Lost Lands: Grimmsgate IC

[DrK]

Elethielle The travel had kept Elethielle and her semi-spectral companion busy as she ranged to and fro hunting and foraging and making sure the fires at night were well supplied with small game birds, rabbit and squirrel and even a young deer on one occasion. She had enjoyed the travels, the group was full of interesting characters and travelling in a larger group --- As the small village hoves into view she glances at the others "A charming place, a bustling metropolis" she jests gently as she starts to advance towards the village, a wave of her hand that brings the odd wolf/cat hybrid that pads along beside her, a hand resting on its muscular flanks As the guard challenges them and recognises Philemon, she glances at both "Good day, we are travellers, we have come a long way and need a warm bed and food. As you can see, we are travelling with someone you know. What has you so wary?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Elethielle (Ellie)
M LG Half Elf Summoner (Wild caller) [VMC Druid], Level 1, Init 2, HP 8/8, Speed
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 13, Fort 1, Ref 2, Will 3, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow (20) +2 (1d6, x3)
Reach Longspear (-) +1 (1d8+1, x3)
Longsword (Cold Iron) +1 (1d8+1, 19-20)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 16
Condition Half Elf: Immune sleep, +2 vs Mind Affecting
Trait: +1 saves vs Fey

Summon Animal I: 6/6 remaining

Biped Eidolon - Looks like cross between a wolf and a large cat
HD 1d10 HPs 11 BAB +1 Saves 3/4/0 Init +2 Speed 40ft
AC 16 ( +4 natural, +2 dex)
Bite +3 (1d6+3), 2 x Claws +3 (1d4+3) +1d6 bleed
Str 14 Dex 14 Con 13 Int 7 Wis 10 Cha 11
Skills (4): Perception (1) +4, Stealth (1) +6, Survival (1) +4, Acrobatics (1) +6
Feats (1): Power attack
Evol Pool (4): Limbs, Bite, Claws (1), Bleed (claws) (1), Imp Natural armour (1), Pounce (1)
SQ: Darkvision, link, Share spells

[Ghostfoot]

"Stay right there before I put this quarrel ​in ye. You been gone a long while there, Phil. How do I know it's really you? Ain't nobody comes back again once they's gone. Unless that is you was always one of them."

The young guard fingers his crossbow agitatedly, his false bravado failing to mask his nervousness as he tries to cover each of you with the weapon. "I said stay still" he snaps at Elethielle as she tries to engage him in conversation.

[RCgothic]

"Wait. What?" Eponine asks, momentarily taken aback. "Who's them?"

"Put the crossbow down please, we're all just here to help," she says, raising her hands placatingly and stepping forward without fear (or sense of self preservation). Despite the weeks of travel her armour still shines under her travelling cloak and her friendly smile is still radiant despite a few muddy smudges. Does this pretty girl really look like a bad sort?

Spoiler

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Diplomacy (1d20+6)[16]

[DarkOne-Rob]

"How do you know it's me? I don't even know what you're asking...One of what? You're not making sense - put the crossbow down and talk to us...what has happened?" replies Phil, showing no aggression and standing still as he watches the guard and tries to figure out who it is...

[Farmerbink]

Artaith snorts grimly. "Hoo boy," she mutters, chuckling. "I was already startin' to regret this. 'Spose you gotta be at least a little nuts to be out here in the sticks."

"Oy, guardsboy." she speaks up deliberately to the youngster, perhaps more cocky than reckless. "If ain't nobody ever comes back, why don't you all leave together? You know there's another town a few days atta way?" She points with a gauntleted hand, making no effort to retrieve shield nor axe.

[Cephor]

Riaghan eyes widen and his mouth agape as the tension of the situation escalates. He grips his staff a little tighter, but keeps his other hand down, avoiding sudden movements so as not to spook the guard. Mentally, Riaghan begins sifting through the spells he'd learned up to this point, deciding what made sense to cast first if the situation did not get deescalated by his friends' questions. Regardless, it was now clear to him that the problems facing Grimmsgate now bore it's namesake well.

