Urijeon's incantation quickly brings about the desired result. A screech owl silently lands near the barbarian and stares wide-eyed at each of you. A few moments later, it takes flight and vanishes into the gloom of the High Forest. Urijeon sits motionless, in an almost trance-like state, as he focuses on his magical connection with the bird of prey.
Urijeon:
Initially, all you're able to discern is the forest terrain moving past you at blinding speed. A few minutes later, however, the owl exits the forest and flies over the open terrain of the Delimbiyr River valley. The bird's night vision grants you a considerably good view of the landscape, and you see three medium-sized humanoids in the distance on the eastern bank of the river. The owl draws nearer to them, enabling you to verify they are the same Ghost Tree warriors you encountered earlier in the day.
NOTE: For tracking purposes, the position of the Ghost Tree barbarians would indicate they forded the river at some point to the north of you and are headed in an easterly direction (toward the Far Forest). Refer to the map in the first game post.
At first Avelin was sure Uri was mocking the shaman by hooting, but when an owl landed not moments later and then took flight Avelin considered it a coincidence.
Suddenly seeing the warrior's eyes have turned a jet black with the barbarian looking to be in a trance, Avelin is in shock himself. It seems the spirits and ancestors also flow through this non-Shaman. With mixed feelings of joy, jealousy, and uncertainty, Avelin looks to have a conversation privately with Uri before the sun rises; knowing that the Blue Bear tribe is wary of magic users, if Uri has magical abilities Avelin is hopeful he knows how to handle them and to seek that the others in the party will keep this matter private and secret. But, he muses, it is most joyous that there is another able to speak with animals, and commune with the ancestor's spirits reborn in beasts and birds
Uri shuts his eyes again and when he reopens them they are back to normal. "The Ghost Trees have crossed the river, headed for the Far Forest. I don't think they shall trouble us any further."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"Well that is something, although it is still troubling what they told the giant about our tribe attacking them. Regardless the way ahead is open to us again, let us move until the light fails and camp further into the trees."Farkas looks ready to keep going through the darkness but common sense is prevailing for now.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
"Very well." Mateja says carefully, confused by the shamanic invocation Uri had displayed and having taken note of Avelin's curious reaction to it. She decides not to press the matter, instead focusing her attention on the next task at hand. "I agree, let's make camp just inside the forest's edge. It will shelter us from the wind, and we will not be seen as easily by anyone passing by."
((At whatever point in the near future when we are setting up camp for the evening:::::Avelin takes advantage of a momentary relaxed moment to take Urijeon aside and out of earshot of the others. Avelin says to Uri:
Powerful magic and connection to the spirits you showed earlier. The tribe doesn't understand the joy of communing with animals or understand fully that our ancestors are reborn as beasts and birds through Uthgar's will. Show caution and discretion when we finally get home, these powers frighten the Blue Bears. Needlessly afraid and untrusting are others of our gifts, but the tribe cannot have a brave warrior like yourself as an Outcast. However I may help or give you guidance in the future, I am humbled to your service.
((At whatever other convenient moment for privacy, Avelin also wishes to speak privately to Mateya:
I am glad to see that your anger at me subsided throughout the day, I meant no disrespect asking about your mother's vision. You should feel no anger, fear, or shame, that this was kept secret. Strange that she gave no mention of it to you. Or to me. Only to Kriga? Very unusual. A vision is a powerful gift from the beyond. In whatever role you are to play in this vision, you must trust your instincts and place trust in your mother. Your mother surely walks with the greatest of our ancestors now. If she is to be reborn, no doubt she will return to Uthgar's wilderness as the mightiest of bears. I am honored to serve you, and your mother's vision. Should you wish it, I will make my prayer intentions for tonight towards her.
Between your mother's vision and the incantation ritual of our friend Urijeon earlier, perhaps our tribe is closer to the spirits than I realized.
"That you do not know that I am already an outcast shows how much of one you are yourself shaman. If I was not useful I would be out of our tribe already. The animals have always been more of a friend to me then our tribe."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"Thank you, Shaman. My anger was not directed at you. The hunters passed along their message, and they did not tell me. Or Kriga told them not to." She looks down at her hands, watching the skin turn white as she balls them into fists, anger once again threatening to rise up. "Her last words were hidden from me, Shaman. That is why I am angry." She opens her hands again, as if willing her anger to flow out of her, and surprisingly even a smile appears on her lips."I pray you are right. She would be worthy of becoming a mighty bear."
Taking the two quick conversations under deep consideration, Avelin expresses his appreciation to the others and retreats to the edge of the forest for quiet contemplation. Listening to the the rushing Delimbiyr River, Avelin prays for wisdom and guidance from the spirits. Too much has happened today. The giant; the alleged slaying of Tree Ghosts by the 3 Blue Bears of the funeral party, at the Grandfather Tree far from Stone Stand; Uri's revealing of speaking with the animals; the still unknown mysteries of the vision of Mateya's mother who is certainly now an honored ancestor spirit.
