“I feel like we never fully explored the Forest of Illusion—maybe we should be sure to look everywhere, since we don’t know where to look for those black gate glyph keys.” Eiren shrugs, looking to each of the others.

"Right, if we didn't find it, the thing that makes the most sense is looking in the places that we haven't searched yet..." Velmine replies, while checking through her stuff, just as to reassure herself she didn't drop anything along the way. While everything is in order, it's at that moment that she remembers the bear, and she calls it to stay closer to her.

If no one else wants the potion I’ll hold on to it.  Sure let’s finish exploring the area we are in first, never know what we might find!

"I agree, doesn't hurt to fully explore one area before moving on to the next," Corvin adds.

So do you head back to the Forest of Illusion?

// I’m game for that if everyone else is. //

It looks like the majority agrees with Eiren to go back to the Forest of Illusion. As the party goes through the White Gate Tallis mysteriously vanishes leaving you to wonder if the gates are really safe. 

You make your way to where you slaughtered the Hook Horrors. When you are just south of the Black Gate you realize that to the south of your position is hidden from view by trees and a pool. (remember moving through the tree and the pool is difficult terrain).

 (For this who didn't see it, we are no longer using Flanking. For more information see post #73 in the OoC thread.)

Well no way but through, lead on!

Eiren will skirt the edge of the pool, keeping an eye out for anything unusual.

Eiren moves through the small path between the pool and the trees and beholds... 

This treeless section of the cavern is set with natural ledges and indentations ten feet from the floor.

Eiren make a perception check 

Perception 21

Eiren sees seven strange looking creatures, they are a hideous hybrid of lizard, bird, and bat. (C7 is not line of sight)

C1, C2, C3 are 30 feet high 

C4, C5 are 20 feet high 

C6, (C7), C8 are 10 feet high 

What do you do?

"Ok, they haven't seen us yet, right?" Velmine whispers, trying to let everyone in the group hear. "So we could be smart about this and attack while they aren't expecting, how about we just approach quietly, and then attack? We know that the key we're looking for is around here, so I see no reason to avoid fighting..."

Quote from Pertuie >>

"Ok, they haven't seen us yet, right?" Velmine whispers, trying to let everyone in the group hear. "So we could be smart about this and attack while they aren't expecting, how about we just approach quietly, and then attack? We know that the key we're looking for is around here, so I see no reason to avoid fighting..."

If the group accepts her plan, she goes in front, as she's the most experienced in approaching quietly.

Stealth: 13

 

 Actually I forgot to mention that they are all looking at you with what might be hunger.

Xavier whispers “if We back up I can come and cast the sickening radiance on that whole alcove against those creatures.  I don’t want to hurt any of you though so we should back away behind the trees and pool first.”

Quote from Flyingmatthew >>

Quote from Pertuie >>

"Ok, they haven't seen us yet, right?" Velmine whispers, trying to let everyone in the group hear. "So we could be smart about this and attack while they aren't expecting, how about we just approach quietly, and then attack? We know that the key we're looking for is around here, so I see no reason to avoid fighting..."

If the group accepts her plan, she goes in front, as she's the most experienced in approaching quietly.

Stealth: 13

 

 Actually I forgot to mention that they are all looking at you with what might be hunger.

 (Oh, good to hear... Then you can strike my entire message out of the list...)

Hearing Xavier's warning, Velmine doesn't step any closer. For this first round, the only thing she'll do is prepare a dagger.

(Smart. 4)

Baik looks at the strange chicken snakes. This isn’t good. Not good at all. Those are.. abominations. Mind if I kill one? Back will ready a stabby Stab from his spear.

Quote from BoboBoombang >>

(Smart. 5)

 (Just so I know, was this supposed to be your initiative roll? If so, you might just have forgotten to add your modifier...)

(I had no idea I had a feat... how? You’re right, it is 10.)

Quote from Flyingmatthew >>

 Actually I forgot to mention that they are all looking at you with what might be hunger.

 Eiren carefully pulls a piece of dried meat from his pack (-1 ration) and throws it towards the creatures.

”I like the idea of backing up. Quickly.” He does as Xavier suggests.