The Light is Fading IC

[Henry the 57th]

Orange light shines down on a dying world.

A small caravan makes its way down a worn dirt road as the sun slowly dwindles in the sky, hooves and wheels kicking up small clouds of dust. Surrounding the three wagons on all sides, stretching as far as the eye can, is the Grass Sea of the Ki. For millennia the idyllic rolling plains have played host to millions from the largest to the smallest to the tiny Ki nature spirits said to watch over it all. Once it was an endless stretch of verdant green of gold grasses swaying gently in a soft summer breeze, welcoming the explorer, the wanderer, and the weary with open arms. No longer.

The grassland that now engulfs the few travelers that pass through it is green, with all traces of the golden stalks that used to grow here wiped away. Ugly patches of brown mar vast sections the landscape as withered plants hang limply or coat the ground like corpses. Though it is spring, few plants sprout seeds. Little noise beyond that of the caravan itself can be heard. Even the chirping of night insects is little more than occasional lonely squeak as foolhardy cricket calls out into the night. No birds can be seen in the skies, no small creatures scamper to get out of the wagons’ way. A light breeze rustles the grass, and little more.

Three wagons make their way down the ancient path, pulled by six weary-looking donkeys. Two are little more than carts covered with a heavy white cloth, bringing precious shipments of foodstuffs to Kison from one of countless small farming villages that litter the plains’ fertile soil. Another bears crude wooden seats a rough cloth roof, carrying two men in the hardy clothing of farmers and an elderly woman in light robes bearing a small symbol of Yvaine. Three men, one middle aged and two younger, lightly guide their donkeys along the path. Two more men in hardened leathers and bearing scabbards ride horses ahead of the wagon train.

One of those men on horseback glances to the west at the slowly dying light, then to the grasslands that surround them. He pulls back on the reins of his horse, falling in beside the old man driving the lead wagon. The two exchange brief words, and the old man nods before spurring the draft animals on. Though they make brief noises of protest, the beasts do as they are bid, and the wagons slowly pick up speed. Even as they do the sun itself slips below the horizon, leaving them all but a few minutes of its last embers before night arrives. But very soon the caravan will reach the farming village of Lerest, where they can find a safer place to lay their heads for the night before moving on to the great city of Kison in the morning.

Or, so they hope.

Spoiler

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Time to make your in character introductions. What are you doing? Where are you? In a wagon, on a mount, walking on your own? Feel free to make up names for your fellow travelers, or I can supply them.

Oh, and when you're done with that, give me a Perception check.

[DaOldeWolf]

Amanaki walks along the caravans trying to enjoy the faint breeze. It wasn't much but he was happy there still was something there left to enjoy. Amanaki had been enjoying his brief period in the caravan. He usually didn't get to do much except heal some of the injuries taken along the way. Despite the apparent interest in the well being of the people in the caravan, Amanaki remained in isolation. He preferred to be by himself when he wasn't needed to keep his identity as a kitsune hidden and his magical capabilities hidden from the rest.

Hemprich was sitting on Amanaki´s shoulder hating every second of it. He wanted to return inside a wagon. Amanaki still preferred to walk outside since it was easier to prevent interaction while walking on the outside.

Spoiler: Perception roll

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(1d20+2)[17]

[dancrilis]

Svisyrra

She was at the near front of the caravan, she had joined the caravan out of curiosity - while confident of making the trip on her own she was unfamiliar with dealing with others and wanted to learn more. Still it had been a fairly easy sell to the caravan master, the ability to cleanse food was of vital importance she had noted, even if the man had been dubious about 'Del' as she had once named her Roc companion to him - the first word that popped into her head, in truth they respected each other and got along but as it was taxing they rarely talked via magic these days.

Del was far above her location hunting smaller creatures in the air, she should have a feast that night, or at least not have to worry about the Roc's appetite - if she did she would hunt herself for both.

Meanwhile she considered the flora and fauna here for danger along with any issues that might arise from the terrain.