[DrK]

Elethielle Elethielle pauses, looking taken aback by the harsh words of the young guard. She drops a friendly facade and stares daggers at him, the massive eidolon growling loudly and snarling as it picks up on her annoyance. She glances at the others, "Charming place this, can't think of why you would leave Phil...." She waits patiently to see if the guard explains more of whom "them" may be.

Spoiler: OOC

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Elethielle (Ellie)
M LG Half Elf Summoner (Wild caller) [VMC Druid], Level 1, Init 2, HP 8/8, Speed
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 13, Fort 1, Ref 2, Will 3, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow (20) +2 (1d6, x3)
Reach Longspear (-) +1 (1d8+1, x3)
Longsword (Cold Iron) +1 (1d8+1, 19-20)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 16
Condition Half Elf: Immune sleep, +2 vs Mind Affecting
Trait: +1 saves vs Fey

Summon Animal I: 6/6 remaining

Biped Eidolon - Looks like cross between a wolf and a large cat
HD 1d10 HPs 11 BAB +1 Saves 3/4/0 Init +2 Speed 40ft
AC 16 ( +4 natural, +2 dex)
Bite +3 (1d6+3), 2 x Claws +3 (1d4+3) +1d6 bleed
Str 14 Dex 14 Con 13 Int 7 Wis 10 Cha 11
Skills (4): Perception (1) +4, Stealth (1) +6, Survival (1) +4, Acrobatics (1) +6
Feats (1): Power attack
Evol Pool (4): Limbs, Bite, Claws (1), Bleed (claws) (1), Imp Natural armour (1), Pounce (1)
SQ: Darkvision, link, Share spells

[Ghostfoot]

The young guard's eyes almost pop out of his head as the shiny fancy lady addresses him. He stutters, mouth agape as he tries to respond to Eponine. "Um..ah...sorry milady. So sorry. It's just, things ain't so good round here...oops" The poor bashful young hustles to accommodate this pleasant woman who accompanies Philemon. He reaches for the portcullis winch but as he does drops his crossbow with a "twang...thunk....miaow" as the quarrel shoots off randomly narrowly missing a stray cat lounging nearby.

The rusty portcullis slowly rises and you quickly duck under, not waiting for the gate guard to fumble it too. Stepping through you find yourselves in the midst of the rundown hilltop village. To your left a well-maintained stone building with a roof of wooden shingles. A sign over the door reads "The Hilltop Emporium" and marks it as a trading post.

To your right an inn, a long stone stables building and a blacksmith's with a forge out front. The inn is a two-story building a wooden sign hanging out front representing a silver dagger. It is an old building, recently painted although the job quite shabby. Even as you look a wooden roof shingle comes loose in the breeze and slides down, falling to the ground in the overgrown grass.

Opposite the gatehouse is a large building obviously a religious temple of sorts although in terrible disrepair. Parts of the roof have collapsed into the building and the garden out front is choked with weeds.

The rest of the village is made up of houses and farmhouses, some obviously abandoned others in better shape with a couple of cows visible in walled enclosures attached. A couple of elderly people are visible tending to the vegetables in their garden. They both stop what they are doing and watch.

The door to the trading post bursts open and a tall curly-haired man waves you over a broad smile on his face, "Welcome, welcome strangers step this way. Please, welcome to the Hilltop Emporium finest store in Grimmsgate!". The farmers shake their heads and go back to their hoeing, ignoring the man and his welcome to you.

Spoiler: Map

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[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: OoC

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Does Philemon recognize anyone? Can I get a rough idea of who he knows, and maybe have their names in the DM posts? Once we are really adventuring and everyone knows the significant NPCs it won't be a big deal, but I wrote Phil to try and make these introductions easier, since presumably Philemon and the NPCs would at least know each other somewhat vaguely. He's a bit of a loner and and outdoorsman, so they're probably not close friends, but he would at least know faces in a tiny village like this, right?

