This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Back in the tavern> Bree excuses herself to Lucy: "Sorry miss Lucy, you can finish your drink and food before we leave. Sometimes I get a bit carried away when I get excited"
Perception: 15
Bree would keep to the middle of the group, knowing herself to be squishy. However from time to time she will run off to somewhere to see what it is (not going too far away from the group). From time to time she will do some Prestidigitation to keep herself and the rest entertained. If prompted she is happy to tell about her time she worked in the family weaving business and telling about her siblings and stuff..
Garavant 13 & Ingrida 20, with Garavant occasionally forgetting himself and striding ahead, although as the journey progresses both he and Ingrida get an understanding for each other’s pace
Bree (when not running off to investigate distractions) 11
Lucy 7 (and Artemis, who carries out his regular scouting sorties overhead 17)
Laerthalas (at a 'safe' distance from Lucy) 23
The road takes you into a forested area, with tall pines packed densely together on both sides. The gentle breeze of earlier is replaced by more direct, channeled gusts down the narrow corridor on which you now find yourselves. The scent of grasslands is replaced by the spicier tone of pine, which blots out all other smells except to the most attuned noses.
@Ingrida and Garavan:
You are scanning your arcs to the front of the party when, just as you turn a bend, you see about 300ft ahead a group of armed men talking animatedly to a family on a stopped wagon. There are four men wearing light armour and wielding maces; one next to the wagon speaking to an elderly male, one on the opposite side close to the elderly female passenger, and two stood about 20ft up the road to deter the wagon from setting off. All four have bows and quivers slung across their backs.
@Lucy:
Artemis warns you that there appears to be an incident up ahead involving some armed men and an elderly couple in a wagon; your colleagues at the front seem to have spotted it too. Artemis has also seen, from this vantage point, a large bear-like creature lumbering towards the strangers from the east and about 200ft away from them.
@Bree:
Although you have not noticed anything apart from the most beautiful array of daisies in the shape of a loved one’s face, you are not completely oblivious – you notice all your companions seem to be picking up on something...
@Laerthalas:
Although you are confident that the party is clear to the rear, you have a moment of perfect acuity and notice three things: Artemis, Lucy’s companion owl, seems to flinch as if alerted to danger; Garavan and Ingrida at the front of the party stiffen as though sensing something up ahead; and you hear distant crunching in the forest to the north-northeast that sounds like – in your experience – a large animal moving through woodland.
Ingrida holds up her hand in a fist signaling a halt to those behind us. She then whispers to Garavant, "Do ya see those men ahead? Looks like they are making trouble for that wagon"
Lucy was distracted by the sudden gusts that messed up her hair. But the owl's eyes catch the old couple and robberies ahead, and even more…. " Hey guys. Something big and hairy is heading to the old men and idiots. About 200 feet. It doesn't look friendly!" Lucy draws her rapier and walks to the wagon with a quick pace. A magical aura surrounds her thin body like a set of glowing armor. She orders Artemis to take a good look at the huge beast.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Garavant stops just as Ingrida does and nods, just as Lucy makes her announcement.
"Let's keep an eye on the big and hairy thing and perhaps some of you can remain unseen," he offers before immediately falling in beside Lucy on her way to the wagon. He looks to her quickly. "I suggest you let me do the talking, Lucy,"he says. "Your stunning, otherworldly beauty and radiant manner may be somewhat...off-putting... to these sort of simple folk."
He too draws his rapier, but when the people at the wagon--regular folk and bandits alike--spot them, he gives a smile and a wave. "Hello good folk!"he calls out. "There's some sort of beast in the woods headed right for you! Best be careful, it may be demanding all of our attention very soon! Perhaps we can work together, for safety's sake, eh?"
The armed men look up at the sudden appearance of two rapier-wielding elves. Their hands go to their hilts and bemusement crosses the face of their leader until Garavant’swords land and the gravity of the situation hits them. Convinced by the weight of your words he signals to his companions to prepare.
“I agree that sounds like a prudent course of action, sir”his accent suggests that he had a city upbringing. “And when the beasty is gone, I have a financial proposition for you”
@Lucy:
Artemis swoops towards the creature and back up, describing a beast with the body of a bear and the face of an owl. It is pacing towards the wagon without much care for stealth, and is now about 100ft directly east of the wagon.