Spoiler

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Perception: (1d20+12)[9](9)

To know about the areas wildlife:
Knowledge Nature: (1d20+12)[8](8)

To know about the area:
Knowledge Geography: (1d20+8)[7](7)

Edit: ... ok I remember the roller being better than this, I am going to assume that means:
Perception: 21
Knowledge Nature: 20
Knowledge Geography: 15

As otherwise the rolls are not possible.

[Bryconium]

As far as Isabella was concerned, the only good thing about this caravan was that it was going to Kison. The constant stares and whispers about her god were enough to drive her mad, and she could feel the scorn in the eyes of her "compatriots". Normally the lion doesn't concern herself with the opinions of the sheep, but the ceaseless judgement was starting to get to her. Besides, she was the only lion here; if the sheep should decide that she was more trouble than she was worth, she would die. So tried her best to be helpful, hunting and guarding the caravan. So far only one incident had truly tested her patience, when some green recruit named Jared Gorthas got drunk and decided to "educate" her on how things were. Much as she wanted to crush his arrogant skull with her flail, she only held him down till his superiors arrived. And they took their sweet time coming to her aid. Though they might be technically on the same side, old prejudices time hard, and Isabella could tell she wasn't welcome here.

Currently she was walking besides one of the carts, scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble, bow at the ready.

Spoiler: OOC

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(1d20+11)[12]
...Wow...

[HerbertWest]

Robert had found himself falling in pace with the rear of the caravan, the large, plate-mail clad man both keeping an eye on the rear, and grateful for the slower pace he could afford due to the worn out animals pulling the last wagon. His long hair was pulled back and out of the way to allow for what little breeze there was to cool his neck. During the trek to Lerest, Robert had taken to people watching as a way to pass the time, as most of his traveling companions seemed to be avoiding conversations with one another. The woman devoted to Cebaal was a curious one, in his mind, though with the world in crisis, he didn't much care who his traveling companions were, so long as their actions did not become atrocities.

Robert had found conversations with the two farmers, Griswold and Enoch, to be interesting, or at least, entertaining. While he knew very little of the harvest, other than what tithe his citizens had bequeathed to his household, he found their earnestness and work ethic to be testaments to their character. The men that he had surmised were guarding the caravan looked upon his arms and armor with a covetous eye, but so far had thought better of speaking of it aloud. Robert hoped that silence wouldn't end when they arrived in Kison; he knew how valuable they were, and what men would give to possess them.

As the sun began to fade out of the sky, Robert murmured a prayer to Solarion, and looked forward to the evening's sleep in Lerest.

Spoiler: Rolls

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Perception: (1d20+4)[10]

[Athaleon]

Damiel trudged alongside the caravan and though tired, he had purpose to lend his step some energy. The caravan was on its way to Kison, and the big city would be cosmopolitan enough—he hoped—not to hound him out of it if he was caught practicing the arcane arts. He might even find a proper library there, not some village reeve's little stack of quack almanacs and smutty pulp. He decided to strike up a conversation to take his mind off his fatigue, and approached the nearest of his fellow travelers.

"We're almost to Lerest and yet none of us have been introduced. You're clearly not one of these farmers, and you don't have the look of a career guardsman, if you don't mind me saying. I'm Damiel," he added, without offering a surname or place of origin.

[HerbertWest]

"We're almost to Lerest and yet none of us have been introduced. You're clearly not one of these farmers, and you don't have the look of a career guardsman, if you don't mind me saying. I'm Damiel," he added, without offering a surname or place of origin.

You speak true, Damiel, we have not introduced ourselves. I am Robert, a knight of Solarion. Well met, fellow traveler. What spurs you towards Kison?"


Damiel, and anyone paying close enough attention to Robert will notice a silver holy symbol around Robert's neck, resting on the breastplate and tabard of his full plate. Upon his back is sheathed a masterfully forged greatsword, the cross-guard made to appear like gnarled tree branches, and in the pommel, a large ruby is set in the center of a blazing sun made of bronze. Similar to Damiel, Robert does not offer a surname if he has one, nor a place from whence he came.

