sounds are coming from the netted avian. Even more peculiar is Jirus' reaction, laughing at this strange creature. Can it be that Jirus can understand the bird at some level we are missing? He quickly wracks his brain for any mention of psychic abilities among birds that he heard from the local hunters. He knew the bird was precious, but he had no idea why until now. He had assumed it was the natural plumage.

A series of rolls.
Arcana on the bird [roll0]
Diplomacy for stories hunters told him [roll1]
History of his time on this continent [roll2]
Nature on the bird [roll3]

[Shular]

Throk

Throk is confused. "I'm confused. The bird chirped. Okay, it seemed to chirp inside my head, which IS really strange. But this is a strange place, and I'm sure we'll see stranger things. Wouldn't a bird that chirps in your head be worth a lot of money? I can think of a few people who'd pay good gold for something like that back home."

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Rilingfall turns to Throk
I believe that the chirping was a ruse created by the bird to divert our attention away from its being able to talk
Suddenly he realizes how stupid that would sound out of context.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk looks at Rilingfall with disbelief. "Why? 'Cause you heard voices in your head? Maybe you just breathed in a little too much mushroom. Haw haw!" He seems amused at his own little joke.

He calms as he thinks further about it. "Y'know, a bird that talks in your head would be worth a LOT more than a bird that chirps in your head. Maybe I'll believe you after all."

[Meltheim]

All - [Ilifar]

Despite the collective attention of the party and Roman's directed attempts at communication, the bird sits still and does not make any additional sounds that anyone can perceive. However, the bird does appear to have an intelligence about it, with the way that it looks at the different people around it and the way that its foot subtly tries to work at the knot on the net. Nonetheless, the bird does not appear to have any more interest in communicating.

From their collective observations and knowledge, the party knows that this is a highly prized bird among the Oauhmu. Moloch recalls that hunters who catch this bird are highly regarded, and that the bird is often given as a gift for significant events, such as namedays, weddings and the like. The bird is an ideal pet due to its beautiful plumage and generally docile nature.

Neither Moloch nor Hallowhiem have ever heard anything about this bird being able to communicate with people, either vocally or telepathically.

[Dimers]

Roman

The intellectual eladrin abruptly says, "I don't think it would serve us well to linger here. There could be more danger lurking, and in addition, we need to return to the colony for several reasons. I'll make some quick magical studies; in the meantime, you all might want to look for other hints of what happened and collect edibles. Oh, and the bird's bonds might need more attention."

Roman concentrates to feel for the presence of magic, then proceeds to use some very strange materials in a quick magic ritual that portrays a small piece of the landscape on a heavy sheet of paper. Finally, he collects some material from the underside of the mushroom sovereign's cap, putting it into the bag that had held the supplies the colony had provided. "That should do for me." He then re-checks the bird.

IIRC from previous ret-conned posts, the attempt to detect magic was good and yielded no information, and the photo was decent, effectively a Perception value of 24.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

With concern for the group, and this telepathic bird, Hallowhiem mutters a quick oath, "You who attacked us unprovoked, you perversion of nature, I cast you out!" he thrusts his blade forward, summoning the magic from within himself and channelling it through this marvelous magical blade once again.

Curse Guard
Echoing Dirge, Attack Guard [roll0]
Attack Swarm [roll1]
Damage [roll2] plus [roll3] for curse.

Edit: Ouch! Swarm pushed to L14.

The swarm crumbles under this assault, but in trying to target two enemies without hurting his companion any further, his primary attack fails to find its mark. Hallowhiem is beginning to get frustrated, between his failures to drive back this perversion of his god's nature, this menace in the Feywild, and his inability to recall anything useful about this exotic bird, it's all becoming a bit much. He squeezes the leather pommel of his magical weapon, wishing he could be better. His grandfather would have done better!

[Shular]

Throk

Throk watches the other man attack the dead fungus, shrugs, and says "uhh, I know I'm not exactly a people person, but shouldn't we tell the town bosses that this village was attacked by mushrooms and everyone's either dead or run away?"

[Meltheim]

All - [Ilifar]

The sky begins to darken as a few clouds roll in from the coast. The warmth of the sun has faded slightly, and the overall look of the area is getting gloomy. To those who have lived by the coast before, this type of weather change is rather typical. To those used to living inland, this rapid change might be surprising.

In any event, as the first few raindrops start to fall, the netted bird begins ruffling its feathers in frustration as it recognizes the eventuality of getting soaked.

[Dimers]

Roman

"I quite co-- er, you're right, Throk. I expect if there's anything else to be found out, it will require a trained investigator. Let's make haste back to the settlement."

As the party prepares to leave, Roman shares his lack of information from the magic scan. Seeing one more chance to discover something useful, he asks Moloch in Eladrin, "Please let your hunter's eye tell us of any sign of travelers when we leave this place." He then translates for Throk. The warrior seems confused already -- no sense exacerbating the condition with language problems.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Eyeing the bird Rilingfall remains sure that it had talked, he wonders how he could coax it into repeating it
Casually he turns to Hallowheim and speaks a little louder than normal as they walk I don't see what the big deal with this bird is. I mean it's feathers look rather gaudy to me, and it certainly can't possibly do anything useful. And by the gods it's call is just obnoxious. What do you suppose this Amethyst lady wants for it anyway, a hat?
He looks to see if he has provoked a reaction from the Avian
Not sure if this would count as a bluff check or just roleplaying, I'll roll one just in case [roll0]

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem moves to the fountain, and pulling the glove of his right hand, and dips it into the water. He moves his fingers in small circles, stretching out with his senses, trying to detect if the water was a cause of the contamination, or was the effect of it. Once he finishes, he flicks the water droplets off his fingertips, and places the glove firmly back on his hand. He turns to the half-orc, and inquires "What did you see in those homes? Any sign of the inhabitants? Perhaps they escaped by boat?"

Hallow him waits for his muscled companion's response, he draws a dagger from his hip sheathe, and holding the edge of his cloak in his spare hand, he cuts away a corner section. A few stabs and slices latter, he creates a passable hood for the bird, based off of what he had seen the locals place on the heads of their hunting birds. "I'm uncertain exactly what the lady wants with this creature, I haven't personally met the Lady. Some of the natives also possess keen psychic abilities, perhaps they enjoy a pet they can talk with, so to speak. Or maybe they just enjoy the feathers, and something that can fake their language, akin to how bird back home mimic some of or songs."

He walks over to the netted bird, and gently slips the hood over the birds head. He whispers as he does this, "If you choose to continue behaving like a dumb bird, then we shall treat you as such. But decide to speak into my mind again, and I will see what I can do.

Jirus, come here boy! I need you to help carry something special." Hallowhiem takes the netted bird, and places it on Jirus' back. The owl ear had acted as a beast of burden on a few occasions, mostly helping to haul equipment for Hallowhiem to distribute. Hopefully, given the laugh Jirus had emitted earlier, he would not mind carrying this very unusual bird.

Nature check on fountain [roll0]
Arcana check on fountain [roll1]

[Meltheim]

Ravian -

The bird eyes Ravian and his conversation with Hallowhiem.
[I]The Lady? The bird communicates with such ease it is as if your own thoughts have merely taken on the affectation of a squawking pitch.
The bird's eyes then shift to Hallowhiem, tracking his movements. If possible, the eyes appear to roll a little.
Who is this guy? "Some of the natives possess keen psychic abilities . . ." I mean seriously?
As Hallowhiem fits the bird with the hood, the bird's head whips back and forth in protest.
Hey, General Frostspear, get this guy to chew on some of those leaves over there, please. I beg you.
Finally, as the bird is placed on Jirus' back, he calms down and sits quiet and still.

*******

Hallowhiem -

The water shimmers oddly in the light, but you are not sure if it is something inherent with the water, or if it is simply the spores and scum on the surface. The scum on the surface is truly only surface deep, and fresh clean water lies just a few inches below.
You think to yourself [I]this water would probably be very refreshing to drink, especially after this battle with all of the Myconids. Even though I didn't do much and my pet did all the work anyway, except that guy with the glowing hair totally flung fungi around like it was going out of style. Hahah, flung fungi flung fungi fung flungi. Oh wait... yes, the water looks cool and refreshing to you, and you should probably drink it. I mean I should probably drink it. Also, my breath smells. And I should probably let that beautiful bird go. I mean, he hasn't done anything wrong. He's probably super intelligent and can mimic more than just songs and is just really embarassed that he got caught by some stupid Feyladrin. I should also give him some bread too, because he looks hungry.

[Meltheim]

All - [Road to Terenuri]

The party finishes gathering the rest of their materials, spores samples, illustrations and the like, and gets ready for the return journey. With mushrooms in hand and a bird netted, Roman seems anxious to hit the road. Every few minutes he fey steps from spot to spot, and each time he encounters the same dark, feverish nightmare of a jungle that seems ancient and predatory.

Feel free to abstract a little and describe what you would like to do on the way back to the colony. We're in RP mode until you get back.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk shakes his head at his companions' preoccupation with the animal. "It's just a bird" he mutters to himself. As they walk back to the colony, he does his best to keep his eyes on the trees, not wanting to be ambushed by any of the verge.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Eyeing the leaves that the bird mentioned, Rilingfall takes a couple samples and sees if he can identify them through his botanical studies
Nature check: [roll0]

Edit:
he shakes his head, then turns to Hallowheim and calls:
Hallowheim? Could you take a look at these leaves? I think they may be poisonous but I'm not sure.

[Dimers]

Roman

As the party walks back toward the settlement, Roman shares what little he learns from his several skips and opines how unlikely it is that the phenomenon would have gone unnoticed in town. In between, he chats up Moloch about local biota and asks about the lay of the land. "These bushes and scrubs are similar to what you'd find near Lake Argune back home, which is surprising because the soil is so different there ..." He talks cheerily for the most part, though he's more serious for a short time after each fey step.

Near the end of the walk, Roman holds up his left hand, looking through the magical orb into the bright sky. "This bauble seems to be giving me nearly unlimited energy," he comments. "I feel like I've hardly walked a step today."

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

"Certainly, I don't mind. I'd much rather we test things without getting sick. Some of the local flora, like the fauna, have unusual properties. I do remember the hunters around the settlement mentioning them..."

Nature [roll0]

[Meltheim]

All - [Road to Terenuri]

Hallowhiem gathers a few of the leaves and gives them a sniff - the subtle hint of mint tickles his nose.

The motley crew of adventurers continues their journey back toward the settlement, their eyes having been opened by the unlikely attack at the . . . hands . . . of some fungi. The trip back to the settlement is relatively uneventful, though that doesn't stop a few of the party members from cautiously stepping around any menacing trees or bushes.

The bird strapped to Jirus back appears to have gone to sleep, though Rilingfall continues to think that he hears the bird talking to him. After about an hour of walking, the edges of the settlement appear up ahead. It is now early afternoon, and the party should get back into town with just enough time to clean themselves up before the feast.

(my next RP post will be probably 12 hours from now, so if anyone wants to do anything else before getting in to town just let me know)

[Meltheim]

All - [Outside Terenuri]

Rounding the final bend, the party has managed the return trip relatively unscathed. Other than a few splashes of mud from the intermittent rainfall and a general road-weary look to them, they arrive at the pickets outside Terenuri with mushrooms and bird in tow. Just on the other side of the gates, guards have begun some sort of parade drills - no doubt meant to impress the emissaries from the Exilarchy of Amethyst when they arrive later.

"Hal!" shouts the guard from earlier, "made it back alright have ye? Anything interesting up there? Nothing but frogs and crickets to keep us company here. Anyway, I'm off now. Are you on duty tonight?"

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

"That's up to Fargem, isn't it!" He returns the shout jovially. "Actually I do have some company. Ilifar has been attacked, some fungal infection, spurned by something that appears to be residing in the Feywild. I think it would be wise to have some magi, clerics, and maybe some of the Lady's people take another look at it! Also, we caught one of the birds that she likes, maybe Lord Teren can give it to her! Not that she's likely to take kindly to this one." he mutters that last part, before guiding his group through the main gates.

Turning to Roman, he asks "Any chance you've got a quick spell you can cast, make us a little more presentable? I'm sure Fargem is going to want me looking nice so I can sweettalk our new Lord for more influence, and if I can speak to him, I may be able to get you some answers about the Feywild."

[Dimers]

Roman

"Well, I've cleaned us up as best I could, Squire," Roman responds genially. "If you've a hankering for a different color to your hair or tunic, I can help out with that. And I could give you a fanfare or a hint of celestial choir when you meet Teren, if you don't think that would be over-the-top. Here, take the limning with you when you go. It should help convey the scene we found." He hands Hallowhiem the stiff parchment with the magical drawing.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk is bothered by Hallowheim's just shouting out the whole business about Ilifar to a guard. "When you learn something, tell only the boss and let him decide what to do," he thinks. It was one of the first lessons he'd learned when he joined the business.

At the comments about appearances, he looks down at himself. Some mud and blood here and there, somewhat washed away by the rain. "I've looked worse," he shrugs to himself.

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri]

"Well . . . uh . . . you'd better get going then. Don't let me keep you. See you tonight?" the guard shouts, giving Hallowhiem and the rest of the party a wide berth. The puzzlement on his face is obvious, and a perceptive individual would see him making a face of confusion and amusement toward one of the other guards.

As the party makes their way through the pickets and into the town proper, they see that much progress has been made in preparing for the evening's festivities. Gertie's door is wide open as patrons of all shapes and sizes, even some of the natives, or "Oauhmu" aas Moloch corrected, can be seen helping out. Some have large animals that resemble an Anduri pig (though a bit larger and with tusks) turning on spits, while others have baskets of strange fruit and vegetables.

Tents have been arranged just off of the center of town, giving a small appearance of an actual urban environment. Children play in the "streets" and adults do chores outside. Dozens of clotheslines have been strung up as those who cannot afford prestidigitation work to wash out the soot and salt from the horrific crash landing of yesterday.

In the distance, the silhouette of two large ships frame a view of the vast, open ocean. A view that would be beautiful, had it not been marred by the wrecked hull of The Mother's Star.

With the sun heading toward the horizon, and night ready to fall in a short while, the party has some time to themselves before the feast begins.