[DrK]

Elethielle Elethielle grins at the guard's flustered state, wincing as the bolt careens across the green. As the winch creaks open she looks with a lack of enthusiasm at the scene beyond. "Hmm, a charming place...." she murmurs before heading into the green square. She nods in a friendly way to the farmers and folk in the village and as the bearded man greets them she offers a greeting, "The Green Lady bless you, I'm sure we will need some ofyour wares, although we are here to help with problems that aid the village rather than here for trading"

Spoiler: OOC

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Elethielle (Ellie)
M LG Half Elf Summoner (Wild caller) [VMC Druid], Level 1, Init 2, HP 8/8, Speed
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 13, Fort 1, Ref 2, Will 3, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow (20) +2 (1d6, x3)
Reach Longspear (-) +1 (1d8+1, x3)
Longsword (Cold Iron) +1 (1d8+1, 19-20)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 16
Condition Half Elf: Immune sleep, +2 vs Mind Affecting
Trait: +1 saves vs Fey

Summon Animal I: 6/6 remaining

Biped Eidolon - Looks like cross between a wolf and a large cat
HD 1d10 HPs 11 BAB +1 Saves 3/4/0 Init +2 Speed 40ft
AC 16 ( +4 natural, +2 dex)
Bite +3 (1d6+3), 2 x Claws +3 (1d4+3) +1d6 bleed
Str 14 Dex 14 Con 13 Int 7 Wis 10 Cha 11
Skills (4): Perception (1) +4, Stealth (1) +6, Survival (1) +4, Acrobatics (1) +6
Feats (1): Power attack
Evol Pool (4): Limbs, Bite, Claws (1), Bleed (claws) (1), Imp Natural armour (1), Pounce (1)
SQ: Darkvision, link, Share spells

[DarkOne-Rob]

As the gate comes up Philemon darts underneath to help the young guard with the winch. "You've got to keep your finger off the trigger - if you remember nothing else, remember the four safety rules - finger off the trigger unless you mean to shoot, keep it aimed away from anything you don't want to shoot, never crank it unless you need to shoot - that one's important, it will wear out the bowstring - and mind what's behind your target. That poor cat nearly lost one of it's nine lives, buddy!" he says encouragingly, without a hint of embarrassment or hostility. "Guard duty is tough, don't let it rattle you."

Once inside Philemon nods and waves at the Trakes with a brief smile before rolling his eyes at the storekeeper. "Yours is the only store in Grimmsgate, Mr. Panga. We'll be back soon enough, I'm sure, but for now, we should probably go talk to Ralmar Prath at the inn, see what's up and where we should start looking to make things right again."

The woodsman leads the party towards the modest inn, knocking politely before entering the common room and looking for the innkeeper in the dimmer light...

[Cephor]

Spoiler: Wisdom for the ages. lol nicely done!

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As the gate comes up Philemon darts underneath to help the young guard with the winch. "You've got to keep your finger off the trigger - if you remember nothing else, remember the four safety rules - finger off the trigger unless you mean to shoot, keep it aimed away from anything you don't want to shoot, never crank it unless you need to shoot - that one's important, it will wear out the bowstring - and mind what's behind your target. That poor cat nearly lost one of it's nine lives, buddy!" he says encouragingly, without a hint of embarrassment or hostility. "Guard duty is tough, don't let it rattle you."

Riaghan followed Philemon's lead as they were lead to the innkeeper. Once out of earshot of Mr. Panga, the young sorcerer asked, "Philemon, what is your summation for engagement with your storekeeper? Avoid only when necessary? It appears your fellow visitors have a possible derision towards him," he said, craning his neck back behind them as they walked. "Or perhaps I misread?"

[Farmerbink]

Artaith grunts acknowledgement of the young guard's sort-of-apology. She jumps a bit when the bolt goes flying, with a short bark of surprise and concern. Stepping forward, she places a broad hand on the bottom of the portcullis, as if to hold it up in the event of further misfortune. Fortunately, the need doesn't come. Wide-eyed and cautious, she watches warily as Philemon lines him out.

The Dwarf woman's eyes widen at the shopkeeper's obvious boast. A quick glance around reinforces Philemon's polite objection, and somewhat masks her incredulous snickering. "Oy, that temple's seen better days," she grunts. After a moment, following the local towards the inn, she mutters, "Whole place looks like it can't possibly have seen any worse ones...."

