Quote from Angel_dePrime >>

Bran is content to take the second watch | Perception: 18

 

 Albert wakes up Bran and asks "Do we have our conversation now, while others are at peace?"

Darian takes third watch (Perception 11 or 13 if this counts as desert). He is slightly preoccupied speaking with the kobold guards during his shift.

((thanks for the level up!))

Ne'haredowell is happy to take the last shift. His eyes are accustomed to the dark and don't mind. As the cool breeze sets upon the desert and the death dogs howl in the night, he just sit and watches. They remind him of his dog. A dog that is apparently too shy to show up now. Maybe it's because he is tired. He keeps looking over his shoulder to eye the princess. He wonders what sorts of magic she holds. 'Guessing Draconic, but you know it could be surprising.' He starts humming a song. 

"'Oh dear Br'er Fox' said dear Br'er Rabbit-" he sings in a hushed whisper, petting Lennie on the head. "'you can do anything! Anything! But please just don't throw me... into the brier patch!'"

((Perception: 15 + 4 = 19))

Arvos keeps an eye out at the death dogs, but they seem not to approach. With so many taking watch Arvos lays out his tattered bedroll and goes to sleep confidant that his companions will wake him if there is trouble.

A long day of marching has the princess spent. She is passed out on a palate made for her by the kobold commoners. It's evident that, in spite of her bravado, she's more accustomed to less rigorous activity. But to her credit, she made it through the day without a single complaint and never once held the party back. You're making good time.

While the death dogs remain a looming threat, they serve a grander purpose of keeping other threats at bay. You only have to worry about the occasional biting insect or slithering snake to disturb your rest.

Albert counts at least 6 Death Dogs inspecting your campsite. You can only spot them by their glowing eyes, but it seems earlier in the day, you only saw four, which means reinforcements may have arrived.. Still, they've made no move to approach the camp.

As Albert's watch comes to an end, he and Bran find a quiet corner away from the snoring guards. You find some rocks that make suitable stools to sit on near enough the camp that you could hear them call out if there's trouble, but far enough that you don't disturb anyone trying to sleep.

The night sky is dappled with stars. And the mountain wind swoops down to fill the air with an icy chill. But if it weren't for the ever watchful dead dogs taking interest in your campsite, one might describe the vistas as picturesque.

Albert starts: "Eh, sorry, effects of the gender change mushrooms ran out. Back to boring old Albert. What can I do for tou my friend?"

Bran is glad to meet with Albert, "Brother your wisdom is sorely needed" and Bran pauses, the tension and the significance of any advice and more importantly just to speak to a wise and learned person to talk to, for Bran is in need of sharing what has been happening becomes paramount within him. "While you and the rest of the Company were underground I had an experience", Bran stops, "No ... I need to go back further, for this to make any sort of sense", Bran collects himself and continues, "Remember our first night together and the assassin attempted to attack us?" and Albert nods, "On his person he had this thing", and Bran lifts the scythe, "Albert this thing quietly talks to me and it wants to do battle, it wants to fight!", Bran pauses, "It called out to me specifically there's this really odd connection it has with me and my future". Bran pauses again collecting his thoughts as he continues, "It gets stronger as I get stronger and I suspect the means it will communicate and try to take control of me will grow too". Bran stands up and starts to pace while Albert continues to watch and listen. "While we were in the caves, I left because I had too, this weapon was keen to see 'us' fight and revel in its glory, so I took control and left before 'we' caused more issue, I didn't leave because I was scared or anything quite the opposite". He stops and Bran's entire demeanour changes and an air of reverence suddenly washes over him and Albert himself senses something significant is about to be told to him. "I set up camp and I was genuinely worried for you all and so I walked out into the desert, far enough to seek whatever solace I could, I prayed to Paladine seeking guidance on what to do with this talking weapon and Paladine spoke to me, spoke to me Albert!". At this revelation Albert becomes very much alert. As Bran continues he does so seemingly again lost in the moment time seems to stand still for a moment as he continues to tell of his divine experience, "Suddenly the boiling rage within me is washed away by and replaced by a silvery light, the eye of the Platinum Father, E'li, himself is staring down on me,  then the eye pulls away to reveal a massive majestic draconic head, and a mouth that could swallow you whole, I feel no malice but only peaceful and reassurance". Bran stops for a moment and Albert doesn't know whether to interject and as soon as he thinks he should say something Bran says quietly, softly in manner befitting a Paladin of Paladine, "Paladine himself says to me "I sense your troubled mind, faithful paladin. Be at ease, and I shall answer your questions, His thoughts were in perfect elvish, though I did not see the dragon move his mouth and as quick as the event took place Paladine vanishes and I was left there standing wondering did I imagine the moment and as I had this thought a bright flash of silvery light flashed for the quickest of moments and I was left in no doubt something significant, something important to 'us' had taken place". With that Bran sits down next to Albert as both continue to look out into the beautiful desert.