[Dimers]

Roman

Roman spends his time restlessly. After checking whether he would be needed for reporting on Ilifar's state (as expected, Fargem is far too busy with feast prep to take any action opening that can of worms), he goes to inquire after the welfare of the young halfling girl he had towed to shore during the catastrophe. In between stops in that process, he mingles, chatting up Oahmu in reconfigured Eladrin, helping with small tasks, saying hello to shipmates and sailors and learning how the town-to-be is shaping up.

The wizard seems to have no desire to go "home", a tent that holds only a few of his belongings and none of his heart. I do wish there were more to my home than a location number and tent color. I suppose that will come in time as I build a new life here, though, he muses.

[Meltheim]

Roman - [Terenuri]

While the Eladrin scholar makes his rounds, inquiring about this and that, Gertie, the innkeeper, suddenly accosts him. "You! My mushrooms? I expected you all back an hour ago! Instead I find you wandering about? I need to get started on the soup if it will be ready in time for tonight. Please tell me you were able to get some!"

She seems pleasant enough, and not truly upset, just stressed. This is her first big night and she's in charge of providing food for the entire event.

[Dimers]

Roman

"My apologies, madame innkeep. I'd assumed Hal would bring them by after reporting on the rather odd incident during the patrol. Perhaps he was delayed by delivering the, ah, diplomatic package we acquired. At any rate, the edibles are rolled up in my pack --" At Gertie's look of surprise, he explains to her, "The bag you provided was put to use in a more crucial way. I'll tell you about it some time when you're not busy, if that ever happens here ... For now, I'll bring the mushrooms right to your pot in a moment. They were plentiful, not hard to find at all." As Roman heads out to fetch the tasty fungus, he shakes his head, smiling at how ridiculous it would sound to someone who hadn't been there.

[Meltheim]

Roman - [Terenuri]

"Thank you my dear boy. Sorry to be so harsh - I am just flustered about tonight!" Gertie leads Roman back into the kitchens where several large pots bubble with various roots and tubers, many that Roman had never seen before. "Now, what was that about edibles? Did you pick poisonous mushrooms as well? I've heard that Lasaad uses those sometimes - dries them out, grinds them up, that sort of thing. Never been my cup of tea . . . oh, I don't recommend making tea with them! But apparently he is quite fond of them for medicinal purposes. If you want him, he can be found out back around the corner, with the other Academs in their tents."

With that, Gertie sighs heavily, wipes her hands on her apron and says, "Alright, enough chit chat for now. I have to get back to work! Thank you again for your help." She feels around in her apron for a moment and pulls out a small bag, "Oh, and here's this for your troubles. Hazard pay and all. Be sure to share it mind you!"

Gertie has given you a small bag with 250 gp in it.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Realizing that he had not found the time to sketch the colony itself, Rilingfall sets himself down near a vantage point in the settlement and begins sketching a general layout. He prided himself for his skills, knowing that being able to draw this amazing new land was just as important as surviving in it.

[Meltheim]

Rilingfall - [Terenuri]

Up on his hillside, the Eladrin explorer has an excellent view of the burgeoning settlement. He notices many things that, in the madness from their arrival, he had not seen before. To the south there is a small graveyard with far too many fresh graves for his liking. Near there are rows of small tents where most of the population lives, at least those who actually have tents.

Toward the center of the settlement Rilingfall sees a monument, Gertie's inn, a stable, a smithy, and a few buildings where merchants have set up shop. A few caravans to the north indicate that some travellers must have recently arrived by land, while the large pavillions to the northwest reveal where Lord Teren and his court are living.

Rilingfall watches as many of the settlers, mostly human and dwarven, run about their business, completely unaware of the horrors lurking in the Feywild, or even those that lie just up the coast. Roman is apparently manhandled by the innkeeper and dragged inside for a moment, before returning just as quickly with a small leather pouch in his hand and a wide grin on his face.

Long tables, some even fashioned from boat wreckage, have been set up in the middle of town and settlers rush back and forth with mismatched chairs and benches, trying to set the stage for the evening's feast.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Having found that Fargem was not prepared to deal with his new issues in Ilifar, being too busy with the finishing touches of the night's celebration, he leaves the unique bird with him, warning him about the tricks the bird had displayed earlier.

Hallowhiem walks through the camp, seeing all the tents raised, and regretting not having had more time to get proper lodgings built. Making his way through the center, he notes the monument that had been erected, and stops to look at it, with the ship it commemorates in the background. He thinks back to the events of his first time putting his boots on this strange soil.

He pats Jirus on the head, and draws from his bag some food Gertie had given them. He breaks some off for Jirus, and nibbles on his part. Had it only been seven months since he first met Jirus, who was so small at the time? Hallowhiem took a moment to remember those that died in the past year, the original Jirus, a fellow Paladin, and a good friend. It had seemed right somehow to name this owlbear in his honor.

His thoughts drifted to the second party that he explored that area with, and a particular Oauhm warrior, who had a strong connection to nature. He had helped Hallowhiem find and tame the small feathered cub, and taught him some important lessons about Terenuri.

With that particular individual in mind, he turned from the monument, and searched the camp for that particular individual, hoping to be able to ask him about some of the things that he had seen this day.

[Meltheim]

Moloch - [Terenuri]

Moloch was glad to be back at the settlement and away from the strange mushrooms, but he was still rather uncomfortable around all of these people, so odd in their habits. There was a reason that he often kept to himself. Nonetheless, Moloch saw that there were some trappers tents and a tannery on the west side of the settlement, and went to investigate.

Perhaps he could find a nice life as a trapper, slowly easing into this town. He had made some friends in his trip up the coast, but wasn't quite ready for the kinds of adventures they seemed to be interested in.


-----------------
Hallowhiem - [Terenuri]

"Hal! Did you see her?" A young halfling shouts after the paladin while he looks upon the monument. "She's beautiful! Not like the Eladrin . . . there is something more wild about her. Not to wild for old Lasaad though, if you catch my drift" the halfling said through a mouthful of chuckles

Lasaad was one of many who had found his unique skill set to be of great use. As a student at the academy, Lasaad much preferred drinking to spell craft, and eventually dropped out to run the family brewery. He had not even intended to be part of the original expedition, and probably wouldn't have, had he not passed out in a cider barrel the night before the supplies were loaded onto the ships. Since arriving in Terenuri, the halfling had somehow managed to combine what knowledge he had of the arcane with his penchant for distilling spirits and a smidgen of local herb lore, and had almost single handedly invented something he called alchemy, or as he explained, "alcohol and chemistry, kind of a good fit, right?"

"I was just brewing up some tonics for tonight, you know how Fargem loves his bubble brews, and I saw her retinue leading her to Lord Teren's tents. Oh she's amazing. Pointed ears and all, but a catlike grace I've never seen before. Did you get that bird for her? Are you presenting it, or is Fargem going to take the credit like usual?"

[Shular]

Throk

Throk wanders the settlement rather aimlessly, not sure what he should be doing. He looks around for anything interesting, or maybe anyone playing a game of chance. When it comes to gambling, the less skill involved, the better he tends to do.

[Meltheim]

Throk - [Terenuri]

Throk's experience tells him exactly where he can find the kind of fun he's looking for. After a minute or two of wandering, he easily finds a few off-duty soldiers hanging out behind the tavern playing dice on an empty cider barrel.

After exchanging a few head nods and some grunts, Throk examines the game. It looked simple enough to him - throw two dice and try to get certain combinations. No skill required, just plain dumb luck. The small bit of coin in Throk's pockets could go a long way with a few lucky tosses.

After one of the soldiers has a bad few throws, he grumbles to himself and remarks to the others, "Alright guys, we gotta get back on patrol. Old Flamebeard'll have our hides if we screw up tonight." One of the other soldiers chuckles in response, "Fine, go then. We already got last week's pay out of you" while the other says "and two weeks of latrine duty!" The two of them have a good laugh together while the soldier stalks off, obviously frustrated.

"Don't just stand there, have a toss! 5 silver bid, best of three takes it." The soldier goes on to explain the different combinations while the other counts his winnings. The three of them each grab their dice, put their gold down and throw. The soldier's dice both come up snake-eyes, while Throk gets double-sixes.

Throk chuckles to himself and takes his winnings. The soldier's mutter their frustration and reach for their purses, obviously wanting their money back. This continues for a good 20 minutes before they both decide they really ought to get back on patrol. As Throk scoops his silver into his purse, the sun sets and a crier shouts for everyone to gather at the center of town.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

"Yes Lasaad, I've seen the Lady before. All these elves are wilder than our Eladrin, but you are right, she is something else, something, more. But I'd wager that even with your most potent tonics she'd still be more than a match for even you.

I did get one of those special birds for her, but I gave it to Fargem. Official channels and whatnot. Besides, I'm not looking for glory for catching a simple bird. Let Fargem take the credit. It'll make him happy, and when he's happy, good things come my way."

Hallowhiem eyes the halfing, trading jokes with him. He finds it odd that the new Lord of this land choose to reside in a simple tent, but if this was the kind of example he was setting, then that bode well for the colony. Perhaps he would help reduce the red tape that had bogged things down. He made a mental note to try and drop by sometime, preferably while he had some work from Fargem in hand. He'd made Fargem into a proverbial golden goose with that, eh, rainbow bird, and if he could mask his intent in Fargem's tasks, all the better. With a thought, he asks the young companion a question.

"Hey Lasaad, I just got back from Ilifar. While I was there, I ran into some fairly unusual mushrooms, the like I've never seen before. I was wondering, would you be willing to lend me your skilled eye? I wonder if your alchemy might give you some insight into them."

Diplomacy to get Lasaad to check the mushroom swarm [roll0]
Arcana check to explain what Hallowhiem knows [roll1]
Nature check to explain what Hallowhiem knows [roll2]

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
While he was satisfied with his sketch, Rilingfall was dissatisfied with the current state of the colony. It was difficult to believe that in a few years this was all that had been accomplished. While he was not Erathisian he knew that without a solid place to start, new explorers and adventurers would be at a disadvantage on this new world. He hoped that perhaps lord Teren's prescence would help whip this place into shape.

Looking out over the colony Rilingfall sees the crowd gathering for the feast, he packs up his journal and heads out to the grounds.

[Meltheim]

All – [Terenuri]

The voice of the crier rings throughout the settlement, pulling people from their tents, their business and their conversations to all gather at the center square. The monument to those who died in the first voyage stands tall above the crowd – a chilling reminder of the cost of this expedition.

A stage of sorts has been erected at one end of the square, while rows of tables, benches and chairs provide ample seating for all. There is a bounty of fruits and vegetables the likes many have not seen before, all provided by the untamed landscape of Terenuri. Additionally, there are large carving stations with beasts and birds of all sizes, as well as several dozen platters with brightly colored fish and buckets of clams, mussels and other shelled creatures. It looks as if many have emptied their stores in preparation for this feast. Oauhmu and Terenurii alike spread throughout the square, making sure everybody has a place at the table.

The crier calls for all to take seats, and the murmuring conversation dims to almost near silence. Fargeme emerges from a tent near the side, walking past the party. With him is the bird from earlier, still hooded with the bit of leather from Hallowhiem. As the bird walks past, it turns its head toward Roman. “Hey bookworm, can you hear me? If so . . . GET ME OUT OF HERE NOW!” it screams into the wizard’s mind. Fargem continues to make his way up toward the stage, the bird tucked firmly under his arm.

As the dwarf walks out onto the stage, he waves his hands for everyone to settle down. He clears his throat and, still holding the bird, addresses everyone gathered. “Welcome one and all to this most wonderful occasion, whereupon Lord Teren formally receives Lady Visenia’s gift of the land we have all enjoyed this past year. This region of Oauhm, as it is called by those who lived here first, shall officially be dedicated as Terenuri following tonight’s ceremony. And now, if you please, Lord Teren!”

A small chorus of Humans, Dwarves and Eladrin seated off to the side of the stage takes to their feet. On Fargem’s command, they begin to sing the national anthem of Anduri while Lord Teren and a half dozen of his guards in their lacquered armor emerge from a nearby pavilion and ascend the stair of the stage, their steps in perfect cadence with the battle hymn of an anthem.

Anduri! Anduri!
Cherished land of valiant sons,
We are ready to give our heart and life for you.
All of us can give our blood for you.
Live happily with your three-colored banner.
Live happily with your three-colored banner.
Thousands of souls were sacrificed for you.
Your chest became a battlefield.
Soldiers who deprived themselves of their lives,
Each of them became a hero.
May you become a flourishing garden.
We are ready to give our heart and soul for you.
A thousand and one endearments are in my heart.
And uphold your honor.
To raise your banner,
And uphold your honor,
All the youth are eager.
Cherished land, cherished land.
Anduri! Anduri!
Anduri! Anduri!

With the final shouts of “Anduri! Anduri!” Lord Teren waves his hands and thanks the chorus, who retake their seats. “Thank you all for coming tonight. It makes me so proud to see you all here, Elf and Eladrin, Tiefling and Human, Dwarf, Gnome and Halfling, Peaceborn, Warborn and the rest. You are what truly makes our nation great, and it is my honor to stand here to represent you as we make our way through the darker parts of the world. There will be plenty of time to talk of our lofty goals here in this new nation of Terenuri, but for now, let us welcome the Amethyst Lady, the magnificent and beautiful Lady Visenia!”

With his words, a group of elves clad in long flowing cloth and leather colored in blues, greens and browns emerge from a tent on the opposite side of the stage. Their voices raised in sweet song as well, though the language is that of their homeland, and not clear to many gathered. The Oauhmu at the feast join in the song, startling many of the Terenurii.

Sun, sweat, verdure, and sea,
Centuries of pain and hope;
This is the land of our ancestors.
Fruit of our hands,
Of the flower of our blood:
This is our beloved country.

Long live our glorious country!
The banner of our struggle
Has fluttered in the skies.
Forward, against the foreign yoke!
We are going to build
Peace and progress
In our immortal country!
Peace and progress
In our immortal country!

Branches of the same trunk,
Eyes in the same light;
This is the force of our unity!
The sea and the land,
The dawn and the sun are singing
That our struggle has borne fruit!

As the song finishes, a singularly exquisite creature appears from the center of the elves, covered from head to toe in a shimmering robe of purple-hued fabric that seems to reflect the moonlight in swirls of color. Moving with a catlike grace, Lady Visenia takes the stage, offering her hand to Lord Teren as she ascends the steps. Her voice rings clear like sweet honey, “Thank you all. Please be seated.”