Kriga has much to answer for!
For now, Avelin walks back to the others, tired from the tense day and hoping simply to get some rest.
The second day of your journey comes to a close, and you set up camp on the eastern fringe of the High Forest. The night is divided into watches, and they pass without incident. The rays of the morning sun shine through the trees and make it nearly impossible for anyone to continue sleeping much past sunrise. The morning meal is easily procured, for all of you have ample experience in finding sustenance from the High Forest and its surrounding terrain.
By mid-afternoon, you reach the northeast corner of the High Forest and realize your journey must now turn to the west. The summit of Hellgate Dell, wreathed in enormous trees, rises to your left as you turn westward. To your right stretches the hilly terrain that marks the northernmost reaches of Delimbiyr Vale. Beyond the hills you can see the harsh specter of the Nether Mountains. The members of the Ghost Tree tribe that you encountered the day before have, for better or worse, made no appearance today.
The day has offered little more than the monotony of walking, resting, eating, and walking some more. Until, however, your view to your right reveals a group of large cat-like animals you've never seen. They are spread out on the western face of large hill, and their attention is fully focused on the five of you.
Map:
(In your next post, please use grid coordinates to indicate your character's location. Initiative rolls are unnecessary.)
Mateja takes a few quick steps forward, putting some of the larger bushes between herself and the cats. If they chose to charge, it could potentially hinder them, while she would have little difficulty pushing through and making a sprint across the wide clear space between them.
Uri moves up to the gap in the trees (K-9) unslings his bow and notches an arrow. He draws it back and readies to fire if one of the creatures moves down off the hill.
Mechanics:
(Held action: Attack if one of the creatures crosses past line 13 on the grid)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Farkas will hold his ground "If they move to attack fight together, the power of the tribe is stronger when they fight side by side. We will take them quickly, if we focus. Protect the shaman from the beasts and I am sure he will protect us in return." He draws the battleaxe from the sheath at his back and his other hand goes to one of his handaxes, readying that weapon too.
Farkas will be raging if it comes to it and therefore this will be in effect, meaning players don't need to use reckless fighting if the conditions below are met.
While you’re raging, your allies have advantage on melee attack rolls against any hostile creature within 5 feet of you.
"Caution and prudence, friends. After all, these are Beasts of the wilderness, potentially reborn spirits of ancestors. We could simply have stumbled upon their den or hunting grounds. Beasts would do what they do, not as men do. If there is chance to speak or befriend one of them, there could be a chance to avoid any unnecessary violence." Avelin reminds the others nearby.
The forward movement of Urijeon and Mateja seem to spring the cats into action. With tremendous speed, they begin to close the gap. Their intent does not seem to be benign.
"They call for our blood, make them drink their own from ruined throats!" Farkas roars in defiance at the onrushing creatures. Feeling the fury settle over him the barbarian begins to jog forward to meet the beasts as they advance, trying to position himself betwen Uri and the pack "Strike true archer, I will hold them back." He adjusts the grip on his handaxe, before raising the weapon and throwing it with all his might at the leading cat.
Movement to K10
Bonus Action: Rage
Action: Ranged Attack with handaxe (I believe it is under 20', so no disadvantage. Attack 9 for 5 slashing damage
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Uri lets an arrow fly at cat #1, aiming to help Farkas finish it quickly. As Farkas moves into position an arrow flys over his shoulder, about 4" from his ear.
Attack: 7 Damage: 6
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Farkas's handaxe whistles through the air and sails over the head of the charging cat. A moment later, however, an arrow from Urijeon's bow plunges deep into beast's chest. A half-growl, half-squeal erupts from its mouth as it continues to rush toward the group.
((Avelin, Teya, and Mateja may act next, in any order. Actions for the cats will follow. ))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Urijeon's incantation quickly brings about the desired result. A screech owl silently lands near the barbarian and stares wide-eyed at each of you. A few moments later, it takes flight and vanishes into the gloom of the High Forest. Urijeon sits motionless, in an almost trance-like state, as he focuses on his magical connection with the bird of prey.
Urijeon:
Initially, all you're able to discern is the forest terrain moving past you at blinding speed. A few minutes later, however, the owl exits the forest and flies over the open terrain of the Delimbiyr River valley. The bird's night vision grants you a considerably good view of the landscape, and you see three medium-sized humanoids in the distance on the eastern bank of the river. The owl draws nearer to them, enabling you to verify they are the same Ghost Tree warriors you encountered earlier in the day.