[tonberryking]

"Lapis Almasy. Hail and well met."

Though the line is delivered with a bit of barb, the odd figure slows her black mare even more to keep pace with Damiel. Perhaps to avoid stares, she's taken to trail at the back of the caravan; her hood is covering her face but some odd lumps underneath make it seem like she's got quite the misshapen head, worse still when those lumps twitch or more. Though she's riding a full-sized horse, she's barely bigger than a dwarf, and much more compact.

""I'd rather not think much about what I resemble, however; it's caused me no end of trouble as of late. You however, have the look of a man who has traveled too long on foot. May I ask why?"

Spoiler: OOC/Rolls

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Would have gotten this in sooner but they called me in to work on my off day.

Perception: (1d20+4)[17]

[Henry the 57th]

As the last of the sun's light slowly fades away, Aeyrth's twin moons rise slowly to take its place. The old man driving the lead wagon and the younger man steering the one in the rear both slowly retrieve what look to be well-used torches, setting them alight gingerly. The moons' silvery-white light dimly illuminates the road ahead of the caravan, while the stars begin to appear overhead one by one. A few more insects begin to chirp, and there are at least a few places where more than one or two have congregated. There are even a few fireflies flitting about, attracted to the torchlight even as they create their own.

Spoiler: Isabella

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Your ears pick up a slight rustle in the grass, and as you whip your head around you could swear that you caught the slightest glimpse of movement from somewhere off to the southeast. What could it be?

Spoiler: Robert and Damiel

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The breeze is cool, the twin moons are bright, and everything around you is as peaceful and nonthreatening as it gets these days. What a lovely night this is! You're quite glad that you have such long and villain-free lives ahead of you with which to enjoy it!

Spoiler: Svisyrra, Amanaki, and Lapis

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When you glance up at one point or another, you notice that there appears to be a mid-sized bird silhouetted against the night sky, obviously much smaller than the Druid's Roc. This wouldn't be very notable except for the fact that as the minutes tick by it appears to be following you, making very wide circles around the caravan and keeping itself well out of bow-shot.

Spoiler: Svisyrra Only

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These grasslands have long been dominated by herds of migratory bison, which in turn has drawn predators. Wolves, bears, lions from the Wyrmspine Mountains, and cougars being the most prominent of them. However, in recent decades these animals have been seriously diminished, not just from disease but also from humans who do not appreciate the competition for the dwindling herds or the inevitable attacks on their farm animals. Dire Bats from the Wyrmspine have also been occasionally known to hunt out this far, but it's pretty rare.

The local area is mostly flat grasslands, which transition into rolling hills the closer you get to the massive Wyrmspine Mountain range to the east. The Grass Sea extends around two hundred miles to the north and maybe seventy five to the west towards the coast from here. To the immediate south at their southern tip are the Whispering Woods, which are bordered by Kison. The terrain between here and there is pretty flat and not known to be particularly dangerous.

[dancrilis]

Svisyrra

Her eyes tracked the bird for a few moments before making her way to the caravan master, her voice clear and crisp as she spoke intended to carry for others to be alert also "we are being tracked by a lone bird - unlikely a carrion eater which I would expect to be in a flock, and while possible I think it unlikely to be one of my kind merely noting our passage" the land was unlikely to be truely interesting enough to be truely worth defending these days and the loose order was spread thin as it was, and the caravan not interesting enough to warrent such a survey "as we are near Lerest people may be relaxing ready for the evening - that may be a mistake", shrugging "or could be nothing - a young trainer seeing about training a bird to observe".

As she left she glanced at her roc, and than at the caravan master "On a personal note I think it is an ill omen - most birds would not risk showing themselves to a roc as it hunts, so this speaks of decent training or sinister designs - and decent trainers are hard to come by these days", in truth she was tempted to have her roc engage the bird to test it, but should this merely be a merchant from Lerest testing his training by getting advance warning of customers she didn't wish to deprive them after they put effort in. Of course if the bird happened to run afoul of the feeding roc on its own that was between the birds.