Fargem waddles over to her with the bird in his hands bowing, “For you, my Lady. A gift from Lord Teren.” The bird struggles slightly in the dwarf’s grasp as Roman’s head pounds, “NOT HER NOT HER HELP ME HELP ME” with the creature’s inaudible cries. The Lady kneels down to kiss the dwarf on the forehead while two of the Lady’s attendants swiftly step up to accept the bird, bowing graciously before retreating to the side of the stage with the rest of her escort.

The Lady continues, “I know that many of you have worked tirelessly today to provide such an excellent feast, so I will not delay you much further. Our peoples will spend much time together in the coming months and I hope that we can truly learn from each other and strengthen our nations together. As allies, we can accomplish much in Oauhm. For now, however, let us eat!”

With that, several of Lord Teren’s people raise their arms high into the air as a fireworks display appears overhead. The Lord and Lady take their seats as servers take the stage. Music starts up from somewhere in the distance and people begin to load up their plates with food, finally able to relax and enjoy their time in this new land.

Everyone please make a perception check or an insight check - your choice. This includes you, Arillius :smallbiggrin:

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Seeing the party begin, Hallowhiem begins his own celebration. Joining in the line for food, he made small talk with those around. He smiled when the bird was mentioned, and how please Fargem looked. There were numerous benefits to having a boss happy with you, and Hallowhiem planned to take advantage of several of them. He glanced around the gathered group, recalling the names and brief history he had with many of the people. If this was going to truly be a joint venture between these two nations, then his services were going to be needed. His diplomatic skills, with both pen and sword, was certain to be needed, given some of the egos and tempers that he knew existed in both parties.

Looking around, he reminds himself that technically he was on duty for this shindig. He scans the mass of bodies again, looking for anything out of place that might require his attention.

Perception check [roll0]
I don't expect my roll will get anything, without a familiarity bonus. Trying a Diplomacy [roll1] to boost my Perception.

[Dimers]

“Hey bookworm, can you hear me? If so . . . GET ME OUT OF HERE NOW!” it screams into the wizard’s mind.

The wizard responds immediately with a mental Why? What's so wrong?. He tries to make it neutral, though it's probably emotionally tinged with annoyance at the bird's earlier shenanigans.

Insight: [roll0]

On alert from the day's strange activities, the continued threat of the Feywild, the beautiful bird's ugly reaction, and the newness of this entire life, Roman is keenly aware of nuances and hints among the bigwigs and the crowd.

[Arillius]

Ja'qar

He had been on a hunt when the ships had come in. It had been his plan to be there on their arrival, but the hunt had taken him further then he had anticipated and he may have gotten a little... over zealous. But Ja'qar was here now and was making up for lost time, carefully weaving his way through the crowd at the feast and learning as much as he could by simply listening. He was by no means a wallflower, nor could he have gone unnoticed long enough to be one anyway, but the events of the day were probably enough to keep most attention off him. Then again, aside from some less then typical armor, he didn't exactly seem that out of place.

Aside from his eyes, the cold bluish gray eyes that seemed to carry far to much weight to them, Ja'qar appeared to be a scruffy human. His hair was a dark color akin to ink, his mannerisms polite, if nothing else, and his face clean and shaven. With all the other warriors about as well, his weapons were hardly the most interesting abound either.

Still he did his best to remain unobtrusive, taking a seat near to the back and doing his best to appear normal. All the while he kept his gaze sweeping across the crowd and his ears focused on the conversations around him, listening for anything of import.

When the dwarf goes onto the stage Ja'qar turns the majority of his attention in that direction, only sparing a glance this way and that every once in a while. His words bother Ja'qar just a little, but he's not entirely sure why. Perhaps the idea of someone simply being granted land for just showing up was a bit odd to him. Or perhaps it was the change in names. Terenuri.

Before he could think on that further the Lord steps onto the stage with his retinue, the music matching his stride perfectly. It drew Ja'qars attention just as it surely did anyone elses. The lords words were no more comforting then the dwarfs and Ja'qar suddenly wondered why this man was supposed to represent his people. He understood the lord was the son of an important leader from his home land, he had heard that much in the last few weeks.

So much to take in for such a simple warrior as Ja'qar. He took a deep breath to calm himself and simply listen. Even amongst his people, Ja'qar was not really of any importance. He had little say in what happened with this lord. He would simply try and full fill the request of the spirits and for now that meant watching.

When the Amethyst Lady was introduced even Ja'qar had trouble not staring, though the odd movements of a strange bird in the hands of the dwarf drew some of his attention.

OOC
Perception Roll [roll0]


With the lord and lady seated Ja'qar returns his attention to the happenings of those around him. The large crowd does little to hamper his acute senses and very few things go unnoticed by those cold, predatory eyes.

[Meltheim]

Ja'qar - [Terenuri]

The lean barbarian's eyes scans the crowd, trying to pick out familiar faces or identify potential threats - such is the life of a predator. Out of the corner of his eye, in one of the trees, he notices the slightest glimmer of light - something reflecting the sparkles that the Lord's people fired into the sky. Upon turning his head, Ja'qar spots what appeared to be an archer nestled in a tree, arrow knocked and aimed directly at the Lady Visenia.

Ja'qar only has few seconds to respond before the entire feast erupts into chaos.

Skill Challenge!

Ja'qar gets to go first, since his perception caused him to notice the archer. The rest of you can go in whatever order you choose, but only after all 5 of you go will you be allowed to take a 2nd turn.


Goal is to stop Lady Visenia from being assassinated
DC to beat is 17 (a natural 1 is always a fail)
Complexity is 10 successes vs 3 failures

Remember that you can choose any skill on your turn, but you cannot choose a skill that was used by the person before you, and you cannot choose the same skill 2 turns in a row.

Also, you can choose to use an action point to reroll a failure. You each have 1 action point.

[Arillius]

Ja'qar

"Archers! In the trees!" Ja'qar shouted, his voice deep and booming. Hopefully it was enough to get someone's attention, for he was to busy taking action to really focus on the cry of alarm.

The shifter's hands blurred to his belt as he tore off two odd and somewhat dangerous looking hooks that, on closer inspection in a less frantic time, would be easily recognizable as climbing hooks. The first five to ten feet was not Ja'qar climbing so much as bounding up the tree, his moment, skill, and adrenaline carrying higher then any man should be able to go without the use of his hands. That came only seconds later as he hooked the climbing claws onto the branch the Archer had perched on and pulled himself up with ease. Neither the weight of his weapons or the weight of his armor seemed to matter to him as this simple yet savage man with the predator's eyes defied gravity.

It was the shifter's intent to place himself between the assassin and his targets, taking the arrow if the fool let go of the string. He hoped, perhaps, to at the very least unsettle the hidden foe, maybe shake his balance even as he himself just finished pulling himself up in what seemed like a minute but was probably only a few seconds. If he could, he would knock the man out of the tree all together and fall down with him, landing ontop of him hopefully. He would settle for being in the way of the arrow though.

Still working on the post, but so I know what I'm working with roll wise...

Athletics [roll0]

(+12 normal, +2 climbers kit)

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri]

Ja'qar's speed and strength work together to propel him through the crowd and up the tree. The archer glances up as the barbarian howls the alarm, and just barely gets his shot off in time. His aim goes wide, however, as the limb he was balancing on shakes violently with the force of Ja'qar's climbing. Ja'qar now balances in the branches with the archer, who draws a knife and turns to face his aggressor.

The rest of the party sees the scene unfold before them, and is able to spring into action while the crowd erupts into panic and chaos.

Success!

9 more successes remaining
3 failures remaining

[Dimers]

Roman

Understanding the threat quickly and seeing that the arrow had been aimed at the elf queen, Roman jumps up onto his table and starts chanting a spell. If I wanted to assassinate a queen, I wouldn't work alone, he thinks to himself. And if I were planning to use bows to accomplish the deed, I'd place my cohorts there ... and there ... and I would find this most annoying, he finishes. The grey-eyed wizard animates Lady Visenia's table, directing it upright and sending dishes cascading away. He then lifts the tablecloth with an incorporeal hand and sends the table and the cloth dancing around the Lady, keeping a distance of about five feet from her body.

Insight roll to guess where shots might come from and how to foil them with cover/concealment: [roll0]

Roman can maintain both mage hand and simple animation indefinitely, using two moves and a minor each round.

The unpredictable movement and the obscuring effect of flapping cloth are certain to foil archers' plans.

Roman shouts in a clear high voice, "Check for more foes behind the western tents!" Not certain where his recent companions might be, he simply tries to pierce the confusion with sheer volume. Perhaps they can take a larger role in this chaos than he has, actually finding and dealing with other attackers rather than simply making attacks more difficult.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Seeing the ruckus caused by the feral looking main swinging grappling hooks, and spying Roman appearing to cast some sort of spell, Hallowhiem watches as the loosed arrow flys towards the Royal Table. He turns and dashes a short distance, before uttering a familiar spell, raising his shield as his very being fades from reality. Behind the animated table and cloth, he reappears, still hazy from his jaunt across dimensions. He stands firm before the Lady's and Lord's chairs, looking for any more incoming attacks.

"Forgive my intrusion my Lord, Lady. I am Hallowhiem, Paladin of Corellon, it was I that acquired the bird Fargem delivered this night. I am here to protect you." He speaks as clearly as he can, in a calm voice to try and portray his resolve, and to keep them from running in alarm where he couldn't protect them.

Diplomacy to ease the royal party [roll0]

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri]

Roman's intuition proves accurate, and the flying plates are met with a "ping ping crash" as they manage to deflect three more arrows, sending porcelain and silver scattering all about. The tablecloth swirls around the Lord and Lady, providing them some concealment from any attackers, but also limiting their ability to see what is happening around them.

Hallowhiem charges between the tables and reappears atop the stage. Unfortunately he is mistaken for another attacker, and one of Lord Teren's dovrahiim, the Deathwatchers, draws his sword in a blur and buffets the paladin off the stage. The other guards take position, drawing their swords to defend against any other attempts on Lord Teren's life.

1 success for Roman, 1 fail for Hallowhiem.

8 more successes needed to win
2 more failures left to lose

Once Throk and Rilingfall have had a turn, Ja'qar, Roman and Hal can go again

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Hallowhiem falls off of the stage, landing in a crouched position, the metal of his left knee sinking into the freshly tilled soil of the fair grounds. He quickly takes his free hand, and placing it over the symbol of his god. Still hazy, surrounded by energy from the Feywild he had just brushed against in his jaunt through space, he whispers an earnest prayer to Corellon. Corellon, god of my forefathers, Lord of the Feywild, hear my prayer. The future of this colony is endangered tonight. Some unknown party attacks your majestic realm, while another strike force seeks to assassinate this Lord and Lady. I pray, give me the skill to find these attackers, that desire to mire this beautiful day with blooded steel. Beautiful patron of the fey, give me the power to save this day!

Still bowing, he calls out in a loud, clear voice, both with his mind and his throat, "BIRD!" Lacking a better name, he continues, "I was the one that captured you today! Now, I offer to free you, in exchange for your service! Fly high! And find those that wish to do the Lord and Lady harm, and relay that information to my allies! I will see to it that you are given the reverence you so righteously deserve! GO NOW!"

Religion [roll0]

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri]

The paladin's telepathic plea is effective, and the bird uses the confusion to its advantage, throwing off his hood and buffeting the guards with his wings. Soaring into the air above the crowd, the bird starts broadcasting the exact positions of the assassins to any receptive mind.

Alright, Hal was able to turn his failure into a success by using his action point. You all still have an action point, but Hal has spent his.

7 successes remaining
3 failures remaining

Still need Rilingfall and Throk to put in their actions.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk casually pulls out his crossbow, aims at one of the assassins, and fires. Without waiting to see the shot's effect, he loads another bolt and takes aim again, growling out "give up, or the next one will finish you!"

Intimidate: [roll0]

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Realizing that despite Hallowheim's efforts, the lady was still almost completely vulnerable, Rilingfall leaps up on the stage, taking a position in front of he lady to obscure the view of her. He calls to he other guards nearby Form a line! The lady must be protected at all costs!

Diplomancy check

((god diplomacy is not doing good for us))

Realizing that the guards were just as ready to take him out as Hallowheim, Rilingfall changes tactics I am not the enemy! Remember the attempt in the war against the Dragonborn empire? Prevent that from happening here!

Action Point to reroll, history check: [roll]1d20+8

[Ravian]

((reroll isn't working, trying it here. God I hate posting by smartphone))

History Check: [roll0]

[Arillius]

Ja'qar looks from the assassin on the branch before him to the branch itself. By luck or design he had ended up on the largest part of the branch, closer to the tree, and was thus the only thing between the Assassin and his escape. They were pretty high up to, Ja'qar judged, and a fall would be dangerous. He wasn't too keen on trying to fight an assassin in a tree branch, where one of his swings would easily send him reeling out of the tree, so instead he spent a precious second looking for the exact spot where the branch between him and the assassin was weakest.

OOC
[roll0] Perception Check

With a nod, having found said spot, he drew his smaller axe from the sash around his waste and gave the spot a good strong strike, most likely splitting the wood in one shot given his strength.

[Dimers]

Roman

The wizard laughs brightly, clearly enjoying himself despite the assassins and chaos. Quickly searching his mind for a way to optimize the movement of the table and cloth, he recalls an interesting crossover between the fields of thaumaturgy and mathematics that would help give his puppetry more focus. The calculations required are difficult, but possible to perform on-the-fly for two targets. And thanks to the pretty bird's intervention, Roman knows exactly where two might be found.

Arcana to recall an optimization formula: [roll0]

Whew! Good thing I picked the +14 skill!

The dancing table and cloth whirl toward two assassins who haven't yet been addressed, reacting just in time to their attempts to dodge around and fire upon their target. Harder than I thought ... I need a refresher course, thinks Roman. I'm getting the job done, though. The movement away from the elf queen also allows her bodyguards more freedom to act than simply by interposing themselves.

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri]

Throk's crossbow bolt barely misses the assassin, but the intent is clear. The would-be killer drops from the tree to the ground, arms raised in surrender.