NOTE: For tracking purposes, the position of the Ghost Tree barbarians would indicate they forded the river at some point to the north of you and are headed in an easterly direction (toward the Far Forest). Refer to the map in the first game post.
At first Avelin was sure Uri was mocking the shaman by hooting, but when an owl landed not moments later and then took flight Avelin considered it a coincidence.
Suddenly seeing the warrior's eyes have turned a jet black with the barbarian looking to be in a trance, Avelin is in shock himself. It seems the spirits and ancestors also flow through this non-Shaman. With mixed feelings of joy, jealousy, and uncertainty, Avelin looks to have a conversation privately with Uri before the sun rises; knowing that the Blue Bear tribe is wary of magic users, if Uri has magical abilities Avelin is hopeful he knows how to handle them and to seek that the others in the party will keep this matter private and secret. But, he muses, it is most joyous that there is another able to speak with animals, and commune with the ancestor's spirits reborn in beasts and birds
Boldly go
Uri shuts his eyes again and when he reopens them they are back to normal. "The Ghost Trees have crossed the river, headed for the Far Forest. I don't think they shall trouble us any further."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"Well that is something, although it is still troubling what they told the giant about our tribe attacking them. Regardless the way ahead is open to us again, let us move until the light fails and camp further into the trees." Farkas looks ready to keep going through the darkness but common sense is prevailing for now.
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
"Very well." Mateja says carefully, confused by the shamanic invocation Uri had displayed and having taken note of Avelin's curious reaction to it. She decides not to press the matter, instead focusing her attention on the next task at hand. "I agree, let's make camp just inside the forest's edge. It will shelter us from the wind, and we will not be seen as easily by anyone passing by."
Lynn-Marie Verine-Wintercleaver, Human Bloodhunter - Adventures in Esyldien
Finan Caible, Human Bard - Joys of Balance
Yroc Grumbak, Orc Fighlock - Pizazz's ToA
Arell Peroan, Half-Elf Warlonk - Scattered Gods
ESC! | 10|33|5~
((At whatever point in the near future when we are setting up camp for the evening:::::Avelin takes advantage of a momentary relaxed moment to take Urijeon aside and out of earshot of the others. Avelin says to Uri:
Powerful magic and connection to the spirits you showed earlier. The tribe doesn't understand the joy of communing with animals or understand fully that our ancestors are reborn as beasts and birds through Uthgar's will. Show caution and discretion when we finally get home, these powers frighten the Blue Bears. Needlessly afraid and untrusting are others of our gifts, but the tribe cannot have a brave warrior like yourself as an Outcast. However I may help or give you guidance in the future, I am humbled to your service.
((At whatever other convenient moment for privacy, Avelin also wishes to speak privately to Mateya:
I am glad to see that your anger at me subsided throughout the day, I meant no disrespect asking about your mother's vision. You should feel no anger, fear, or shame, that this was kept secret. Strange that she gave no mention of it to you. Or to me. Only to Kriga? Very unusual. A vision is a powerful gift from the beyond. In whatever role you are to play in this vision, you must trust your instincts and place trust in your mother. Your mother surely walks with the greatest of our ancestors now. If she is to be reborn, no doubt she will return to Uthgar's wilderness as the mightiest of bears. I am honored to serve you, and your mother's vision. Should you wish it, I will make my prayer intentions for tonight towards her.
Between your mother's vision and the incantation ritual of our friend Urijeon earlier, perhaps our tribe is closer to the spirits than I realized.
Boldly go
Uri responds to Avelin's words.
"That you do not know that I am already an outcast shows how much of one you are yourself shaman. If I was not useful I would be out of our tribe already. The animals have always been more of a friend to me then our tribe."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Mateja's response:
"Thank you, Shaman. My anger was not directed at you. The hunters passed along their message, and they did not tell me. Or Kriga told them not to." She looks down at her hands, watching the skin turn white as she balls them into fists, anger once again threatening to rise up. "Her last words were hidden from me, Shaman. That is why I am angry."
She opens her hands again, as if willing her anger to flow out of her, and surprisingly even a smile appears on her lips. "I pray you are right. She would be worthy of becoming a mighty bear."
Lynn-Marie Verine-Wintercleaver, Human Bloodhunter - Adventures in Esyldien
Finan Caible, Human Bard - Joys of Balance
Yroc Grumbak, Orc Fighlock - Pizazz's ToA
Arell Peroan, Half-Elf Warlonk - Scattered Gods
ESC! | 10|33|5~
Taking the two quick conversations under deep consideration, Avelin expresses his appreciation to the others and retreats to the edge of the forest for quiet contemplation. Listening to the the rushing Delimbiyr River, Avelin prays for wisdom and guidance from the spirits. Too much has happened today. The giant; the alleged slaying of Tree Ghosts by the 3 Blue Bears of the funeral party, at the Grandfather Tree far from Stone Stand; Uri's revealing of speaking with the animals; the still unknown mysteries of the vision of Mateya's mother who is certainly now an honored ancestor spirit.