[DaOldeWolf]

Amanaki notices the suspicious follower and thinks for a couple of seconds about what to do. He decides to inform the group speaking with each other and let them handle the situation. "Excuse me for interrupting your conversation but has anyone else noticed that we are being followed from the skies by some kind of bird? It is starting to feel suspicious." Amanaki speaks to the rest.

He then quickly decides to add "ALso, lets try not to look suspicious and make it obvious that we have noticed anything."

[HerbertWest]

As the others in the caravan speak of birds in the sky, the caravan potentially being followed, and being on alert, Robert seems to not take heed of the advice. He had not noticed anything peculiar stirring about, and as far as he was concerned, his companions were being paranoid, looking for something to attach meaning to. He had noticed through the journey to Lerest that they had avoided others, and had kept to themselves. Perhaps they were on the run from something, or someone, and were letting their nerves get to them. These were trying times, so he understood why they may have their concerns. He did not respond to Svisyrra or Amanaki other than to nod an affirmation that he had heard them, but despite his thoughts, he found himself keeping a wary eye towards the grasses on either side of the caravan.

[Bryconium]

An uneasiness fills Isabella as she keeps a lookout. Though she can't notice anything in particular, she knows something isn't right. As she looks around the caravan, she notices a group of her fellow travelers also alerted. She heads over towards them, hoping to get a firmer grasp on an danger.
"Did you notice anything? I haven't seen anything but I just have a feeling."

[dancrilis]

Svisyrra

Noting the chainmail clad woman approach "seems there is a bird maintaining itself carefully outside bow range following us in wide circles" she didn't know the other womans level of knowledge on such matters "it is not natural behaviour - either well trained and ordered by someone, magic is involved or it possesses intellegence more similiar to our own than to that of a normal bird" shrugging, "could be nothing important to us - but probably is something important to someone".

She hadn't really chatted to the others on the trip, althought she had made the acquaintance of the animals involved in the caravan - from the horses some sat on to the beasts pulling the caravans, so she was content enought with the company of the beasts.

[DaOldeWolf]

"At the very least, we might need some kind of signal in case we are ambushed or see anything dangerous. If I see anything suspicious I will cast a spell that will show red lights flying above the caravan. I think we should also divide to cover more area. Of course, those are only suggestions." Amanaki adds still unsure if anyone would listen to him.

[HerbertWest]

"At the very least, we might need some kind of signal in case we are ambushed or see anything dangerous. If I see anything suspicious I will cast a spell that will show red lights flying above the caravan. I think we should also divide to cover more area. Of course, those are only suggestions." Amanaki adds still unsure if anyone would listen to him.

Robert looks to Amanaki as he speaks, and nods his assent to his proposed course of action. He speaks loudly enough so that his companions can hear, but tries not to be too loud, lest anyone else who may be listening overhear him.

"I have no spells that would give such a sigil, but should we come under attack, I will let loose a battle shout to make everyone aware. We should split into pairs. That way, if one of us is taken by surprise, we are not overwhelmed, and the other could let the rest of the caravan know that we have been ambushed. What say you all?"

Robert looks at all of them, his eyes meeting those of Svisyrra, Amanaki, Isabella, Lapis, and Damiel, if they return eye contact. It is apparent that the Paladin is experienced commanding others, but he is making effort to not seem like he is commanding them with his tone.

Spoiler: Active Effects and Stats

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Hit Points: 47/47
AC: 21
Touch: 10
Flat Footed: 21
CMD: 18
Aura of Good (Ex): Robert has a Faint aura.
Divine Grace: Robert gains a bonus equal to his Charisma Modifier (+3) to all Saving Throws
Aura of Courage: Robert is immune to fear, magical or otherwise. All allies within 10 ft. of Robert gains a +4 morale bonus on Saving Throws against fear effects.
Divine Health: Robert is immune to all diseases, including supernatural and magic diseases, including mummy rot.