Near the stage, Rilingfall charges amid the whirling table setting and anxious guards to try and calm down and focus their defenses. Unfortunately he shares the same fate as Hallowhiem and is quickly buffetted back. After a few quick words and a reminder of past folly, the guards acquiesce, and direct their attention to the assassins once more.

On the other side of the square, Ja'qar's keen eyes spot a weakness in the tree limb that he quickly severs, dropping said limb and its assassin crashing to the ground. The barbarian quickly follows, dropping down safely just a few feet away.

With two assassins revealed and several more in the trees, Roman sets his skills toward using the bird's information in a more productive fashion. Plates fly like porcelain missiles, striking and concussing two more snipers, dropping them to the ground.

3 successes left
3 failures left

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Seeing the literal bird's eye view in his mind, Hallowhiem draws his bejeweled blade from its scabbard, and using the images in his mind overlaid with the vision from his own eyes, he focuses on a cluster of assassians approaching on foot, trying to blend in with the panicking crowd. Hallowhiem points the tip of the blade at the ruffians as he stands, the movement making his cape blow in the wind, striking a very daunting pose. He bellows "HOLD FAST!" Channeling his arcane might into his attack, he projects a mass of blue and gold energ, flowing from his extended hand, coursing over the long metal blade, and firing it in a swirling, angry, vortex at the shifting band.

Bluff [roll0]

Edit: The sheer power behind the attack overwhelms the vagabonds. They certainly wouldn't be making any headway towards attacking the royalty anytime soon.

[Meltheim]

All - Terenuri

With a majority of the assassins either unconscious, being subdued by plates or being set upon by swirling blue and gold sparks, the attack looks all but thwarted. The two guards flanking the Lady Visenia do their best to escort her off the stage to safety, when suddenly she cries out in pain, a dagger blossoming in her side. The traitor guard screams "FOR THE EMPIRE" before hurling himself at the remaining guards, hoping to take a few down with him.

2 successes or 3 failures left until the challenge is over. Rilingfall and Throk left to go this round.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk is reluctant to leave his prisoner, but with the new threat he quickly changes direction, rushing the stage. Realizing he still has his crossbow in his hands, he throws it at the traitor, to distract him, when he gets close then barrels full speed into him grabbing his arms as he does so to prevent the use of weapons. He uses his weight and momentum to take both of them off the stage and away from the elf queen.

Athletics to tackle and drive back the guard (think football).
[roll0]

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri]

The half-orc's hurled crossbow momentarily distracts the elf, who is then plowed over by the warrior's momentum. Throk hears a solid *crunch* of the traitor's shoulder dislocating as they hit the ground.

The Lady Visenia falls to the ground, clutching her side.

1 success or 3 failures to finish.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Watching the lady fall to the ground Rilingfall rushes to her side Please don't be dead, sweet Avandra please don't be dead he quickly looks over the elf's form for any injury or sign of what could have caused her distress
Heal check [roll0]

((ooc: Yes!!!!!! I knew blowing on the screen would help :smallbiggrin:))

[Meltheim]

Rilingfall – [Terenuri]

The warlord dashes across the stage toward the fallen Elf queen. His mind racing, he quickly rips of a strip of cloth from his coat and draws the dagger from her side, causing a lot of blood to spill forth. With a practiced hand, he staunches the wound, binding it in place with his belt. After a moment of struggle, Lady Visenia appears to calm down, her breathing steady, the bleeding considerably slowed.

The next few seconds seem to take days as Rilingfall’s perception of time is stretched out. He feels himself being dragged back off of the lady, his arms put in cuffs as he is thrown face down on the ground. Clerics descend upon the lady, their divine healing doing a much more elegant job of keeping her alive than the Eladrin’s crude bandage.

A moment passes before everything fades to black.

All – [Terenuri]

The last assassin falls and each of you feel a sense of triumph, knowing that you were able to stand your ground and use your quick wits to avoid unnecessary loss of life. A scream grabs your attention as you spin around to see Rilingfall crouched over the Lady Visenia, a bloody dagger in his hands. He is thrown to the ground by Lord Teren's dovrahiim and dragged away. The clerics from the Church of Pelor move quickly to heal the Elf queen and although she looks shaky, it appears she will live.

Fargem announces that everyone should go back to their homes for the night, and apologizes for the disaster that has happened. Guests of Terenuri can stay in the inn, where they will be provided a room and food for the night. Deathwatch guards grab the assassins and cart them off to a makeshift prison – the same place they took Rilingfall just moments before.

You each return to your rooms, you can’t help but wonder what a mad, mad scheme you have gotten yourself into by coming to this colony. Perhaps the morning will bring more answers.

Rilingfall – [Terenuri]
Rilingfall wakes in a makeshift prison, watched over by two of Lord Teren’s black lacquered guards. A voice from an unseen individual rouses him, bringing a horrible throbbing pain to his jaw. “Get those restraints off of him at once!” The guards open the door and make quick work of removing the chains. “My apologies, fair feyladrin.” The voice is smooth and soft, and comes from a most beautiful elf maiden dressed in the deepest violet – a color that oddly matches Rilingfall’s eyes. “My Lady sent me here to get you. Yes yes, she lives. She is doing quite well, thanks to you and your quick thinking.” She beckons for Rilingfall to stand and follow her. “We’ve got much to talk about. Let’s get going.”

All – [Terenuri]

As you wake, you have difficulty believing the events of the night before. Heading to the inn for breakfast, you hope that you can get some answers.

You can use this opportunity to move around the town, try to find Rilingfall, try to learn who that barbarian/who those people are, etc. I’ll post something again later today when I’m done with meetings :)

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
((OOC:I assume we go by spoilers since the rest of the party isn't here))
Rilingfall steadies himself and his aching head, he gives a silent prayer to Avandra Blessed sweet lady, I thank you for my fortune. slowly he straightens himself and gets a clear look at the Elf maiden before him A second and third thanks, my lady he smiles at the maiden and adjusts his hair with the pretense of rubbing his aching head. Thank all the powers that be for that my lady. he says to her I was only performing my duty, but I'm glad to see a beautiful face after a night of dull pain. he begins following the elf, giving a slight look and smile at the guards as he exits the cage.

[Arillius]

Ja'qar

Ja'qar decides to spend his time trying to track down the trail of the assassin he had downed. He moves around the tree, trying to catch the man's scent or find his passage in hopes that he could follow it and learn more. This attempt on the Lady's life was a serious event. Perhaps it was even the reason he was supposed to be here. Because off these thoughts the barbarian didn't seem to realize that he might have done anything noteworthy for the village and didn't bother returning to it. The people who had been there for a year would likely at least know of him, but given his reserved nature around them they might not know much. It would be a bit hard to find once he found the tracks, unless someone was determined to find him.

OOC
Perception [roll0]
Wild Senses (Roll perception twice while tracking, pick best) [roll1]

Ja'qar, perhaps because of his fathers teachings, perhaps because of some innate skill, or perhaps because of dumb luck, manages to do exactly what would be required of him to find such an elusive trail. If the assassin's tracks are not able to be found after his near perfect scouring of the area, then it would likely be impossible for Ja'qar to track the guy at all.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Given the events of the previous night, Hallowhiem managed to get Jirus to prowl around the outpost gates, looking for a sign of how the attackers got into the colony, while he himself used his position within the colony bureaucracy to try and find the same answers. He made sure that he discussed everything he had seen with Fargem, and gotten the same from his boss, so that he'd be better able to work through what happened.

One had yelled "For the Empire!" and given the late nature of that declaration, it was unlikely for it to have been a false lead. Somebody within the empire wanted the Lady dead, someone rich enough to hire all those assassins or charismatic enough to convince them to undertake a likely suicidal endeavor, but most telling, powerful enough to get a traitor unto the stage posing as a bodyguard. Which implied that all the extras could have been a misdirect, or this mystery backer had made sure to cover all his bases, and the faux guard had been an insurance plan, explaining why he had waited until the others failed. Perhaps he would have greater insight into the plan behind this attempted coup. Either way, before he spoke to the prisoners themselves, he'd try and read the results of any preliminary interrogation, as well as compare to any notes he had in his office about them.

Then there was the matter of the bird. He wasn't adept with the arts of the mind like some of the natives were, but he'd learned some. He certainly couldn't make another hear his thoughts, but he could make it a lot easier for any that was listening. After the conflict, and with the magnificent bird's aid, he had helped the guards round up all the assassins. He had made sure to project a clear sense of gratitude, and a mental image of foods and other luxuries that he thought the bird may enjoy to fulfill his oath.

Having stayed up late contemplating matters, he managed to finally catch some sleep. Upon waking, he glanced over his notes again, looking at his map of the colony, trying to see if, based off the locations that the assassins had used, if he could gather any insight on where they came from, or if there were any spots that might help him identify where someone that didn't want to be in the crossfire might have been. It would be helpful to help narrow things down even further to finding the culprit behind this.

Shaking his head, he donned his battle-marked armor once again. He sheathed his cleaned daggers, both the longsword his grandfather gave him and the new bejeweled one he had received from Fargem, and strapped his heavy shield across his back. He didn't expect to have to face any fighting before breakfast, but it was best to be prepared. Deciding to be novel, he walked out of his small room, past his office, and down the stairs, leaving his building and heading for breakfast. He smiled at some children he saw playing by, and was comforted that things could return to normal so quickly. Other villages waved at him, and he in return, as life in Terenuri continued. He made a special note to try and find either Lasaad and finish his conversation from eariler, or some soldiers that had been guarding the prison, to see if he could learn more about the attackers.

Nature to command Jirus to find something [roll0]
Diplomacy on Fargem to try and get every detail he could. [roll1]
Streetwise? for searching through his files for info on rich, charismatic, powerful imperial people. [roll2]
Diplomacy on the bird to get it to stick with him. [roll3]
Nature for what the bird would like. [roll4]
Insight for determining a "safe zone" in the assassin positions. [roll5]
Streetwise? for searching through his files for info on people that he had seen gathered up the night before. [roll6]

[Dimers]

Roman

Roman spends some time helping to clean up (first checking with the guard captain to ensure he's not interfering with investigation work). Broken dishes, broken arrows and broken tree limbs he can help with -- broken hearts will take much longer. How many townsfolk slain in tonight's attack? he wonders. Following the disaster at sea, like two birds flying south to escape winter. Will there be more death tomorrow, and the next day, and the next? And while Roman's physical endurance seems primal in its longevity, his mind is becoming worn. Not since his thesis year at the academy has he been required to control so much magical energy in so short a time.

His aid to the colony accomplished, Roman retires to a tent on a wooded hilltop. He indulges in a long trance -- a full six hours, far more than an eladrin needs -- with the hope that the morning will show him clearer skies and clearer purpose. So many people needing love and aid ...

[Meltheim]

Roman - [Terenuri]
"Ahem" a small voice says, as a throat is cleared most delicately and politely as possible.

An elf stands outside Roman's tent, adorned in the deepest, richest grey the eladrin had ever seen. "Master Roman, is it? My Lady would like to speak with you. That was some display you put on last night - are you available for parties?" She chuckled slightly to herself before putting her smile away. The laugh was small and musical, like chimes in a breeze.

Smoothing her skirts - the grey was like rippling granite, impossibly beautiful - she extends her arm to escort the wizard back down the hillside. "I apologise for the jest. Come on, this way. We mustn't delay my Lady any more than is possible. There have already been enough setbacks this trip."

Ja'qar - [Terenuri]
With his nose in the wind and his ears to the ground, it was a miracle that the barbarian did not sense the approaching elf. Lithe and well-toned, she radiated an energy not found among many of her kind. With catlike grace, she saunters toward Ja'qar. "Mighty lumberjack - appraising your work?"

She arches an eyebrow toward him - her smile revealing bright white teeth. Her shoulders were wrapped in an exquisite fox pelt, her skirts in a bleached bone white. Her hair and fingernails - black lacquered - only served to highlight the contrast. "The Amethyst Lady seeks an audience with the pup who fancies himself a wolf. You hunted her hunters, and now she hunts you. I lead, will you follow?" She turns, not waiting for an answer. Moving like a predator, she leads Ja'qar back toward the pavilion.

Hallowhiem - [Terenuri]
"I already told you lad, you don't have the clearance and you are not part of this investigation. I know you have the best of intentions, but it simply cannot do. Things are different since Lord Teren's arrival. I'm sorry, but my hands are tied, truly." Fargem's voice rings clearly, in Hallowhiem's ears. Fargem walks out of the room, leaving Hallowhiem alone with his thoughts. From the other room, the Paladin hears the dwarf start talking again, "Why yes, he's right through here. What's this about?"

Gliding through the doorway appears an armored elven guard, her hair shining in a golden radiance around her shoulders. Helmet tucked under her arm and bow riding over her shoulder, she gives Hallowhiem an appraising look. "Despite your attempts at bravery last night, it seems you have earned an audience with my Lady after all. Come with me soraahtor." She turns, securing her helm, and making for the exit. "Move it or lose it soraahtor, this might be your only chance." Fargem stands agape, gesturing his confusion toward the elf's back as she exits through the doorway. "What's this about? Hal, what did you do?"

Rilingfall - [Terenuri]
As Rilingfall walks with his rescuer, he notices how they avoid the major thoroughfare and instead slip through what passes for a back ally in this part of the world. His escort's violet dress ripples with her every movement, something which becomes increasingly apparent that she is all too aware of. "Not much longer, nothing to worry about." she says, over her shoulder, ducking another clothesline as they pick their way along the outer edges of the settlement. Finally they arrive at a large pavilion, clearly guarded by elves of the Exilarchy of Amethyst. "Well, no sense in delaying the inevitable." The elf smirks as she nudges Rilingfall forward toward the entrance.

[Shular]

Throk

As the excitement subsides, Throk sheaths swords he never realized he drew and that he hadn't had to use. He walks off towards his tent, deep (for him) in thought. "Why did I jump in like that?" he asks himself. "It wasn't really my business. They didn't even give me a reward."

Once he gets to his tent he decides to work out his confusion in the best way he knows how, with sword practice. He draws his sword, again admiring how easily (and magically) it splits into two. Blades in hands, he stands lightly and begins weaving his blades in a repeated pattern. As he visualizes his opponents' moves he adjusts his blades in response. He quickly loses himself in the routine, and doesn't notice the occasional passersby who stop momentarily to watch him.