[Ghostfoot]

You push open the door and step inside the inn. The light in here is dimmer, as you expect, and as your eyes adjust you see the few groups of very provincial and ordinary-looking village folk inside. The scene is as you might expect in a run-down tiny village like this in the middle of nowhere, although the delicious scent of the meat pies served up around the room do get you thinking that perhaps it can't be all bad.

Everyone in the common room stops what they're doing and stares at your group, gazes lingering on those with more 'exotic' features and on the strange eidolon creature at Ellie's side. The man behind the bar, a tall thin fellow with a shiny bald head that Phil recognises as Ralmar Prath, calls out back without taking his eyes off you "Miralda. Miralda! We have visitors!" A middle-aged woman enters from the back room, smoothing her aprons and fixing her hair back. As her eyes fix on you she stops in place, turning and yelling out back "Ullin. Jark! Get out here! Visitors!"

Two shifty-looking youths slope out too, shuffling their feet on the floor. They have a strong family resemblance to the innkeeper and wife, lanky with plump faces and wild hair.

Ralmar steps forward, rail-thin, nodding to Phil as he sort of recognises him obviously trying hard to place his face after so long away, "Welcome strangers, to Grimmsgate. Please, can I get you a table - here, mi'lady please have a seat. You will be staying? Ullin. Ullin! Don't just stand there help the ladies. Take their packs. Offer now, don't grab. Jark, you see to the animals. Do you have horses? Jark get a bone or something for the dog or....whatever it is....the ladies pet it looks hungry." He fusses about you, awkwardly trying to please you while barking orders at his fumbling sons.

"Now, you must be starved if you've just arrived. Ready to settle down with an ale, and my Miralda's just this afternoon baked a fine batch of pies. Delicious if I do say so myself!" the skinny innkeepers wife smiles and blushes at the compliment to her baking.

"There, that's it. Everyone sit down and relax. Take your time, enjoy a nice warm meal and everything will be just fine."

He smiles widely the smile looking more than a little forced as it stretches across his gaunt face as he nods clearly hoping for compliments or at least acceptance of his offer as the rest of the farmers and trappers stare at the spectacle.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Philemon steps forward to shake hands with the innkeeper. "I'm Philemon Cooper - we've met before, Mr. Prath, but it's been a bit since I needed lodging in town. These are my companions - Artaith, Riaghan, Eponine, and Elethielle. We've come to town to try and help with the troubles of late. Maybe you know something about it all and can help us get started, after we take an evening to recover from the road?" he says by way of introduction.

When meals start coming, Phil makes it a point to request vegetarian fare, but otherwise enjoys the relative comfort and luxury offered by the innkeeper and his family.

[Farmerbink]

Even as she walks through the door, the smell of pies begins to stir a friendlier side of Artaith. She grunts acceptance as one of the youngsters scrambles to relieve her over-burdened shoulders. When he proves no match for the (easily two-people's worth) provisions, she smirks and snorts in amusement. "Take two trips, lad. Don't hurt yerself." She lays her shield to the side and takes a seat weightily, the wooden chair groaning beneath the stocky woman and her armor.

"An ale sounds apt to start things off," she calls. She grins widely as she favors Miralda with a polite nod. "My ma' always warned me about skinny chefs, though! Wouldn't trust it but for the smell. I suppose I'll give it a fair shake." She winks to the woman, hoping to make a friendly impression.

"Come on now, Phil. They obviously don't want to jump right into it." She rolls her eyes and shrugs. "Aye. Idea is we're here ta help. Don't rightly know what with, but the church o' the Mother of Accord sends their wishes. Or me, instead, anyway. Bawhaha!" Artaith chuckles in apparently genuine mirth as ales are provided, and quickly takes to the mug with gusto.

[Ghostfoot]

"Aye, the troubles..." the innkeeper hunches down in a conspiratorial manner his voice dropping and his eyes flitting about the room. "Forgive me Master Cooper, I didn't recognise you there". Although you're still not certain he recognises you now,

"Aye there's something out there. The woodsmen and the farmers been grumblin' fer years. This that n' the other - bandits or beasts or some such. A group of knights came by some years ago to clear the woods. Well, that was the last that they were seen. We ain't had any other lawfolk round here for some years now.