Current positioning (happy to correct any misunderstandings, I'll add name tags to the next one too):
"You don't need to remind me of something that I already know," Lucy stares at Garavant. "But if you insist on having a chat with those pesky criminals, do as you pleased. By the way, the beast which is heading this way is a 1/4 cousin of Artemis. It has a bear's body and an owl's head."
Lucy tediously listens to the conversation between Garavant and the bandits. But when their leader's last word reaches her long ears, she squints her eyes and says in a dangerous low voice. "I'm not good at low life's wordings. Did that round-ear ******* say that they are going to rob us? " Without waiting for Garavant's reply, Lucy strides to the woods where the monster will appear. The elf girl shouts at the half elf rogue in elvish. "Tell the old humans to run to the halfling and dwarf. I'll shoot the beast with my spell and lure it to those robbery basterds!" Then she starts humming in old fey language. The song summons arcane energy rushing through her blood vessels. Lucy feels her body become as light as feather. Her mind turns as sharp as a blade.
(OOC: Lucy uses her Bladesong. Please tell me if I need to roll initiative)
Garavant looks at the group’s spokesman. “We can talk soon enough, but clear the way so the wagon can go.”
He calls out to the elderly couple. “Don’t worry good folks, we’re here to keep the road safe from all threats, beast or men! We have reinforcements behind us and in the trees! If the wagon can not move, you can run back toward them!”
He eyes the leader again. “Let the good folk be on their way and quickly. Then we deal with the monster, and then you and I can begin our negotiations.” He nearly sneers the last word and raises an eyebrow.
(I haven't asked for initiative yet as I wanted to allow everyone a response to the latest update and map, plus we're not in combat yet. Trigger for that will be the emergence of the beast, unless anyone decides to attack the roadblock guards).
Standing back with Ingrida Bree asks: "Do you have a clue of what is going on? Do we need to run up to them or stay back?" Bree will also protect herself with a mage armor and if she understands where the owlbear will be coming from she will move such that Ingrida would be greeted by it first if it is coming at them "Hope you don't mind me hiding behind you 😅"
"I...do not know" Ingrida says regarding what is going on. She can see that Lucy has broken off from Garavant and headed into the trees. "Maybe the princess needed to potty" she said with a smile, looking back at Bree behind her. "You can hide there whenever you'd like, just don't hit me backside with anything you might be lobbin' and we'll be fine"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The air hangs heavy with silence for a moment as everyone strains to hear the beast. Just as you realise that the absence of birds and other woodland creatures is the cause of the quiet, the treeline is torn apart by a roaring wall of fur and feathers:
The old couple shriek and try frantically to dismount from the wagon on the west side, but both are fumbling in their haste.
The humans at the roadblock draw their weapons instinctively, but their faces betray their horror. Nevertheless, they seem determined to stand their ground. The leader (Human 1) turns to take you all in as he cries "Let's see to it then! Whoever gets the final blow can keep the trophy"
Lucy has been haunted by her ill temper since the day she was born. But her quirk has one big strong point. Unless she is under fear spell,Lucy never feels fear in the battle. Even when shefaces giant Owlbear. "Hello big boy! You are as ugly as my pet!" The elf girl bares her fangs and laughs like a crazy. A spark of psychic energy appears in her palm.
Initiative:13
AC:Mage Armor AC 13 + 3 Dex Mod + 3 Int Mod (Bladesong)=19 (Sorry. The previous AC was a mistake)
(Sorry I should have said - please also announce your intended actions when you roll initiative. I will process them in order and either allow for obvious misunderstandings or allow you to adjust if intervening turns make your original plan redundant)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Initiative 21
Though typically not totally reckless, Garavant fears for the safety of the old folk should the beast reach them and their horses quickly.
"Let the wagon go!" he shouts at the men in the road. "At least these folk and their horses shall be out of the way!"
With that, he rushes at the beast, his long hair streaming in the breeze as he cuts a bold and dashing figure. As he reaches the monster, he feints slightly with his shoulders before planting his feet to drive the rapier forward, hoping his sudden attack surprises the creature.