[Arillius]

Ja'qar

Ja'qar was sure that, for just a moment, he had something. A scent that was illusive, yet tugging at the corner of his senses like an image in the corner of ones eye that disappears when you try to look completely at it, or a stray thought that vanishes the moment you try and concentrate. He was sure that he had finally pinned it down when a rich voice that carried a commanding tone with it he recognized, even if he had never heard the voice itself, readily interrupted him.

He almost immediately tensed and his reaction was to turn to face the new comer with his hand immediately going to the handle of his axe over his shoulder. However Ja'qar's hand stopped an inch away from the handle, not so much seeing as sensing the energy that the woman radiated. She appeared, at least to him, quite beautiful and quite deadly. Neither part of her made the other seem lesser. In fact, her beauty only seemed to accentuate her deadliness and vise versa.

Her appearance did nothing to settle the young 'pup' down. Neither did her words to be honest. He sensed, however, that moving his hand any closer to his weapon would be a mistake. Without replying he waited, just a heartbeat longer then any normal person would, to show that he wasn't afraid of a brawl before drawing his hand away from the handle of his axe. He relaxed, but only as much as he ever did, still quite ready to pounce if need be. It seemed, quite oddly, like his half of the conversation was all body language. Not only that, he seemed pretty good at it, showing that, like a predator meeting another he was not afraid while at the same time saying he was not looking for a fight. All the while he managed to appear like, if one did occur, he would be ready.

Her words only reaffirmed his understanding of the situation. Though it might have been for fun, he sensed a dangerous edge to the mention of being hunted. Not a threat, so much as a possibility. Ja'qar was by many standards, especially elves, young, so he took no offense to the word pup. The mention of the wolf almost, almost, surprised him until he recalled the fur on his chest. Of course, he was pretty sure that was not all she meant. He couldn't be certain though.

This young man was many things but rude wasn't one of them. He would have gone even if the elf's words did not call to him like the authoritative bark of a pack leader, even if her body language did not tug at some instinctual need to follow such a commanding personality. They did, and though he resisted in submitting by just following like the pup he was named he did so in an interesting way. By following while still remaining wary.

It's a bit hard to describe, but through his body language he let it be known that he was following because of the request and not because of that instinctual pull that the young man was willing to admit might have just as much to do with her beauty as it did her confident movements. He might not have been her equal, but he let it be known without a single word that she did not command him.

[Meltheim]

Throk - Terenuri
The rest of the evening is relatively uneventful for the Half-Orc, as he practices his sword play, calming himself and trying to work out exactly what happened during the feast. A few minutes later, a halfling pokes his head in with a large platter of food - leftovers from the feast. "Figured a fella like you might be hungry still. Can't let it go to waste, right?" and leaves it for Throk before bobbing his head and getting out of the way.

After some food and some fighting, not to mention the strange mushroom situation from earlier, Throk finds that sleep comes easily.

The next morning he hears scuffing boots and the tinkling of metal right outside his tent. An exquisite elf, wrapped in dark stained leathers, stands outside the tent flap. Her longbow reaches high above her head, and her hips glitter with blades of steel. After another look, it appears that her thighs and ankles also glitter. The well-armed elf kicks at the flap again, knocking the tray further into the tent. "You awake in there? Lady Visenia wants to see you. Seems your late-night heroics caught her eye." The elf's arm slips in the tent, offering a mug of dark coffee. "She's quite the generous one, if that's the type of thing that gets you up in the morning. Now come on, I haven't got all day."

[Dimers]

Roman


"Ahem" a small voice says, as a throat is cleared most delicately and politely as possible. An elf stands outside Roman's tent, adorned in the deepest, richest grey the eladrin had ever seen. "Master Roman, is it? My Lady would like to speak with you. That was some display you put on last night - are you available for parties?" She chuckled slightly to herself before putting her smile away.

"I'd be quite pleased to, miss!" Roman responds with a genuine smile. "I'd intended to do just that to supplement my income, but haven't had time to hang out my shingle yet. Good to know my reputation precedes me."


"I apologise for the jest. Come on, this way. We mustn't delay my Lady any more than is possible. There have already been enough setbacks this trip."

"I only want an apology if you don't follow through on the offer," Roman returns wryly. "A man has to make a living somehow. More seriously, though, what can you tell me of the troubles your Lady has faced recently?"

Diplomacy check to wheedle information out during the walk back: [roll0]

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem


Hallowhiem - [Terenuri]
"I already told you lad, you don't have the clearance and you are not part of this investigation. I know you have the best of intentions, but it simply cannot do. Things are different since Lord Teren's arrival. I'm sorry, but my hands are tied, truly." Fargem's voice rings clearly, in Hallowhiem's ears. Fargem walks out of the room, leaving Hallowhiem alone with his thoughts. From the other room, the Paladin hears the dwarf start talking again, "Why yes, he's right through here. What's this about?"

Gliding through the doorway appears an armored elven guard, her hair shining in a golden radiance around her shoulders. Helmet tucked under her arm and bow riding over her shoulder, she gives Hallowhiem an appraising look. "Despite your attempts at bravery last night, it seems you have earned an audience with my Lady after all. Come with me soraahtor." She turns, securing her helm, and making for the exit. "Move it or lose it soraahtor, this might be your only chance." Fargem stands agape, gesturing his confusion toward the elf's back as she exits through the doorway. "What's this about? Hal, what did you do?"

"As I tried to tell you boss, I helped save the queen, with that band you organized for me. Come to think of it, the Eladrin you gave that icy spear to, I didn't see him leave last night. Could you check in on him for me? It seems that my charm and bravery are being acknowledge by someone." Hallowhiem turns to the armored elven warrior, and clicking his heals together he bows to her. While it seems her impression of him was less that stellar, perhaps he could change her, and therefore her mistress' opinion. Rising, he continues, "I will follow you to your Queen. Lead on, though, if I may, I have a companion that I would like to accompany me, if that is acceptable, ma'am." He rested one hand on his bejeweled saber, the other finding a hold on his belt directly above another recent gift he'd received, and waited for the archer's response.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk eyes the cup suspicously but, not wanting to seem afraid in front of this soft-seeming creature, he takes it and swallows a large gulp. His eyes open wide as the caffeine hits his system, and quickly downs the rest of the cup. Fortunately it had cooled sufficiently that he did not burn his throat.

With that pick-me-up, he quickly gets into gear, grabs his belongings, and follows the unnamed elf.

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri]

The sun moves above the horizon, signaling the true start of day for many of the settlement's residents. While most of the tents and buildings are quiet, some are up and about, and shouting can already be heard from a dwarf in the distance.

Four elves swiftly glide across the settlement, charges in tow, as if drawn by some primal power to their queen's pavillion. The first to arrive are Roman and Ja'qar, obviously enamored by their guides. They acknowledge the other's presence but not much else. Then comes Hallowhiem, looking slightly confused but all the while intrigued. He nods to Roman and greets Ja'qar - a friend from hunts past. Throk makes his way in a few minutes later, looking nonchalant but wary, coffee mug in hand. Once the four have assembled, the curtain-like door to the pavilion parts, and they are led inside.

The large tent is dark, lit only by a few lamps that give off blue-green light that appear to move if one stares long enough. Two elves, dressed obviously as guards for the Exilarchy of Amethyst, flank a large chair. The chair itself is magnificent, and appears to have been carved, or better yet grown, out of a tree. The back of the chair reaches high, and near the top some actual leaves appear to still hold tight.

In the chair sits a large, lounging jungle cat, its fur nearly pitch black, but for a touch of deep violet. Its eyes glow an unsettling bright green as it surveys the guests with a predatory stare.

[Dimers]

"My," murmurs Roman. "Such presence! The mark of true nobility."

[Arillius]

Ja'qar, as he made his way through the small village with a new name he had forgotten already, ignored those there for the most part. That's not to say he didn't take notice of them, especially if any got closer to him, but he was uninterested in what they were doing. Most of his attention was on the woman before him, though not for the reason anyone who saw him would think. She was beautiful, yes, but he was not enamored by her presence. He was more wary then anything else. Ja'qar certainly respected anyone who could be so confident and who could, without any words, reveal how dangerous they were. He respected a fellow hunter who showed, by tracking him down with ease, that she was as skilled as she was dangerous. And yes, he admired her for her beauty. But all in all, she was like him in a very dangerous way. She was a predator and she was bringing him, another predator, to her territory.

So it was that when they arrived at the tent he was to busy watching both her and now his surroundings that he did not notice Roman's arrival. His eyes skimmed over the man as he scanned the area for threats, even if said threats were not directed at him. If the guide that led him here attempted to leave before he was let in, Ja'qar would do something peculiar, especially for a predator. He would tilt his head back just so, revealing the slightest bit of his neck to the woman. It was, in nature, the easiest way to get said neck taken apart. Amongst such intelligent hunters the incline could be taken in another way. A sign of vulnerability, much like a knight who kneeled or, in the case of the very shallow tilting such as this, bowed his head slightly. All in all it could be taken as a sign of respect and perhaps even a hint of trust, though it was probably far to shallow for the latter. That being said and as shallow as it was, Ja'qar held it long enough for her to see before returning his head back to it's normal position. He respected her and the 'pup' was not so young that respect for a potentially more skilled person had to come with jealousy.

Hallowheim's arrival gave Ja'qar a measure of comfort Roman's presence did not. He knew the man enough to know that Hallow was, at the very least, respectable. Ja'qar also knew the man had taken his lessons about nature to heart, as was evidenced by the man taking up the young Jirus. For Hallowheim, Ja'qar gave a nod of the head. It wasn't as deferential as tilting his head back to expose his neck just slightly was, and even that had been a small gesture considering he didn't tilt his head back very far, but amongst the people who did not think as he it was far more recognizable.

The young man was, perhaps as he always was, mostly silent, letting his body language speak for him. To any that observed him and knew enough about such things it wouldn't be too hard to tell that he was on edge, but not nervous, ready for danger but willing to accept it and deal with it if it came. Perhaps just the slightest hint of curiosity was shown through his glances toward the tent out of the corner of his eye.

When Throk arrive's Ja'qar is only given a moment to look before the tent was opens. His impression of the man was that he could handle himself, though the coffee cup raised an eyebrow.

Entering the tent Ja'qar immediately did what he always did in a new area. He took a quick look around and, after a few moments, breathed in the scents of the people and things around him. He searched the shadows, which were not nearly as dark for this hunter, for danger. He searched the guards for any sense of an impending fight. He even looked at the fires which danced so oddly. However as he did all of this he managed to keep the large panther in the corner of his eyes. Precautionary of course.

With the lay of the area firmly in mind he turned almost his full attention to the creature, careful as always to keep mind of the things that happened in the corner of his eyes. It was, to him, nearly as beautiful as the elf that led him here. Though for obvious reasons it wasn't a beauty that appealed to him in certain ways, it was perhaps quite telling about the hunter how many aspects of the two creatures he had found himself admiring this day overlapped. Strength, poise, confidence. His own silver eyes tinted with a hint of icy blue stared back into the predatory green eyes without fear, without flinching. It was perhaps the same exact way he had greeted the female elf that had found him. Wary acceptance of the large cat's existence, an understanding in his body language that he would not strike out, and a cautious resolve to be ready in case anything happened anyway.

Again he conveyed so much without a word.

OOC
Since you guys can't really 'hear' what he's saying since he isn't talking, perhaps an insight roll or something to see if you understand? What do you think Melth?

[Arillius]

OOC
Also
Perception [roll0]

[Shular]

Throk

When he arrives at the tent, Throk nods at the other, recognizing them from the trouble the night before. He gulps down the last few drops of the amazing restorative brew and follows the others into the tent.

His attention is immediately caught by the large animal on the big wooden chair, and, with a slight intake of breath, he drops his cup and reaches for his sword. Before he draws it, though, he realizes that nobody else is acting particularly concerned, and so relaxes slightly. He does not, however, remove his hand from the sword-hilt.

It's only then that he notices the beauty of the intricately carved wooden chair. "Hmm," he thinks, "wonder how much I could get for that on the black market." He dismisses the thought, seeing how cumbersome the chair would be when trying to sneak it off. And, of course, there's the damned cat that seems to like it. "Probably sheds all over it too."

[Meltheim]

All - [Lady Visenia's pavilion)

The large cat surveys the group, scenting each of them. There is a brief flicker of light from the rear of the large tent. One of the cat's ears turns suddenly to the side, as the cat smirks. Rilingfall comes from around behind the throne, his long hair brushed out, his clothes perfectly washed and his skin scrubbed clean. A small silver something glitters at his lapel in the odd blue-green lamplight as he makes his way to stand next to the others.

"Good, you are all here." a deep, sultry voice fills the room, coming from the direction of the cat. Ja'qar's body language betrays him as his stance becomes visibly more relaxed. The large cat shifts its bulk, then appears to melt into shadow. In its place is a gorgeous elf in dark, violet leathers. Faint spirals adorn her armor, and a delicate tiara nestles in her hair.

"I am Lady Visenia, known to many as the Amethyst Lady, and the ruler of the Exilarchy of Amethyst. I stand before you this morning thanks to your singular acts of heroism and bravery."

She turns her head, addressing each of them.

"I see you Ja'qar, and my people have always been proud to hunt with those of your pack. You are honorable and stubborn, traits that I appreciate in one who defends me. May the Primal Beast guide you to your enemies, and may the World Serpent watch over you.

I see you Throk, and I value your strength and ingenuity. Not many fight for a cause they do not believe in, let alone a cause they do not understand. I feel that there is likely more to you than the simple mercenary you claim to be.

I see you Roman, and I appreciate your creativity. Not all who are strong have strength of arms. Many are strong in spirit, or in mind. You have proven that you have both, where many have none. I value this, and I value your company.

I see you Hallowhiem, and my people take pride in seeing how far you have come, soraahtor. Your bonding with the owlbear is only the beginning. There is much more that you have to learn, if you are willing. I only wish that I had met you earlier.

I see you Rilingfall, and if not for you and ..." she turns her head toward one of the guards, as if trying to remember something, "Ahvandruh, I would not be here right now. For this, you have the blessing of the Primal Beast and the Exilarchy. You may roam freely in our lands, so long as you wear my mark."