These days folk don't venture far out - you won't find them residing at their farmhouses the smart ones all stay in the village now. Might head out to tend their flocks or what's left of 'em. I mean it seems like every few weeks someone disappears or absconds. Just three days ago those farmers Albraith and Etarra disappeared. Gone, just like that. Too stubborn for their own good.

And there's no game left just ask the trappers. Nothing to hunt. Not even those rabbits used to be everywhere. Pantro - he's the trader - well he's been waiting on delivery of goods & supplies he'll be waiting a long time if you ask me. As for travellers, we get the occasional folk in from Old Lawson Town but no one comes from up Harkin's Ford way anymore.

Nope, won't be long now till we'll all be gone. One way or the other it don't seem like there's much of a future around here.

Anyways, there's rooms up top. 1 gold piece a room you can have one each or share 2 to a room. you can have your pick you're the only ones staying."

[DarkOne-Rob]

Phil listens as the innkeeper explains the situation, nodding along until he mentions the missing farmers. "Albraith and Etarra? Gone? Those two were tough as nails...and they're gone? Three days, you say? There might be tracks still...We should probably start there..." he says quietly as the man continues his tale of woe. At the mention of renting a room he weighs his pouch in his hand, thinking carefully.

"Maybe one night for me - then I think the thing to do is go to the nearest sit and look for clues about what might have gotten the farmers. Does anyone in town have any ideas? Is it worth talking to anyone else?"

[RCgothic]

"No... rabbits?" Eponine repeats uncertainly. "Father is going to be furious..."

"I'll take a room to myse- no! Wait, I'll share" she replies to the innkeeper, suddenly remembering her more limited means. "Elethielle, would you like to...?" she offers, still pondering the situation.

She perks up when Philemon suggests direct action. "Hey, yeah! We're all resourceful types! Why don't we find out what's been going on?" she suggests, inadvertently volunteering her travelling companions.

[Cephor]

"I certainly don't mind sharing a room," Riaghan confided with the rest of the party. "It's certainly a shame to hear about this couple. Perhaps given they were the last to disappear, we can work backward and hopefully trace their steps? It may clue us in to the whereabouts... or final fate of those who've disappeared."

[Farmerbink]

Artaith nods at Eponine's comment, after quietly chuckling over the loss of the rabbits. "Well Hells, I didn't walk all tha way out here ta sit on me hands once I got here. O'course I'll go with ya an' see if we can't find the missin' folks." She takes another pull from the mug and burps quietly. "Hopefully they ain't all gone, gone. Either way, where there's a hearthstone to warm, there's somethin' ta fight for. I'll be with ya."

[DrK]

Elethielle Elethielle listens and nods her head sadly a the familiar tale of the savage of the wilds reclaiming these villages she nods to Eponine with a smile. I would appreciate the company fair Eponine and I'm sure we can hunt and look for some rabbits for your farm." At the poor villager she nods and looks to men. "We can indeed help. We can search for tracks and try and see what we can see." She looks to the others, "Shall we eat and then start looking and investigating the surrounding woods."

Spoiler: OOC

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Elethielle (Ellie)
M LG Half Elf Summoner (Wild caller) [VMC Druid], Level 1, Init 2, HP 8/8, Speed
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 13, Fort 1, Ref 2, Will 3, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow (20) +2 (1d6, x3)
Reach Longspear (-) +1 (1d8+1, x3)
Longsword (Cold Iron) +1 (1d8+1, 19-20)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 16
Condition Half Elf: Immune sleep, +2 vs Mind Affecting
Trait: +1 saves vs Fey

Summon Animal I: 6/6 remaining

Biped Eidolon - Looks like cross between a wolf and a large cat
HD 1d10 HPs 11 BAB +1 Saves 3/4/0 Init +2 Speed 40ft
AC 16 ( +4 natural, +2 dex)
Bite +3 (1d6+3), 2 x Claws +3 (1d4+3) +1d6 bleed
Str 14 Dex 14 Con 13 Int 7 Wis 10 Cha 11
Skills (4): Perception (1) +4, Stealth (1) +6, Survival (1) +4, Acrobatics (1) +6
Feats (1): Power attack
Evol Pool (4): Limbs, Bite, Claws (1), Bleed (claws) (1), Imp Natural armour (1), Pounce (1)
SQ: Darkvision, link, Share spells

[Ghostfoot]

You spend the night at the Silver Dagger, the rest of the evening passing uneventfully as the rest of the locals in the common room keep to themselves, grumbling away and casting suspicious looks in your direction periodically.