Kriga has much to answer for!
For now, Avelin walks back to the others, tired from the tense day and hoping simply to get some rest.
Boldly go
The second day of your journey comes to a close, and you set up camp on the eastern fringe of the High Forest. The night is divided into watches, and they pass without incident. The rays of the morning sun shine through the trees and make it nearly impossible for anyone to continue sleeping much past sunrise. The morning meal is easily procured, for all of you have ample experience in finding sustenance from the High Forest and its surrounding terrain.
By mid-afternoon, you reach the northeast corner of the High Forest and realize your journey must now turn to the west. The summit of Hellgate Dell, wreathed in enormous trees, rises to your left as you turn westward. To your right stretches the hilly terrain that marks the northernmost reaches of Delimbiyr Vale. Beyond the hills you can see the harsh specter of the Nether Mountains. The members of the Ghost Tree tribe that you encountered the day before have, for better or worse, made no appearance today.
The day has offered little more than the monotony of walking, resting, eating, and walking some more. Until, however, your view to your right reveals a group of large cat-like animals you've never seen. They are spread out on the western face of large hill, and their attention is fully focused on the five of you.
Map:
(In your next post, please use grid coordinates to indicate your character's location. Initiative rolls are unnecessary.)
(Gird O-8 has a circle with an "A" in it, which is a fine spot)
Avelin tries to tell from this distance if these are Beasts, or something else (i.r. creature type Monstrosity)
Nature 16
Boldly go
Mateja takes a few quick steps forward, putting some of the larger bushes between herself and the cats. If they chose to charge, it could potentially hinder them, while she would have little difficulty pushing through and making a sprint across the wide clear space between them.
Mechanics:
I'll move up to L-8
Lynn-Marie Verine-Wintercleaver, Human Bloodhunter - Adventures in Esyldien
Finan Caible, Human Bard - Joys of Balance
Yroc Grumbak, Orc Fighlock - Pizazz's ToA
Arell Peroan, Half-Elf Warlonk - Scattered Gods
ESC! | 10|33|5~
Avelin
The cats, although bear-sized, don't seem to be anything other than wild beasts.
Uri moves up to the gap in the trees (K-9) unslings his bow and notches an arrow. He draws it back and readies to fire if one of the creatures moves down off the hill.
Mechanics:
(Held action: Attack if one of the creatures crosses past line 13 on the grid)
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Farkas will hold his ground "If they move to attack fight together, the power of the tribe is stronger when they fight side by side. We will take them quickly, if we focus. Protect the shaman from the beasts and I am sure he will protect us in return." He draws the battleaxe from the sheath at his back and his other hand goes to one of his handaxes, readying that weapon too.
Farkas will be raging if it comes to it and therefore this will be in effect, meaning players don't need to use reckless fighting if the conditions below are met.
While you’re raging, your allies have advantage on melee attack rolls against any hostile creature within 5 feet of you.
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
"Caution and prudence, friends. After all, these are Beasts of the wilderness, potentially reborn spirits of ancestors. We could simply have stumbled upon their den or hunting grounds. Beasts would do what they do, not as men do. If there is chance to speak or befriend one of them, there could be a chance to avoid any unnecessary violence." Avelin reminds the others nearby.
Boldly go
The forward movement of Urijeon and Mateja seem to spring the cats into action. With tremendous speed, they begin to close the gap. Their intent does not seem to be benign.
Map 2:
"They call for our blood, make them drink their own from ruined throats!" Farkas roars in defiance at the onrushing creatures. Feeling the fury settle over him the barbarian begins to jog forward to meet the beasts as they advance, trying to position himself betwen Uri and the pack "Strike true archer, I will hold them back." He adjusts the grip on his handaxe, before raising the weapon and throwing it with all his might at the leading cat.
Movement to K10
Bonus Action: Rage
Action: Ranged Attack with handaxe (I believe it is under 20', so no disadvantage. Attack 9 for 5 slashing damage
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Uri lets an arrow fly at cat #1, aiming to help Farkas finish it quickly. As Farkas moves into position an arrow flys over his shoulder, about 4" from his ear.
Attack: 7 Damage: 6
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Farkas's handaxe whistles through the air and sails over the head of the charging cat. A moment later, however, an arrow from Urijeon's bow plunges deep into beast's chest. A half-growl, half-squeal erupts from its mouth as it continues to rush toward the group.
((Avelin, Teya, and Mateja may act next, in any order. Actions for the cats will follow. ))