The attendants from earlier enter the tent with small packages for each of the five men. "These are my gifts to you, but only if you are willing to accompany my people on our return to the Exilarchy. It is your choice to make. If you are interested, step forward and accept your gift."

[Dimers]

Roman

After just a moment searching for an appropriate eladrin word, Roman responds, "True Lady, excepting the brave hunter, we are pledged to serve Teren and the colony. Were I released from that bond, or instructed that I may serve Teren in such a way, I would be honored beyond words to accompany you."

What an opportunity! To meet so many elves! So much to discover. I do hope she already has the lord's permission.

[Arillius]

Ja'qar did relax though he wasn't quite sure why. Perhaps it was in meeting someone like him, at least somewhat, who could take the shape of a predator. Perhaps it was because he had seen something in those eyes, an intelligence, that had concerned him until she changed. Perhaps it was a combination of the two and of the fact that Ja'qar was nervous for a completely ordinary reason as well. He had never encountered someone of such high station before, save those of his own people, at least not face to face. The closest he had probably ever gotten was the night before. Learning that he had something in common with such an important person seemed to make them less of a mystery for Ja'qar.

Her words honor him a great deal, though Ja'qar thought he had managed to be rather polite instead of stubborn. Either way the young man knew it was a compliment and enjoyed receiving the compliment enough to reveal his young afe. He was, at the moment, quite relaxed. In fact he did something that revealed just how much he trusted the woman before him, though he had no conscious idea why.

When she offered the gift in return for his service he tilted his head back again, much like he had done outside. Only this time he left himself completely vulnerable for perhaps an entire second, his neck deeply exposed. The moment did not last, but it was as much a sign of submission to the woman as it was a sign of trust and respect. He did not know why he did this to be honest. Ja'qar was just slightly confused as he had all but pledged himself to the Lady with this gesture when he hardly knew her. But something he had seen in her, something those violet eyes had hinted at in her other form, beckoned for Ja'qar to do so. It seemed much like how the elf who had brought him here convinced him to follow, but stronger and for more insistent.

He stepped forward and, to his surprise and great relief, he felt the familiar presence of an old friend doing the same beside him. To be honest he didn't feel it until after his breath came out in a small frozen mist, one that everyone could see. It was as if the temperature around him alone had suddenly dropped to the point where such things could happen for the briefest of moments. But he did feel the presence after that. The creature that stood beside him that so few could see was his guide, his companion, and his closest friend. A spirit that had been with him since birth and taught him so much in life. A wolf with fur as white as winter's snow, eyes of blue as cold as the tundra's ice, and an ethereal appearance whose form seemed to be translucent; separate from the reality that all within the tent existed, yet still there nonetheless. The creature was gone a heartbeat later but Ja'qar was happy that his friend agreed with his decision. Relieved to. He had been a little nervous and knowing that he was not alone in the endeavor made it a great deal easier to accept what was happening.

For the first time in days and certainly for the first time in the presence of those around him, Ja'qar spoke. His voice was a deep, rich baritone that carried in it a grace that was similar, yet somehow different, then that of the elven people's speech. His words were surprisingly articulate for such a simple seeming person, bringing out a rather old blessing his mother had taught him in return for the one he had received. "Lady Visenia. May your eyes never fail and your aim be true. May you, with all it entails, catch all you pursue. May the spirits, one and all, watch over you." His voice had an almost musical quality to it that also carried with it something else. For those unused to the presence of a shifter, the hair on the nape of one's neck might stand on end or the sudden need to distance one's self from the person may spring to mind. The words themselves were simple and meant to be a blessing. Ja'qar did not recall how old his mother said they were unfortunately, having only recalled the words themselves because they rhymed.

Ja'qar wondered, for the briefest of moments, if he had surprised anyone with the words. And then, for the briefest of moments, he wondered where the Lady had learned his name.

[Shular]

Throk

As the cat changes into the lady elf, Throk sighs, releasing his swordhilt. "More magic," he thinks. "Still, it could be a usefull ability for sneaking around." When the lady speaks directly to him about people not fighting for something they don't understand, he barely restrains a chuckle...she'd obviously never grown up in the slums, where you didn't question your orders, as long as there was coin in it at the end.

The offer of the gift intrigues him. "Sure, I'll come," he says, stepping forward. "As bosses go, you'll do. And you're a damn sight prettier than my last one."

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

As he spies the powerful feline sitting in the engraved chair, he instantly suspects that things are not what they seem. His suspicions are confirmed moments later when the Queen of the Elves appears before him. For a moment his mind panics, before he recalls for certain seeing Fargem give the psychic bird to the Queen. At worst it was an aide or friend, and he had been polite to it in the end, which should count for something. Glad to see his old hunting companion, he listens intently to all that is said. After the colony was established, his skills quickly lost their luster, and while Fargem was a good dwarf, Hallowhiem was capable of much more. Hearing Roman express his desire, as well as seeing Rilingfall appear in such a good condition to almost appear to have gone native, his confidence was boosted by Ja'qar's blessing. The half orc was less generous, but it gave him an openning in these negotiations. Jokes were often a good opener.

"I'll try not to take that personally Throk, though I must agree. And Roman, if I recall correct, Rilingfall, Throk, and yourself have been assigned by the powers that be to assist me, and thus your service is not to our Lord's but it is to me. And my service is to Fargem, to help manage this colony and the needs of its people. With the arrival of the new beaurocrats, I feel certain that I will soon be relieved of that duty. What better a final mission for me in my current position than to escort our referred guest back to her home? More than supplies, this colony needs friends. I am honored by your offer to escort you back to your city. If I am permitted to speak with my master and inform him of what you ask, I am certain that I can pledge myself and these men to your service."

With his last sentence, he drops to his right knee, digging the metal plate into the earth, he draws the longest and most decorated dagger from his belt. A gift from his eladrin grandfather, it was designed to be a partner to the sword he channelled his arcane power through, a sword that could be a shield if his grandfather desired it to be. Once drawn, he held the blade in his right hand, placing the guard just past the gauntlet of his raised left arm, a sign that his blade was hers to use, and extending that metaphor to himself.

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
I don't recall mentioning lady Avandra to any of the elves... Rilingfall thinks before dismissing it, he had just watched an elf transform from a feline, and from what he knew of psionics, such feats as thought reading were a central part of the strange mind magic.
He is also plesently suprised upon hearing of his pin's signifigance, nothing could be a better reward for an explorer than opened doors and free passage through a land. He listens to her proposition, and knows that such a journey would bring him so much closer to learning about the Exilarchy and the Elves. Bowing low he addresses the Lady in a respectful tone It would be my honor, my lady, to accompany you on your journey. Let us hope that through acts such as these we may prove that the empire of Anduri and the Exilarchy can work together in harmony.

[Meltheim]

All - [Lady Visenia's pavilion]

"Excellent" the exiled queen begins, "please open your packages. They are simply the start of what I can offer you, if you should choose to support the Amethyst Throne."

Each of the attendants stands with a package for their respective party member.

The delicate elf in rich grey stands before Roman, holding a small brown package tied with green twine. As he unwraps it, he sees that it contains a most unusual sphere of interlocking branches less than a hand's span across. "This puzzle is to exercise your mind, and to help you remember that it is an invaluable tool, a dangerous weapon, and your most powerful defense. Understanding the puzzle is the first step to understanding yourself."
Mental Block
Level 4
Alternative Reward (Templar Brand)

Property
You gain resist 5 psychic and a +2 item bonus to saving throws against fear or charm effects.

Power - Daily (No Action)
Trigger: You are subject to a fear or charm effect.
Effect: You make a saving throw against the triggering effect. On a save, the effect ends.
The leather-clad elf with the longbow regards Throk with a smirk, then steps forward with a small box in her hand. As Throk opens the box, a small viper darts out, biting into the hide armor on his chest. "Hold still, it will just take a second." the elf says, her voice showing more care than her stance lets on. The small snake appears to flow into the animal skins, melding into his armor, and leaving a dark green spiral up the right side of his chest. A second spiral, in a matching pattern, emerges on the left side. "There, feel anything different now? The venom of this creature flows through your armor, giving you surges of power."
]Marauder's Armor +2
Level 7+
This heavy, fur-lined armor is favored by barbarian pirates who rush into the fray.

Armor: Leather or hide
Enhancement Bonus: AC

Property: When you charge, you gain a +1 bonus to AC until the end of your next turn.

Power (Healing) - Daily (Free Action)
Trigger: You hit with a charge attack.
Effect: You make a saving throw with a bonus equal to the armor's enhancement bonus, or you spend a healing surge and regain additional hit points equal to the armor's enhancement bonus.
Black-laquered fingernails slowly work at a knotted cord around a long, thin package. "I found this where you were playing at climbing trees like a young pup. It seemed like something you would want back." She hands him long, gleaming white tooth, set into an obsidian handle. "I hope my work is an improvement?"
Blood Fury Weapon +2
Level 8
Weapon: Hand Axe (off-hand, heavy thrown)

Enhancement: Attack rolls and Damage rolls
Critical: +2d8 damage, or +2d12 damage while you're bloodied

Power - Encounter (Minor Action)
You are considered bloodied for all purposes (including beneficial effects) until the end of your next turn.
"Soraahtor, this is less for you, and more for Jirus." The well-armored elf slides forward, her chain glinting in the blue-green lamplight. "Respect him and care for him, but do not try to tame him. Do this, and you will find your time easier in our lands." She hands Hallowhiem a medallion of green vines, worked into an intricate pattern.
Sigil of Companionship
Level 6
Companion (Jirus can wear this like a necklace, armband, etc.)

Property
When you flank an enemy with your companion, you and your companion gain a +1 item bonus to damage rolls against that enemy.
Visenia looks at the group, satisfied with their decisions. "You have the day to yourselves. We leave tomorrow. I suggest you gather whatever provisions you may need for the journey. I expect that it should take 4 or 5 days. Oh, my dear explorer, please come here." Lady Visenia pulls forth another small pin and affixes it to Rilingfall's other lapel. "Much better. Now you look like a proper emissary."
Eladrin Armor +1
Level 3
Armor: Chain
Enhancement Bonus: AC

Properties

Add 1 square to the maximum distance of any teleport you make
This armor has no speed or skill check penalties

Looking back to the rest of the group, she pauses for a moment, as if contemplating something. "Calundra has just informed me that you do not have much in the way of belongings, due to the shipwreck." She hands a small bag to Rilingfall "Do see to it that your friends have what they need. And remember, we leave tomorrow morning."

She then waves her hands dismissively as you are ushered back out of the tent.

In addition to the gear you have just received, you now have 750gp (as a group) to spend on whatever you may need. You can buy any mundane items you want, and there are certain consumables for sale at Gertie's Inn and at Lasaad's Brewery.

[Arillius]

Ja'qar looks from the Lady to the woman who had guided him to this tent. Her continued attempts to goad him into a reaction only serve to reaffirm his opinion about her. In the end he only gives the briefest of smiles to answer her question before reaching out to take hold of the handle. The moment he does something happens that he was not expecting. A chill sweeps up his arm and his blood begins to boil even as he begins to feel as if he were freezing. It was how he always felt when the 'change' began to over take him, when he was injured enough that instinct took over and he was forced into his strongest form to survive. He had only ever reached that point twice before in his life but it was not an experience he was likely to forget. Ja'qar could hear the wild power call to him, feel the thrill of the hunt coursing through his veins, and even see red as the blood of his ancestors sing with strength. His eyes, for the briefest of moments, begin to reflect far too much light for the dim area of the tent, the icy gray/blue corona's practically shining.

With a start he releases the handle before the change can overtake him, looking down at his hands to see if the change had truly begun to shape his form. When he sees no tufts of fur on the back of his hands, no elongated and razor sharp claws where his nails were, he looks back up to the huntress with a curious expression. Ja'qar had been right it seemed. She seemed to know what he was. More then that, she seemed to know more about that side of him then he did to create such an item.

Ja'qar takes a deep breath and reaches out to grasp the handle again. This time, as the instinctual feeling sweeps over him, he quickly forces it back down in a surprising show of willpower. He lifts the weapon up from thin package, careful to keep it pointed away from the huntress at all times, and inspects the item for a few moments. With an approving nod he carefully puts it, gleaming white tooth first, into his sash. The obsidian handle sticks out where it can be easily drawn. Ja'qar tightens his sash around his waist and looks up just in time to hear the Lady's words.

Until tomorrow morning. He had some time to prepare then. Perhaps one more hunt in the area for some food for the trip. He had plenty stored, but it never hurt to have one more. Admittedly, as Ja'qar was being ushered out, he was also thinking of what it might be like not to come back here, or to his own small camp nearby, for some time. This place wasn't his home, but it was the closest thing he had to one for over a year. And then...

He glanced back to the huntress who had escorted him here, curiosity in his eyes and in his stance. Ja'qar wondered briefly if she would have the inclination to join him on a hunt, perhaps give him a chance to show that even a pup can have some bite. His stance reflected this unspoken question, one that came off almost as a challenge to see if she could back her unspoken claim of superiority. She might think him young, stubborn, and perhaps even impetuous but Ja'qar didn't really care. He was, even if he did not know or realize it, mature enough to understand that she was entitled to her opinion and any words he might try and use were not likely to change her mind.

But if, instead, he managed to match her skills in a hunting contest while at the same time preparing for a trip, that was another matter entirely.

[Dimers]

Roman thanks Lady Visenia graciously before departing, addressing her with the foreign-sounding title he's heard others apply to her. Stepping down out of the pavilion, he shakes his head and thinks, The puzzle will prove simpler, I expect, than other issues to resolve. I don't understand ... the dichotomy ... between their generous treatment of us as honored guests and their implicit condescension. They don't quite seem to take us seriously. I wonder what it is they're expecting to see? I wonder what they do see.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

Keeping his bowed stance until the queen leaves, he rises, a bit of dirt sticking to his knee plate, and sheaths his grandfather's dagger. Hallowhiem straightens the various straps and harnesses wrapped around his armored frame. He acknowledges the elven women around him, before addressing his allies.

"Gentlemen, I believe that we have a great adventure before us. Barring you Ja'qar, you are all currently assigned by the powers that be to assist me. You've made it clear you each desire to escort Lady Visenia home, as do I. I believe I can arrange for this to be an official mission, and there is a possibility for greater rewards, for us, and this colony. Give me leave to speak with my boss, and I will do what I can to have us ready by the 'morrow."

