Passage to Paradise

[madtinker]

It's hard to be sure, but by the light of the moon and stars everything seems to be normal.

[Manwhoisthisman]

OOC: Sorry, I totally thought I posted here last Friday.

I'll follow Tom's lead once we get to the Palisade.

[madtinker]

With a few whispered orders, the men file up the ladder to the catwalk at the top of the wall. Looking out over the moonlit plain, you see a group of grotesque shadows ambling along the forest's edge. From the distance its hard to tell, but they look like eggs on legs, with some kind of tube coming out of what you assume is the head. there are about six of them. One rears on his hind legs and lets out one of the bugles you heard earlier. Again, after about ten seconds its answered by a much fainter call from somewhere to your right.

Tom has another lollipop in his mouth by this time. "Anyone ever seen one of those before?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

"I sure haven't. Has anyone seen what they're calling to? Or what's responding?"

[madtinker]

The men around you shake their heads. Tom has everyone stay on the wall, watching carefully.

From over on your left, you hear "Looks like they're just grazers."

Tom nods. "Looks like it. Wonder why we've never seen them around before."

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Has anyone gone closer to get a better look at them?"

[madtinker]

Tom turns to you. "Are you volunteering?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

I shrug, "Yeah... I guess I am."

[madtinker]

"Well, but you're a piece of work. Alright, where's that ladder. We'll be up here, if you get in trouble."

"you're not going anywhere without me!" Sam pushes through the crowded catwalk to where the two of you are standing.

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Sam! good to see you're not sleeping through all the excitement."

[madtinker]

"what, and let you get all the credit again?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Wouldn't dream of it, just try not to be too noisy," I tease as I prep the rope ladder and start to climb down.

[madtinker]

Sam nods, feigning uber seriousness, and slips down the ladder after you.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll sneak blunder across the plain to get a better view of the shadowy figures. (1d20+3)[5]

[madtinker]

Sam tiptoes with exaggerated care next to you.

One of the beasts, a little larger than the others, seems to be keeping watch while the others graze. When you're within about a hundred feet, he gives a series of hoots, and the herd moves away from you at a leisurely pace.

You're close enough to see that they have mottled skin, but you can't tell the color by moonlight. They're about twice as tall as a horse and look to weigh as much as an ox. Even though their front legs are much shorter than their hind legs they are quadrupeds, giving them a comically canted-forward look as if they're about to tip over.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I look to Sam and say, "They sure look funny, but they also don't look to be much harm."

[madtinker]

"I dunno Tobias, those bushes seem to be in mortal danger."

[Manwhoisthisman]

"haw haw haw, laugh it up," I say to Sam with mock laughter. I'll then use attraction to get one of the closer (but still docile looking) beasties to follow Sam.
Use "concentration" - (1d20+4)[17] to remove displays from the power (dc 15 + power level = dc 16 ; if successful, there is no auditory display, otherwise there will be the sound of softly rustling grass emanating out from me).
Also, DC 14 will save for the beastie.

Spoiler: Stat Track

Show

HP 8 | PP 9 | 980 XP

[madtinker]

The nearest creature looks up, and glances around, but then goes back to munching grass and shrubs.

Sam watches you concentrate, then squints his eyes and stares at the animal. After a moment he gives up. "It's okay Tob, I can't stare lightning bolts either."

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Such a pity. Well, shall we get back?"

[madtinker]

"Just a second."

He assumes a look of intense concentration, staring again at the beasties.

"Nope. Still can't. Let's go."

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll start casually walking back. On my way I want to see if the oxen and cart are still outside of the gate.

[madtinker]

The oxen are still near the gate, but are pretty skittish. Tom calls out, "all clear?"

[Manwhoisthisman]

"Yep. Since we're all awake though, how about we get these oxen back inside?"

[madtinker]

Tom takes a long look at the plain. "Alright. You men, man the capstan."

After a few minutes the gate begins to creak downward.

[Manwhoisthisman]

I'll pull out my spear and stand by one side of the oxen and motion for Sam to take watch on the other side.

[madtinker]

Sam takes up position just as the gate thuds to the ground. Without needing to be driven, the oxen strain at the wagon, pulling it, and more importantly themselves, within the palisade.

[Manwhoisthisman]

When the oxen and cart are clear I'll announce, "Cart's clear!"

[madtinker]

Tom shouts "bring it up!" to the men inside, and motions for you and Sam to climb the ladder.

[Manwhoisthisman]

OOC: You're a better man than I. I was debating about whether or not to post saying, "You know, I bet he did" and letting Curf get eaten.

I move over to the ladder and wait for Sam to start climbing, "After you good sir," I say politely with a silly grin.