The rooms upstairs are clean, although the sheets threadbare and the furniture evidently in a state of constant, barely-sufficient, repair. The next morning you rise and have a quick breakfast of porridge before preparing for the investigations of the days ahead. The innkeep, Ralmar Prath, gives you directions to the farm where the missing couple resided, "Follow the trail north-east for a couple of miles until you reach the forest. Don't continue on the trail, that'd take you through the woods to Harkin's Ford and no-one goes up that way any more. Look for the track to their farm down near the river. Make sure you young folk get back 'fore dark though. Don't be poking around out there after nightfall."

With Ralmar's directions fresh in your mind you head off. The gatehouse guard Giles gives a shy wave to Eponine as you pass by "Hey, s'cuse me milady - I reckons I saw something out there last night. In the shadows. I thought it was a wild beast snuffling about sure sounded like one. I took a shot and as it run'd off I got a glimpse I could'a sworn it was a man - it even looked like a bit like old Botho the tramp! But he's been gone for months now so it couldn't have been. Guess my eyes playing tricks on me again. I'll try and watch better next time."

..............

You follow the dirty track down from the small hillock on which Grimmsgate is situated and out into the largely neglected fields surrounding the village. The forest looms close by to your right and also a mile or so away to your left. Occasionally there is a discarded implement, a broken plough or wagon wheel among the weeds, and insects buzz and flit in the spring sunlight.

Ellie, half an hour out of the village you catch sight of some movement across a field, near a crumbling low stone wall some ~180 feet away. A small tree grows near the wall casting a shadow across the area. It looked to you like a person, or a humanoid at least, had ducked down behind the wall...

=> Party

[DarkOne-Rob]

Phil takes the lead, carefully picking the way through the rough ground. At the glimpse of someone hiding beyond them he stops, holding his hand up with a fist to indicate they should stop. Silently he points in the direction of the figure and then places a finger to his lips to indicate they should be quiet. Then he begins sneaking in that direction, eyes peeled for any sign of human(oid) life.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Perception +5, Stealth +2, Survival +5. Philemon would be using all three to try and approach, eyes open for any immediate movement, looking at trail signs for indications that someone(thing) has been this way, and trying to do it all quietly. If you want dice rolls: Perception (1d20+5)[13], Stealth (1d20+2)[6], and Survival (1d20+5)[23]

[Farmerbink]

On their way out of town, Artaith stops to listen. She makes no effort to hide that she's paying attention to the young guard and indeed quickly begins to frown deeply. Probably not far enough to prevent being overheard herself, she strikes up conversation. "Sounds like somethin' making normal folks turn feral? Or maybe were-folk of some sort. Either way, it's a lead and a serious problem, but one we can maybe solve. Here's hoping there's people left under all the skin."

She draws shield and axe as she stomps along, several paces behind Phil (to afford some possibility of a furtive approach). Her eyes scan the woods on either side of the road sporadically, though even she would admit she doesn't rightly know what she's looking for.

Spoiler: OOC

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Artaith is utterly untrained at most things, really, but especially outdoorsy stuff. Still, decent wisdom, right?

(1d20+3)[20] perception, survival

[DrK]

Elethielle Walking in the woods Elethielle comes alive, hands running along the leaves and branches as she walks barefoot, enjoying the mud and life all around her. Staying to the shadows on the edge of the party she moves low, trying to blend into the dappled sunlight in the trees. As the others freeze she gazes across the clearing, a hand resting on the eidolon's scruff. A whispered, "Come my friend, we hunt again..." As its sniffs the air and they start to creep around the clearing to outflank what the others saw

Spoiler: OOC

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Elethiell perception (1d20+6)[22] and stealth (1d20+6)[20]
Eidolon perception (1d20+4)[10] and stealth (1d20+6)[16]