"You are all welcome to come with me if you like, I have a few more stops around town before I lay me head down tonight. Good luck to us all, and may the gods, and spirits, watch over and bless us." Giving the last remark in regard to Ja'qar's beliefs, Hallowhiem clicks his heels as he bows, then taking his cloak in one arm, he whisks his way out of the tent. As much as he'd love to stay and examine the unusual flames that kept it lit, he did in fact have much to do.

As he had stated, his first priority was finding and reporting to Fargem. That dwarf was finally going to get rid of him. He'd been a good man to work for, and Hallowhiem hoped that the new pencil pushers didn't drive him mad. Fargem had a wonderful sense of humor, but it was dry, and his temper wasn't the longest. As usual he waved to those he knew in the colony, faces that over the last year had become engrained in his memory. Was he ready to leave them leave this place? Leave his home?

Yes he had already done it once, twice really, but the first time he was so young it barely counted anyway. He had left his kingdom when he journeyed to this land, but the home he found here was so much more than he'd ever anticipated. How close he had become to these people, after so many hardships. And now there were so many fresh faces, names he didn't know, stories he hadn't heard. A tinge of sadness flows through his body, but he shakes it off with renewed vigor as he approaches the front gate. JIRUS! he bellows joyously, and his furry feathered companion comes bounding around the colony walls, happy to see his metal friend. Hallowhiem scratches the special spot behind the ear tuffs before he slips the special gift he received from the magical queen around his companion's neck, and Jirus lets out a low rumbling "whooooooch" as they walk towards the building that he had worked and lived in for so long.

He opens the wooden door and walks up the familiar stairs for what may be the penultimate time, at least for a long time. He runs his fingers along the handrails, touching the various small holes he had whittled into the building. He enjoyed teasing Fargem, teleporting into rooms without any apparent line of sight. It had been fun, but it was time for that to come to an end. Reaching his office, he sits down in his chair, and spins into place, watching Jirus find his familiar spot, a large woven hay filled mat on the floor near his bed. Taking a deep breath, he picks up his favorite quill, and signs a few of the papers that had piled up on his desk. Another thing he hadn't expected was that he'd actually come to enjoy his job behind this desk. But he had dedicated himself to helping his colony family. And now, the best thing he could do to help his new family would take him far away from this place. Savoring the last breath at his desk, he calls out "Hey Fargem, do you have a minute? I've got a question I need to ask you."

[Dimers]

Roman

Outside the pavilion, Roman thinks quickly -- and aloud -- about how to prepare for the journey, a thoroughly unexpected change from the life he'd assumed he would find in Terenuri. "I seem to have become an adventurer!" he chuckles. "What does one need to be an escort for a foreign noble? Silly me for skipping that part in the history texts! Well, it's easy enough to break down, I suppose. Transportation will be provided; communication aids, while quite useful, will be far outside my budget ... hmmm ... Given her short staff, talented though they may be, it's possible we will be called on to protect her in combat, or be sent off on tasks to explore oddities seen at a distance --" And I have yet to ask local eladrin about our own oddity in the Feywild!

"First things first," he declares. "Processing those mushrooms into useful materiel will take time, so that needs to begin right away. I'll get a few choice ones from Hallowhiem, talk to this alchemist Lasaad fellow to acquire the necessary supplies, and set them to cooking." Roman strides toward the building where Hallowhiem works, having seen the plated hero head that direction shortly before.

Coming out of the light into the darkened wood office, Roman blinks for a moment before discerning Fargem's build behind a desk. "Ah, I'm glad I encountered you, Master Fargem," he says with an oratorial voice. Continuing more quietly to prevent unauthorized ears from overhearing volatile news, Roman says, "If this matter isn't for you to address, I'm sure you could tell me who to see. As Hallowhiem has no doubt conveyed already, Ilifar was in a state of disaster. It would be prudent for either the governor or the local elven lords to post guards there to prevent looting -- and to keep an eye out for more possible fungal danger." As Fargem opens his mouth to respond, Hallowhiem calls out from the next room, "Hey Fargem, do you have a minute? I've got a question I need to ask you." Then the mystic warrior strides into view.

"Sorry to interrupt myself, sir, but -- Hal, I need to pluck a few mushrooms from Gertie's bag shortly; I can turn their spores into something valuable." Roman then waits to listen to what Fargem and Hallowhiem were each going to say.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem

"Certainly Roman, here." He unties the bag that is hanging from his waist, and looks at the embroidery glow for a second in the palm of his hand. "Let Lasaad take a look at them, I'd bet his alchemy could do fun things with them, but once he's used what he needs, use the rest as you will. They may provide some clues to the matters we discovered in Ilifar. Tell folk I sent you, that should smooth your way a bit with, anyone that's been here for awhile that is." He holds out his hand, clearly intending for Roman to take the bag when he's ready, making a calculated guess that neither of them are the most dexterous of men, and making man bend over to catch something he dropped would serve no purpose.

Hand extended, he turns his attention to Fargem, and setting a smile to his lips, he begins. "Fargem, you've been a good dwarf to me this past year, taking me in here after my botched negotiations with the hostile elves when we first arrived. You've given me a purpose, and helped me find a home. For that, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart. But we both know that I wasn't meant to sit behind a desk, not yet at least. I have found a mission that may make better use of my skills, and allow me to better serve this colony than with this quill. Lady Visenia has requested that I, Roman, and the other two men you placed in my service, to escort her home. I sense that there is more to that request then meets the eye, and I request my leave to pursue this venture."

"After the attack on the Queen here, I can see a number of reasons for a representative to travel with her. A show of arms from the colony in her service will help to soothe thoughts that we are to blame for the attack, and that we will fight to continue the peace agreement between our two peoples. We don't have very much information about what lies beyond our colony on this continent that we haven't learned second hand, and if I go on this quest I can gather knowledge for Lord Teren. As we journey, I can find more resources for our people, and act as a forward ambassador, making trade deals with peoples we haven't met yet, providing more materials and more allies for the colony. And I can not stress the advantage of having someone from the colony being inside the Exilarchy of Amethyst, for expanding trade, strengthening our alliance, and for once giving us solid intel on what happens there so that we are no longer at the disadvantage when it comes to knowing what is happening on this land."

"And if from the Exilarchy of Amethyst we are sent deeper into the continent, imagine what I can bring to the colony. You know my skills in negotiations, and if I can help spread Lord Teren's power with word instead of sword, we both know things will be easier for our people. A conquered group rebells while a converted people helps. Corellon bless me, if I can spread worship of the gods to these people, that alone would be a great success. Nature is my god's domain, and the power of nature is something they understand. If I'm also graces with his skill, I will be able to show the Oauhm the power and majesty of our gods, and our leaders, and bring them to our ways by desiring to follow the model we portray."

"The Queen leaves in the morrow, and I intend to accompany her when she leaves with the men you gave me. I'm not certain I could stop them if I tried. This is a tremendous opportunity for Terenuri. A chance for me to do the work I originally came here to do. With the new paper pushers freshly arrived you don't need my hand on a quill anymore. Allow me to serve as I am best, out there in the wilderness, where this Paladin can best serve the needs of this colony."

His eyes are kind and soft, memories of this past year floating through his mind, and the impassioned speech more potent than he imagined it would be, given how little time he had to compose it. He knew what he was asking, but he also knew that the benefits to this venture far outweighed the risked, and he was sure that Fargem would see that as well. He was a smart dwarf, after all.

[Arillius]

Ja'qar

Ja'qar was left to his own devices for the night it seemed. That was just as well, he needed to prepare for the journey and what he was going to do to prepare was, for the most part, something other people would not be able to assist with. It would require time and patience. Before he ventured into the nearby woods though he made sure to acquire a few items he could not make on his own. The first was a length of rope. One never knew when one needed rope, but always having it made sure you were prepared. The next item on his list was a canteen, which was followed by some thread and a sewing needle, both high grade and made for working leather, a backpack and finally a moderately sized bag of salt.

With the mundane items in hand he gave a nod to the last merchant he 'spoke' with, having said very little, and ventured toward his camp at a leisurely pace. As always he was wary and cautious, his eyes briefly scanning around him to make sure he was not being followed. He had managed to, for some time, keep the location of his camp hidden from the majority of the people in the town. It was not entirely because of his instinctual nature for a safe place to rest either. He did not want anyone walking in on him during one of his change's. Such a thing would cause a mess to be sure.

With that in mind, if he did spot such a person, he intended to lead anyone following him on a false trail, but the nights and mornings events kept calling to his mind and he continually found himself back on the trail to his camp. In the end he would give up, stop moving, and settle in to wait until the person following him stopped. If they did not leave after about an hour he would raise his hand to cover what he was about to do and try and give the perfect imitation of a wolf howling. Thankfully it would take a trained ear to tell the difference, given the fact that Ja'qar had personal experience howling like a wolf. It happened often enough around these parts and he hoped it would scare away any of the curious.

When he finally reached the 'path' that lead to his camp Ja'qar lowered himself to the ground and began to take in the scents around him. He wanted to make sure someone hadn't visited the area while he was away. If he found nothing he would follow the path, which wasn't a path so much as the way to his camp with the smallest amount of brush, and move in slowly. One hand casually held the bundle that was the reward for his small amount of time shopping while the other reached for the handle of the axe peeking over his shoulder. Ja'qar, again, took in the scent of the area and looked around carefully.

All of this checking for followers and what-not might seem paranoid, but other people were not Ja'qar's only concern. Every once in a while an animal would make the mistake of venturing into his camp and, although he was very careful where his food stuff lay twenty yards away in a tree, one never knew what could be waiting for them. The growing population of the town made this even less likely, but Ja'qar was not as rash as his fighting style lead people to believe.

When he was sure he was safe Ja'qar went over to his tent and placed the bundle within. He gave one last look around just to be sure before lowering himself to the ground. He stood there on all fours for and took a deep breath inward. As he released it, his breath fell upon the earth in a chilled mist, the dirt taking on a thin layer of frost wherever it touched the ground. His muscles tightened and the skin on his body rippled. Before more of his transformation could be witnessed his form melts into a white mist, a direct contrast to the shadow of the queens transformation.

The mist dissipated quickly and in it's place stood a white wolf, bigger then any dog and obviously in peak physical condition. It's fur was like snow and he a solitary flake in this forest of green. His paws cracked the thin layer of frost that now resided beneath the entirety of the wolf in an almost perfect circle, his claws actually breaking through it to the rich soil beneath. The wolf raised it's head and took in the scents around him, much as Ja'qar had done. This time however the figure got a great deal more for his efforts. What Ja'qar's ancestry and training let him take in was nothing compared to what this form could sense. It was like being blind to a world of fascinating smells that were just barely hinted at to a humans nose.

Without a sound, for he was silent even in this form, the wolf vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving nothing but a thin layer of quickly melting frost in it's place.

OOC
Perception - checking for someone following him [roll0]
Perception - looking for tracks or scent near his camp for anyone who might have entered [roll1] and the second roll since he's looking for tracks or scent [roll2]
Perception - in his camp, same as above [roll3] and [roll4]

Finally to the next part, which I'll write after I see the rolls.

Perception - For hunting. Looking for small game trails. [roll5] and a second roll since it's looking for tracks. [roll6]

As for the gold for those items, basically an adventurer's kit. Aside for the price of the salt, which I can't find, it comes out to 15 gold.

The call of the hunt, the song of the wild, the voice of nature and all that resided in it. That was what Ja'qar heard whenever he changed forms. Whether it was his ancestral form, a mix between wolf and human, or this one, the song always sang loudest when he changed. Right know it was a rising crescendo of drums and the call of nature. They beat mercilessly at his ear as he raced through the brush of the forest searching for prey. His mind was to far lost to realize that the drumming sound he heard was really the excited beating of his heart, the call of nature birds in the distance singing.

Between his forms sense of smell and his own skill at tracking finding the trail left by a rabbit that had been foraging was more then simple, taking barely a few minutes. Following it was just as simple so Ja'qar did not bother to slow down, instead racing toward his prey. He was a white blur amongst the trees, the light of the sun reflecting off of his coat in such a way as to make the beast appear almost ethereal as he raced through the woods.

When he finally came across the field the rabbit had moved to he stopped and surveyed the land. His prey lay before him, a rather plump looking creature nearing it's burrow. He almost leaped out it right there but something tugged at the back of his mind, a scent that told him there was more then meets the eye here. Ja'qar moved closer, careful to keep himself down wind and watchful of the ground beneath his feet so he did not step on a twig and accidentally alert the creature to his presence. He didn't get to close but he didn't need to either. He saw what his nose had known ten feet back. More rabbits were within the burrow, all lazily coming out to greet the plump one. At first he was thrilled by the movement of fur, but Ja'qar quickly realized that the creatures were a great deal smaller then an adult. The rabbit had been foraging for what appeared to be newborns. They were young enough at least that they remained within the burrow to avoid detection from any bird flying over head.

There was no hesitation now, no waiting and no thinking. Ja'qar turned away from the burrow and left to find other prey. It was only natural that a predator would see more food, but Ja'qar never forgot that he was not just a regular wolf, even when the song so relentlessly called to him as it did now. They were only animals, but they were part of what made this forest beautiful. He could find other game easily, so he did just that.

[Meltheim]

Hallowhiem & Roman - [Fargem's Office - Terenuri]

"What's all this?" the dwarf questioned, finally able to get a word in edgewise, "Ilifar's been taken over by mushrooms?" The dwarf looks incredulously at Roman, "Look, I know that there are some mushrooms out there that can make you see things, but they tend to not make you see other mushrooms . . . " Fargem sees that Roman is quite insistent, and waves his hand, "Yes yes, we'll see to it that someone looks out for the place. Maybe I'll send Hal back over there - give him something to do."

Fargem watches in amusement as Hallowhiem hands the bag over to Roman, then turns back just in time to catch what his assistant has to say.

"Was that what that lass was in here about? Trying to recruit you away from your responsibilities?" Taking a moment to enjoy the shocked look that accompanied the gullible nature of the paladin, Fargem laughs out loud, breaking the silence. "I figured this was going to happen sooner or later. I know I haven't been the easiest to work for, but I appreciate all that you have done. It's been a long year, hasn't it? Seems like just yesterday I was howling at you about Jirus letting loose in the library . . . " Fargem's voice drifts off momentarily, "and now you're all grown up!?"