Albert listens carefuly and does not interrupt any part of the Brans story. Only when he goes silent for a while, Albert starts talking: "Gods talk with us and show themselves to us in various ways - visions, dreams, small signs. Very rarely they show their true face. The fact that you saw The Platinum Dragon means that he trusts you deeply and sees you fit for this challenge. I do not judge you for abandoning us to go in the caves by ourselves. As you explained - the cursed scythe wanted only death and destruction. You did the right thing, you did what Paladine wants you to do - hold on to this evil and subdue it, so it does no harm. I believe I will be able to assist you in your task when necessary. I am no fighter as it is obvious, but my faith in Mishakal and the good of this world will guide you when you don't see clearly."

Takes Brans hand and traces an infinity simbol with his finger in his palm. "The Blue Lady is on your side Bran!"

Casts Bless on Bran. (I know it does nothing)

When Albert took Bran's hand draw a sacred sign, something deep and intensely personal took place that bonded him too Albert. "Thank you dear brother, you have given me a great gift, it will be cherished I am thankful you have allowed me this opportunity to talk and share, my trust in you is deep - thank you" and Bran clasps both of Albert's forearms and places his forehead to his in a sign of elven kinship and thanks a returned rare gift genuinely reserved to elven kin.

Albert accepts the gesture and lets Bran do whatever he is doing.

"Thank you too! I will go to sleep now. Keep vigilant! Death dogs around us."

Throughout Bran's shift, the death dogs seem to be getting more restless. They rarely look away now, and during your watch, you've lost track of some of them.

Third Shift begins...Darian's shift.

In spite of Darian murmuring quietly with one of the guards, and the steady rolling snore of the kobolds, things seem to be fairly quiet. The night temperature drops to a painful chill, and the campfire struggles to stave off the cold. The kobolds have formed a cuddle pile next to the cave wall to protect against the chill air.

Last Shift begins... Nare's shift.

The night sky is beginning to brighten, but it's still pretty dark out. Most of the desert wildlife hasn't awaken yet, but the time for their activity is beginning. Since Nare last checked, there were four visible Death Dogs. And as the campfire as dwindled to a faint smolder, they've become emboldened. Nare can see that they begin to approach the camp... snarling with hunger. The cold air has put the kobolds into a semi-hibernated state, so they remain motionless in their cuddle pile.

Included is the current scene. It's predawn, with dim light. The campfire is the white square. If lit, it can improve the light in the area, and the sticks can be used as torches/weapons if so desired.

Nare had been singing by the time the death dogs approached. Perhaps he had been too lost in the music to have noticed because by the time his whistle faltered out the dogs were already on his trial. "Guys-" Ne'haredowell whispers out, stepping back. He hesitates. He looks down at his body. Hours must have passed. "Yeah... uh, guys!"  he says again, this time the tone going more high pitched.

Sparks start to show in his hands. He holds them out outstretched towards the approaching dogs.

"Lennie!" He shoves the mouse deeper into his pocket. The sparks dissipates. "The dogs are here!" He whispers louder. Squinting hard, it takes him a minute before he turns around to throw fire to Create Bonfire onto the smoldering embers.

He grabs one of the sticks and shoves it into the fire. "Stay back!" he shouts to the dogs. "I am man! I have fire!" His cotton tail twitches to betray the thought. He keeps walking back, holding his hands out. He lightly kicks Darian, the one nearest to him, to wake. "Sorry," he mumbles before looking back up. His arms shake. "I'm warning you!" 

Darian swiftly rolls to his feet, longbow in hand.

Initiative 18

Ne'haredowell is glad to see the other awaken. 'Oh thank goodness!' Swishing the make-shift torch side to side, he twinkles his right fingers almost like playing a piano as he readies his spells. 

"I think there's four."

((Initiative: 16 + 3 = 19))

((Action: Ready Chill Touch for 5 + 4 = 9 guessing that's a fail with 5 necrotic damage if any of the death dogs try to attack))

Arvos Initiative

16 - rolled in game log

Bran Initiative |  13 |

Angel_dePrime Bran is up next. Your cohorts will act at the end of each round based on orders you give on your turn. I'll control them. If you give them no orders, their default behavior is to avoid the conflict if at all possible.

The kobolds are still asleep and will only awaken if someone wakes them up, if they are attacked, or if they are warmed up enough to awaken on their own.

Bran readies wrathful smite and moves across East one square and South four squares towards 'death dog' next to Nare and prepare to attack with scythe.