[Bryconium]

"The paladin's plan is sound, though I would recommend placing me and the mage," she gestures to Amanaki as she says so, "As close to the center as we can. We need to make sure he can get his spell off, and with my bow I should be able to instantly help any group instantly as long as we keep a relatively close circle."

As she says this she returns Robert's gaze, doing her best not to betray any emotions.

[dancrilis]

Svisyrra

She listened to the others discuss "no" she than turned to walk away before remembering that these were not wildlife creatures and needed more explanation than that as she turned back to them "a bright signal in the sky is advantageous when you will be supported by allies - however in this setting it would act as a beacon to predators, every bandit group in the area with a lookout would know - or suspect - that we were in trouble and like sharks to blood would swarm to see what could be taken, whether we drive off the ambush or not we would be inviting another".

Turning to the paladin "further splitting up away from the caravan would only make us and it softer targets, like showing our belly to a bear - and it fails to account for the cause of our concern, an airboure threat - if that is a rival druid there are techniques that may have mastered to allow them the full access to their magic while in the form of a bird, this caravan could be crippled before a defence is even properly mounted and that ignores it having allies - or other flying enemies hidden against the sky or that burrow in the earth", looking at the mages bat "conversly if it is more a ensorcelled bird where another is using its eyes they would know your movements as you make them away from the caravan and know how to bypass you or ambush you seperately".

Shrugging "you may do what you will - I will be remaining with the caravan for its defence as I agreed when I joined it".

[HerbertWest]

Svisyrra

She listened to the others discuss "no" she than turned to walk away before remembering that these were not wildlife creatures and needed more explanation than that as she turned back to them "a bright signal in the sky is advantageous when you will be supported by allies - however in this setting it would act as a beacon to predators, every bandit group in the area with a lookout would know - or suspect - that we were in trouble and like sharks to blood would swarm to see what could be taken, whether we drive off the ambush or not we would be inviting another".

Turning to the paladin "further splitting up away from the caravan would only make us and it softer targets, like showing our belly to a bear - and it fails to account for the cause of our concern, an airboure threat - if that is a rival druid there are techniques that may have mastered to allow them the full access to their magic while in the form of a bird, this caravan could be crippled before a defence is even properly mounted and that ignores it having allies - or other flying enemies hidden against the sky or that burrow in the earth", looking at the mages bat "conversly if it is more a ensorcelled bird where another is using its eyes they would know your movements as you make them away from the caravan and know how to bypass you or ambush you seperately".

Shrugging "you may do what you will - I will be remaining with the caravan for its defence as I agreed when I joined it".

Robert listens to them all speak, before turning his attention to Svisyrra. He responds to her, looking intrigued by her words and her analysis of the situation.

"What would you propose then? Let us assume that you are correct, either a druid or a wizard is viewing us with this airborne creature. What sort of defensive maneuvers would you prepare in advance? The follower of Cebaal made a good point about her position, if nothing else, with her bow. I apologize, I only know Damiel's name."

[dancrilis]

Svisyrra

"Hmm ... I can only speak to my experience and abilities from a tactical prespective, if I had offence against the caravan and control of the terrain for an ambush splitting up would be only benefit my attack. Your experience and abilities are different from mine - if you were planning an attack on a caravan you might attack with men and hired scouts and as such noting them before the attack might be better, I will not speak to your tactics should you feel the need to attack such as this or in whatever manner you would act in" pausing "however the bird - for lack of greater knowledge - has not shown itself as hostile yet, it may be merely someone in Lerest using an early warning system for visitors and it will fly off soon so that should we prove hostile the town is prepared.

"As such we should be alert and aware - and not lose ourselves to thoughts of beds, mead or whatever other comforts that the village may offer at this late stage of the journey - but there is no need to assume hostile intent until one is clearly shown" turning to look at the horizon and her Roc as it swooped at something it likely saw as a quick meal "but do as your own training and wisdom guides you to do - if you feel like splitting up to investigate items I will not argue against you on it though it goes against my own feelings, but I will be staying here in case a threat appears in a manner similiar to how I would generate one".