Stepping back from his desk, Fargem pulls out a scroll case and hands it to Hallowhiem. "Hal, you've earned this. This is something I wrote up a couple of months ago and it seems even more fitting now. It started as a letter of recommendation - promoting you up into my position so that I could finally be rid of all this paperwork - but it became a letter of introduction over the last few days. Signed by Lord Teren himself, it names you as Ambassador of Terenuri. It gives you certain powers - you can draw on gold, hold lands, things like that. Not to helpful quite yet because we don't have any banks established, and any land is granted by the Lady herself at a moment since we're not entirely sovereign, but . . . well, yeah. There are only the two copies of the letter, so it won't be of too much use to you, but that seems to be how things go around here."

Fargem extends his hand in a formal handshake before dismissing it and going for a full bear hug. "You've been good lad, and I'm proud of you. Moradin knows we're not the best people for this job, but we're doing the best we can. Make our people proud and keep your nose clean, aye?" With a glint in his eye, he gives Hallowhiem a playful punch on the shoulder. He then pauses for a moment, "You're taking Jirus with you, right?" he asks, looking hopeful.

[Shular]

Throk

Throk watches as his armour shifts around him, and feels himself become that much sturdier. "Huh," he says, in his own eloquent way.

After being dismissed he takes his share of the money and, not knowing what else to do with it, returns to Gertie's to buy provisions for the road and, of course, to have his fair share of beer.

[Tegu8788]

Hallowhiem - Fargem's Office

Of course I'm taking Jirus with me you silly old dwarf. I actually think that's a stipulation from the elves. Fargem, thank you, I can't be to..." Despite being clearly excited about the news, he releases his hug, straightens, accepts the letter, and pauses before he continues. "I can't thank you enough Fargem, and as I'm the one that prefers speeches, I'll say it once more and be done."

"Thank you, my friend." He bows, clipping his heels together as is his custom, the metal plates around his calves making a small but strong noise, an aural focus for his bow. His eyes stay closed as he brings his head back up, and it's evident that, while there is much left unsaid, they are things that don't need to be said. Shaking his head slightly, as if to brush away a thought, he turns and beckons his resting companion, "Come Jirus, I believe the wizard has things he'd like to do before that sun has set, as do we."

"Lead the way Roman."

[Dimers]

Roman, Hallowhiem

The magician and paladin walk away from Fargem's, already deep in discussion about what they might need for joining Lady Visenia's escort. It's hard to say for certain, not knowing the elves' needs or capabilities, but some items are always good choices.

In the interest of saving time and back-and-forth confusion, I'll assume that Hal agrees with Dimers' judgement, that Lasaad has the Common-rarity items listed here, and that the Academes can provide all these rituals for copying (along with ritual materials). If any of these points are incorrect, I'm happy to edit the post.

They enter Lasaad's brewery, and Roman puts up a hand to block the glare from a single extremely bright light in a clear glass jar on the wall. It's an odd color, with a hint of pastel teal (if pastel were angry and sadistic), and is probably the result of one of Lasaad's experiments. "Why, hello, youngling!" chuckles Lasaad, hopping off the stool at a long and cluttered workbench to come greet Hallowhiem. "Goodness me, it must have been hours since I last saw you! Who's your friend? Have you had breakfast? I was--"

Wisely, Hallowhiem chooses to interrupt. Catching Roman's eye before rolling his own a bit, he says, "Hello, Lasaad. You haven't changed a bit. This is Roman, one of the new arrivals. He joined me yesterday on the patrol to Ilifar -- oh, and saving the life of an Elf Queen or two." For once catching Lasaad with an open mouth that was neither imbibing a drink or chatting up a storm, he takes a quick breath and continues, "We've been invited to join the Lady Visenia on her outbound trip tomorrow, and we could use some supplies."

Seeing the desirability of verbal haste, Roman tries to jump in the conversation while moving to shake Lasaad's hand. "That's right, um, first, do you have -- I'm sorry, Lasaad, but I can't shake your hand while you're clasping that flask."

Lasaad blushes a bit. "An interesting side effect of my al-chemistry, young master -- well, not so young, probably, you're eladrin after all -- point is, I was working out a formula for sovereign glue and I made some sort of error along the way, not adding enough bourbon I think, bourbon always loosens things up, and while I was carefully pouring out of this bottle I held it a little too long and some product was on the outside, and, well, long story short, I won't be able to put it down for some time to come." :smallredface: He sticks out his left hand instead and Roman solemnly shakes it while Hallowhiem bites down on some highly-impolite laughter. :smallbiggrin: "But enough about me; if you boys are leaving with the Queen tomorrow, you need to get moving, not listen to an old halfling maunder. Is that really a word? You can be maundering, but can you maunder? What can I get for you?"

The adventurers make some purchases before digging out the remains of the Ilifar mushroom swarm. Lasaad agrees to make processing and studying the fungus his sole priority for the day. "I'll have a page take you the results no later than daybreak tomorrow." They also impress on the al-chemist that safety and control are important, describing the scene at Ilifar :smalleek: and showing him the photostat created by Roman's ritual.

Hallowhiem's money: 40 for a potion of water walking
Roman's money: 40 for another potion of water walking, 75 for mastery of Brew Potion ritual

The Academes' hall is quite a contrast to Lasaad's room. It's well-organized but dusty, while Lasaad keeps his array of clutter immaculately clean. Everything is size "grand" compared with the halfling's humble, squat belongings and low ceiling. The light within dimly suffuses rather than glaring unnaturally. And no one comes to greet the diplomat and wizard; the two people writing at desks don't even look up from their work.

After waiting a couple minutes, Roman approaches one of the figures. "I don't mean to interrupt, b-- He is silenced with a finger; the figure still doesn't make eye contact. The pair wait a few minutes more, examining other work surfaces and scanning book titles. Finally, Roman approaches the scribe again, saying quietly with deadpan intonation, "I'm afraid that if you don't pay some attention, I'll have to start mis-filing books."

The scribe spins and pulls back her hood, revealing a lazy eye, a face that was once a very successful acne farm, and an air of angry authority that makes Roman freeze like a rabbit :smalleek: and Jirus hunch low and growl. She says, "WHAT," making the word into a judgement as much as it is a question. Her good eye scans the pair with a dismissive glance.

"We--" Roman finds his throat dry, stops, gulps and recollects himself. "Academe, we have need to copy rituals from the Master Book. In some haste," he adds, seeing her already potent anger start to swell :smallfurious:, "as Lady Visenia's party will be departing tomorrow, and us with it." The scribe sighs, near-rage returning to mere annoyance, and quickly sets up Roman with two tomes, a variety of imbued inks and a small box of writing paraphenalia. "You will pay Gregory for the time spent. He can also sell you components from our storehouse. And where is Gregory?"

"GREGORYYYYYY!" Her shout, apparently magically augmented, stirs up new flights of dust, makes Roman cover his ears, and brings up Jirus' hackles so strongly he appears to double in size. In a voice like papyrus the other scribe says, "Ill. Again," to which the angry one simply sighs. :smallsigh: "Talk to me again when you're done, wizard. And wait for me, this time."

Hallowhiem excuses himself from the hall after Roman is settled in to write. "I'll see you again at supper, Mister Elanai. Many other tasks to finish today. Be well."

Hal's money: 50 for Animal Companion ritual.
Roman's money: 30 for Banish Vermin, 20 for Amanuensis.

After an hour of tidy scribing (This is one task I'm quite certain how to perform!), Roman replaces the books and waits patiently for the attention of the unattractive Academe. He pays the copying and ink fees in silence, then returns to Lasaad's to check on progress with the mushrooms. He opens the door to a few wisps of purplish smoke and walks in, saying, "Lasaad? The Academe reference works tell me you're the man to see to learn about making potions ..."

[Meltheim]

All - [Terenuri]

"The prisoners, m'lord. What do you want done with them?" Dalsaf asks, sitting behind his large oak desk, holding a piece of parchment in his hand. Dovrahiim stand guard behind him, their presence markedly darkening the room.

"Well, I believe that Visenia has already let one of them free since he was just trying to protect her." Lord Teren casually leans against a wall, looking relaxed at first glance, but more like a lounging jungle cat upon further review.

"Oh, you mean the assassins? Not sure. Visenia has requested that they be turned over to her people, since they are part of her war. But I'd rather not set that kind of precedent. What do you think Dalsaf?" Lord Teren asks, genuinely interested in his friend's opinion.

"Well, might be best, simply because we don't know what kind of political situation this could involve. I mean, we are allies with the Exilarchy for now, but these assassins are from the Emerald Grove - a nation who could prove to be more of an ally down the road." Dalsaf's hands move up to his temples, massaging them slightly as his forehead creases. "Though, there's no way for the Grove to know that we have them. Maybe if we hand them over, Lady Visenia's people can claim credit and blame both. We keep ourselves out of it for now, until we have a better grasp of the web of politics here."

Lord Teren looks thoughtfully into the distance, a small frown drawing the corners of his mouth down. "I suppose that is for the best, though it is frustrating. The Anduri Empire has not had to kowtow to anyone in decades. I'm not about to start now."

"Ahh, my lord, that might be true." Dalsaf says, hesitating for the briefest of moments, "But are we not the Terenrui Empire now?"

"That, my friend, is treasonous speech." Lord Teren replies, "but it does have a good ring to it, does it not?"

The two men chuckle for a moment before Lord Teren signals to his dovrahiim. "Let the Lady know that we will comply with her request. Release them to her this afternoon. I understand she plans to leave in the morning." The guard clasps his hand to his shoulder in salute, and swiftly exits the room.

[Meltheim]

Roman – [Lasaad’s Brewery – Terenuri]

“Ahh you're back, I see" Lasaad remarks, as Roman reenters his establishment. "So, Hal tells me that you want to learn to brew huh? Tell me, have you any experience with transmutation at all? I mean, the conversion of one material into another. I know that they used to teach that at the Academy, back when I was a student there, but who knows what they teach you guys now.”

Without waiting for a response, Lasaad pulls out a few beakers and flasks, then snaps his fingers as a blue flame appears at the base. He ducks behind his counter and reemerges, holding a large bottle of clear liquid. “This is rough stuff” he says, unstoppering the bottle and taking a sniff, “It will take years off your life but add years to your soul”. With a wild-eyed grin, he takes a small swig and staggers back. “WHOOO! Want some?” he asks, offering the bottle to Roman.

Setting the bottle down in front of him, he pulls out a mortar and pestle, a small cutting board, a tiny silver knife and some exotic fruit. With a beaker still glued to his hand, the motions are made all the more awkward and humorous. “Now this” he begins, gesturing to the materials, “is the start of all alchemy.” He begins to slice into the fruit, revealing a bright juicy pulp beneath the dull flesh. He pours a small amount of the liquid into the beaker, reaches to the shelves behind him to grab a few tins of some unknown materials and dumps them into the mortar. “Start crushing that up, slowly, in a circular motion . . no no no the other way, yes that’s right. Give it a good 14 and a half rotations with the pestle and then another 6 and three-quarters in the other direction. After that we'll add some of that mushroom you brought me and make a nice mash.”

Not bothering to check Roman’s progress, Lasaad disappears behind the counter once again, this time popping up with a small bar of silver in his hand. Using the same knife from before, he slices a small bit of silver from the bar and adds that to the beaker as well. He then picks up the slices fruit and holds it over the beaker, squeezing it in his hand. The purple juices run down between his fingers and into the container, and instantly bloom into a kaleidoscope of color.

“You done with that grinding yet?” Lasaad looks down into the mortar, “Good enough” and picks it up, dumping the contents in the beaker as well. “You remembered the 4 and a quarter swirls with the left hand as well, right?” he asks, absentmindedly, as he swirls the concoction around above the flame. The rainbow-like substance begins to glow with a silvery hue. “Ooooooh, interesting. Never done that before!” he says, excitedly. In a wink he produces two small cups, pouring a measure into each. “All right, bottoms up!” he chirps, slamming the drink down his throat.

When Roman awakes, a good 20 minutes later, his tongue feels fuzzy and there is a silvery halo around everything he sees. The Halfling peers over the counter at Roman, who apparently is sitting on the ground. “Not sure what you did there, but that was GOOD stuff. Might be great for parties, you know? Excellent solvent too!" He waggles his newly-freed fingers at the Eladrin. "Anyway, now that you're mind's in the right place, I’ve got another one mixed up. Let’s see what this does! You’re writing all this down, right?”

[Ravian]

Rilingfall:
Expedition preperations were, as was taught at the academy, one of the most important part of an explorer's work. Even the bravest of explorers could die out in the wild without the proper gear and so Rilingfall was quite meticulous upon acquiring everything on his list.

The Sextent was easily acquired (though there were a few mixups directing him to the local brothels) and in quite good condition. They were imparitive if he was to make accurate maps based on Longitude and Latitude, similarily a simple sundial could be easily fashioned out on the expedition.

I'm going to guess and say that the full kit for map making (sextent, charts and such) would come up to around 25 gp)

He also made sure to pick up a couple of healing potions from the curious halfling brewer, while words and inspiration could do alot, sometimes there is no cure like nature's own remedies

2 Healing potions bought for 100 gp

While he was sure that he had the necessary material supplies for the journey Rilingfall also knew that the greatest provision is information. He spent the rest of the day chatting, conversing and interviewing as many interesting people as he could, especially the natives, taking notes all the while

[Meltheim]

Rilingfall - [Terenuri]

As the explorer moves around the settlement, he notices that there are a three small children following behind him, trying to stay out of sight. At least one of the children has a sharp stick with some painted blue rock tied on the end, and another wears a necklace with a crudely drawn set of wavy lines, most likely to resemble Avandra's holy symbol. The third child has a piece of parchment with scribbled shapes on it, emulating a map of the region. Every few minutes they spread the map wide and dramatically look it over, pointing to different landmarks in the region and making bold declarations.

Any time Rilingfall looks in their direction, they immediately scamper off amid squeals of delight. The eladrin does get one good glance in, however, and sees that each of the children has a small patch sewn on their clothing, resembling the mark of the Explorer's guild.