Laerthalas will help Lucy bring up the rear, staying far enough away from her to try to escape her ire, but near enough to protect her.
Perception 23
Enzo Ballantine - Shadow Sorcerer
Back in the tavern> Bree excuses herself to Lucy: "Sorry miss Lucy, you can finish your drink and food before we leave. Sometimes I get a bit carried away when I get excited"
Perception: 15
Bree would keep to the middle of the group, knowing herself to be squishy. However from time to time she will run off to somewhere to see what it is (not going too far away from the group). From time to time she will do some Prestidigitation to keep herself and the rest entertained. If prompted she is happy to tell about her time she worked in the family weaving business and telling about her siblings and stuff..
Marching order I interpret as:
The road takes you into a forested area, with tall pines packed densely together on both sides. The gentle breeze of earlier is replaced by more direct, channeled gusts down the narrow corridor on which you now find yourselves. The scent of grasslands is replaced by the spicier tone of pine, which blots out all other smells except to the most attuned noses.
@Ingrida and Garavan:
You are scanning your arcs to the front of the party when, just as you turn a bend, you see about 300ft ahead a group of armed men talking animatedly to a family on a stopped wagon. There are four men wearing light armour and wielding maces; one next to the wagon speaking to an elderly male, one on the opposite side close to the elderly female passenger, and two stood about 20ft up the road to deter the wagon from setting off. All four have bows and quivers slung across their backs.
@Lucy:
Artemis warns you that there appears to be an incident up ahead involving some armed men and an elderly couple in a wagon; your colleagues at the front seem to have spotted it too. Artemis has also seen, from this vantage point, a large bear-like creature lumbering towards the strangers from the east and about 200ft away from them.
@Bree:
Although you have not noticed anything apart from the most beautiful array of daisies in the shape of a loved one’s face, you are not completely oblivious – you notice all your companions seem to be picking up on something...
@Laerthalas:
Although you are confident that the party is clear to the rear, you have a moment of perfect acuity and notice three things: Artemis, Lucy’s companion owl, seems to flinch as if alerted to danger; Garavan and Ingrida at the front of the party stiffen as though sensing something up ahead; and you hear distant crunching in the forest to the north-northeast that sounds like – in your experience – a large animal moving through woodland.
"Did you see the daisies back there? They were formed just like my mother's face! ... Uhm guys? What's happening? Anything up?"
Ingrida holds up her hand in a fist signaling a halt to those behind us. She then whispers to Garavant, "Do ya see those men ahead? Looks like they are making trouble for that wagon"
Lucy was distracted by the sudden gusts that messed up her hair. But the owl's eyes catch the old couple and robberies ahead, and even more…. " Hey guys. Something big and hairy is heading to the old men and idiots. About 200 feet. It doesn't look friendly!" Lucy draws her rapier and walks to the wagon with a quick pace. A magical aura surrounds her thin body like a set of glowing armor. She orders Artemis to take a good look at the huge beast.
(Lucy casts Mage Armor . Her AC is 17 now )
Garavant stops just as Ingrida does and nods, just as Lucy makes her announcement.
"Let's keep an eye on the big and hairy thing and perhaps some of you can remain unseen," he offers before immediately falling in beside Lucy on her way to the wagon. He looks to her quickly. "I suggest you let me do the talking, Lucy," he says. "Your stunning, otherworldly beauty and radiant manner may be somewhat...off-putting... to these sort of simple folk."
He too draws his rapier, but when the people at the wagon--regular folk and bandits alike--spot them, he gives a smile and a wave. "Hello good folk!" he calls out. "There's some sort of beast in the woods headed right for you! Best be careful, it may be demanding all of our attention very soon! Perhaps we can work together, for safety's sake, eh?"
Persuasion 20
Laerthalas draws his greatsword and moves closer to the sound coming from the forest, keeping the group in sight.
(Move 35ft, or as far as I need to, without entering the treeline. Positioning myself between the trees and the party.)
Enzo Ballantine - Shadow Sorcerer
The armed men look up at the sudden appearance of two rapier-wielding elves. Their hands go to their hilts and bemusement crosses the face of their leader until Garavant’s words land and the gravity of the situation hits them. Convinced by the weight of your words he signals to his companions to prepare.