Returning her gaze to the paladin for a moment she tilted her head slightly as she puzzled out the etiquette, "Svisyrra" she stated her name, was he meant to have introduced himself to her first - or had he done so when she had been at the front and he felt himself important enough that all should have heard him speak, was his comments on the name an indication that he wanted one - she barely remembered her mothers and fathers lessons on these matters and animals were significantly easier, so it seemed simplier to offer one.

[Athaleon]

"You however, have the look of a man who has traveled too long on foot. May I ask why?"

Damiel paused a long time before answering. "Too long for what?", he asked rhetorically. "I have been on the road a long time. Guess I just haven't found the right place to settle down," he trailed off with that vague statement.

He did not speak again until the circling bird was spotted. "No one splits off from the caravan; we've a better chance all together, even among farmers. And if we're ambushed in this open plain," he waved vaguely at the land around them, "we can at least have the wagons for cover."

[DaOldeWolf]

"I still say we should divide in groups. Maybe half protecting the left side of the caravan and the other half the right side. We need to be prepared for the chance of an attack even if there is no immediate threat. Also, a tiny beacon of red light shouldn't attract bandits more than this caravan already does." Amanaki points out. "Also, this isn't about leaving the caravan, its about protecting it better."

[Bryconium]

"We aren't suggesting going off on our own, we are suggesting having guards surrounding the caravan. The distance is not that great. This way we'll be able to better react to any trouble that may come. Regardless, I shall take a position in the middle."

[tonberryking]

"I concur; we shouldn't split the caravan off. If anyone is watching us, we don't want them to make it so obvious that we suspect a transgression."

Her discussion with Damiel briefly forgotten, the hooded figure turns her mare to move alongside Robert's own horse. She seems to be implying that she would team up with him. "However, we should still get anyone on foot into a wagon or on horse in case we must make haste; mage or warrior, we can't afford to leave anyone behind. Maybe we should be slow about moving into position, lest we give any onlooker suspicion or cause to act on us faster..."

[Henry the 57th]

Tense minutes tick by as the group keeps a close watch on their surroundings, ever alert for the faintest hint of danger. A wary eye is ever turned to the avian circling high above as well, its dark silhouette just visibly in the pale moonlight. Weapons are kept close to hand as eyes dart this way and that, ever searching for some predator or bandit or worse things still. There's not a soul in the caravan that does not at least feel their heartbeat rise slowly but steadily as they work to contain their nervous anticipation. Surely something is bound to happen. And yet... nothing does.

The night remains peaceful and still, the only sounds to be heard beyond the caravan itself those of the chirping of crickets and their ilk. The bird circling high above offers no challenge or threat, simply continuing its silent vigil until at last Svisyrra's great Roc returns from its nightly hunt, the carcass of a brown owl clutched triumphantly in its beak. At the sight of the much larger bird the mysterious pursuer abandons its observation. With quick but steady beats of its wings, the avian breaks off towards the northeast, giving the druid's mighty companion a very wide berth as it does so. The caravan itself continues south, feeling a little more relaxed without the constant gaze of some unknown being on them.

With the old caravan master Janos Reis' encouragement, the three carts make good time towards Lerest without any further incident. However, perhaps ten minutes out from the farming village, the weather takes a slight turn for the worse. A fog bank, rolling in from the south, engulfs the little wagon train and the land surrounding it in a dense gray mist that shows no signs of letting up the closer you get. But nothing springs from the gloom screaming for blood. And the caravan is only a few minutes out from bedding down for the night. Still, the two hired horsemen are eyeing the fog warily, hands resting near their scabbards.

"No point in stopping this close - we'd be more vulnerable on our own than indoors," Reis reasons aloud. "Sure the fog's a bit creepy but it ain't the first I've seen 'round here. Besides, I got an arrangement with the inkeep in town and I want to sleep in a warm bed near a hearth if its all the same to you."