Elethielle (Ellie)
M LG Half Elf Summoner (Wild caller) [VMC Druid], Level 1, Init 2, HP 8/8, Speed
AC 15, Touch 12, Flat-footed 13, CMD 13, Fort 1, Ref 2, Will 3, CMB +1, Base Attack Bonus 0
Shortbow (20) +2 (1d6, x3)
Reach Longspear (-) +1 (1d8+1, x3)
Longsword (Cold Iron) +1 (1d8+1, 19-20)
Studded Leather (+3 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 16
Condition Half Elf: Immune sleep, +2 vs Mind Affecting
Trait: +1 saves vs Fey

Summon Animal I: 6/6 remaining

Biped Eidolon - Looks like cross between a wolf and a large cat
HD 1d10 HPs 11 BAB +1 Saves 3/4/0 Init +2 Speed 40ft
AC 16 ( +4 natural, +2 dex)
Bite +3 (1d6+3), 2 x Claws +3 (1d4+3) +1d6 bleed
Str 14 Dex 14 Con 13 Int 7 Wis 10 Cha 11
Skills (4): Perception (1) +4, Stealth (1) +6, Survival (1) +4, Acrobatics (1) +6
Feats (1): Power attack
Evol Pool (4): Limbs, Bite, Claws (1), Bleed (claws) (1), Imp Natural armour (1), Pounce (1)
SQ: Darkvision, link, Share spells

[Cephor]

Riaghan notices his allies ducking down to get a better look. He does the same and get a good look of their surroundings to spot any potential issues should they get into a tussle with this creature.

"stealth" - (1d20+1)[14]
"Knowledge: Geography" - (1d20+5)[23]

[Ghostfoot]

Your group sneaks forward, Artaith bringing up the rear as she stomps along in her 'no-nonsense' way. Definitely there's something up ahead, even at this distance you can hear snuffling animalistic sounds and a scuffling, and crumpled weeds where someone or something has recently passed.

Rounding the low wall some 60ft from the source you spot the cause of the disturbance...hunched over the corpse of a dog-sized rat are two feral-looking people with the ragged remains of clothing barely clinging to their bodies. Even as you watch they grab and tussle over the meat, grabbing great gobbets of organs and flesh with clawed fingers and stuffing what they can into their mouths - disgusting!

A loose rock shifts under Phil's foot and as he regains his footing the two 'humans' snap heir heads around, a hungry look in their eyes as they spy fresh prey interrupting their meals...

Spoiler: initiative rolls & info

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Initiative
Rhiaghan (1d20+5)[11]
Ellie (1d20+2)[17]
Phil (1d20+2)[16]
Artaith (1d20+1)[2]
Eponine (1d20+3)[14]
Evil (1d20)[14]

Foes are currently flat-footed, none of you are.
Foes are 60ft distant (100ft for Artaith, who is slowly and clumsily following behind )

=> Ellie, Phil & Eponine

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Round 1, Philemon's Statistics

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Philemon Cooper
Male Neutral Good Human Ranger (Skirmisher/Guide), Level 1, Init 2, HP 13/13, Speed 30 ft.
AC 17, Touch 12, Flat-footed 15, CMD 16, Fort 4, Ref 4, Will 2, CMB +4, Base Attack Bonus 1
Shortbow (20 Arrows) +3 (1d6, 20/x3)
Scale Mail (50 GP) (+5 Armor, +2 Dex)
Abilities Str 17, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 7
Condition None

"That's new - and bad!" says Phil simply as he whips out his shortbow and fires off an arrow at one of the frightening, feral humans. "Once they get close I'll use my sword - don't let them get close!"

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Draw shortbow and fire an arrow at the nearest of the two feral humans.
Shortbow: (1d20+3)[13] to hit, (1d20+3)[4] (20/x3), (1d6)[2] piercing damage, (2d6)[9] critical strike damage

Knowledge (Local) (untrained) to recognize either of them: (1d20)[17]

[RCgothic]

"Wait! What if they're some of the missing villagers?" Eponine cries, hesitating, uncertain about shooting humanoids. "Shouldn't we try and incapacitate them?"

Spoiler

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Delaying