The two hirelings look nervous, but they seem to at least be somewhat swayed by this line of thinking. They nudge their horses one, but continue to occasionally look nervously out into the grey soup surrounding the road. Soon enough the old man's words prove to be accurate. It isn't two minutes before the caravan begins passing by the first of several tilled fields of corn and potatoes that mark the edge of Lerest. Soon enough twin rows of wood and stone buildings can be just made out through the dark and gloom, beckoning the tweary travellers foward to their overdue rest.

"Huh," one can just make out Reis muttering to himself from atop the lead wagon. "Usually isn't this dark."

Spoiler

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I'm going to want your positions here. Will accompany the lead wagon as it rolls into town? Stay behind and let them go first? Or try and convince the caravaneers to stay behind, alone, in the darkness while you go in?

[dancrilis]

Svisyrra

She tilted her head curiously as others indicated that they intended to split up but remain together merely at different locations close by the caravan, was that not what they had been doing all trip? she at the front others at the sides and some at the rear? ... after musing it for a few moments she simply turned and returned to the front - others would do as they thought best as would she.

The remaining trip was irksome - the birds behaviour grated on her and more than once she thought to fly up and converse with it - but resisted as a likely foolish engagement, she was not a good flyer and lacked the speed to catch the bird if it wanted to avoid her.

At least as her companion returned satisfied from his hunt the smaller bird left, few creatures could outpace a Roc in the air - and sending it to engage was certainly something she had considered.

As they approached the town the fog bothered her, it had not been raining, nor were they close to the coast for it to be coming in from the sea - she turned to the caravan master "Janos hold a moment this fog seems odd and the village should have some lights about it or sounds from it - I would scout first and report back before we move on", she offered.

[DaOldeWolf]

Amanaki remains on his guard during the rest of the time. As it was suggested, he accompanied Isabella in case anything happened. The more time the creature spent flying over the caravan, the more certain he was it wasn't some kind of coincidence. He really wished that the creature was closer to try to detect magic on the creature but he was glad when it left.

Amanaki was surprised that despite what she said, she was seemingly jumping to a dangerous place by her where she could be easily picked up especially if she went alone. "Are you sure you want to do this alone?" Amanaki asks with a bit of concern.

[dancrilis]

Svisyrra

"I see no reason to go into the town at all if the inn is closed" and without lights she felt it likely was "but I am more comfortable with the outdoors than most here". Turning to look at the mage "but I would not intend to engage in a conflict - I can fly out if I need to, or burrow through the ground as appropriate it would be difficult for them to get a meaningful ambush off against me" though not impossible "others might get caught in a snare I could ignore". "However" she gestured to his odd bat - it did not seem like a proper bat to her, "if your friend can and will scout out instead and would reliably report back I would not object to them taking the risk".

[tonberryking]

I'll accompany you as well; we can't be too careful, even if we shall laugh about our caution later."
The short hooded one approaches, her tone making it seem she is a little too eager to help, but she's earnest at least to the Druid.

[DaOldeWolf]

Hemprich hisses at the suggestion from Svisyrra. Amanaki understand why Hemprich would be relunctuant but Hemprich was the best equipped for the job. "I know you dont want to do this but its not necessary that you engage in combat with anybody. We just need you to check the surroundings and come back here after you do. You know you cant get further away from our established limit so remain within that area. I will remain in this spot. It should be easy for a creture of your size and capabilities to remain hidden in this fog. And after this is all over, I will make it up to you with some of your favorite food, so what do you say?"

Hemprich decides to follow the plan mostly thinking about the reward Amanaki offered him. Hemprich flies into the mist to check the territory within its limit. Amanaki decides to do something in the meantime and cast a spell to start analyzing the fog in case magic might be involved.

Spoiler

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100 feet is the limit that Heimprich can reach before disappearing so just searching the area up to that limit.
It possesses blindsense and scent.
Flight speed: 40 ft (good maneuverability)
Plus all familiar abilities.

Casting detect magic and going to be spending the next rounds analyzing the fog and looking for magical auras if I get the chance. Here is a dice roll if I get the three rounds to check for magic auras and I find anything. Ignore otherwise.
(1d20+12)[18]