“I agree that sounds like a prudent course of action, sir” his accent suggests that he had a city upbringing. “And when the beasty is gone, I have a financial proposition for you”
@Lucy:
Artemis swoops towards the creature and back up, describing a beast with the body of a bear and the face of an owl. It is pacing towards the wagon without much care for stealth, and is now about 100ft directly east of the wagon.
Current positioning (happy to correct any misunderstandings, I'll add name tags to the next one too):
OOC: Looks good for me, do we need to enter into initiative?
"You don't need to remind me of something that I already know," Lucy stares at Garavant. "But if you insist on having a chat with those pesky criminals, do as you pleased. By the way, the beast which is heading this way is a 1/4 cousin of Artemis. It has a bear's body and an owl's head."
Lucy tediously listens to the conversation between Garavant and the bandits. But when their leader's last word reaches her long ears, she squints her eyes and says in a dangerous low voice. "I'm not good at low life's wordings. Did that round-ear ******* say that they are going to rob us? " Without waiting for Garavant's reply, Lucy strides to the woods where the monster will appear. The elf girl shouts at the half elf rogue in elvish. "Tell the old humans to run to the halfling and dwarf. I'll shoot the beast with my spell and lure it to those robbery basterds!" Then she starts humming in old fey language. The song summons arcane energy rushing through her blood vessels. Lucy feels her body become as light as feather. Her mind turns as sharp as a blade.
(OOC: Lucy uses her Bladesong. Please tell me if I need to roll initiative)
Garavant looks at the group’s spokesman. “We can talk soon enough, but clear the way so the wagon can go.”
He calls out to the elderly couple. “Don’t worry good folks, we’re here to keep the road safe from all threats, beast or men! We have reinforcements behind us and in the trees! If the wagon can not move, you can run back toward them!”
He eyes the leader again. “Let the good folk be on their way and quickly. Then we deal with the monster, and then you and I can begin our negotiations.” He nearly sneers the last word and raises an eyebrow.
(I haven't asked for initiative yet as I wanted to allow everyone a response to the latest update and map, plus we're not in combat yet. Trigger for that will be the emergence of the beast, unless anyone decides to attack the roadblock guards).
Standing back with Ingrida Bree asks: "Do you have a clue of what is going on? Do we need to run up to them or stay back?" Bree will also protect herself with a mage armor and if she understands where the owlbear will be coming from she will move such that Ingrida would be greeted by it first if it is coming at them "Hope you don't mind me hiding behind you 😅"
"I...do not know" Ingrida says regarding what is going on. She can see that Lucy has broken off from Garavant and headed into the trees. "Maybe the princess needed to potty" she said with a smile, looking back at Bree behind her. "You can hide there whenever you'd like, just don't hit me backside with anything you might be lobbin' and we'll be fine"
The air hangs heavy with silence for a moment as everyone strains to hear the beast. Just as you realise that the absence of birds and other woodland creatures is the cause of the quiet, the treeline is torn apart by a roaring wall of fur and feathers:
The old couple shriek and try frantically to dismount from the wagon on the west side, but both are fumbling in their haste.
The humans at the roadblock draw their weapons instinctively, but their faces betray their horror. Nevertheless, they seem determined to stand their ground. The leader (Human 1) turns to take you all in as he cries "Let's see to it then! Whoever gets the final blow can keep the trophy"
(Roll initiative. Humans: 17 ; Owlbear: 7
Map:
Lucy has been haunted by her ill temper since the day she was born. But her quirk has one big strong point. Unless she is under fear spell,Lucy never feels fear in the battle. Even when she faces giant Owlbear. "Hello big boy! You are as ugly as my pet!" The elf girl bares her fangs and laughs like a crazy. A spark of psychic energy appears in her palm.
Initiative:13
AC:Mage Armor AC 13 + 3 Dex Mod + 3 Int Mod (Bladesong)=19 (Sorry. The previous AC was a mistake)
Walking:40ft
Initiative: 18
"What in the nine!" Ingrida growls as she see's the beast up ahead. She readies her Axe, and her mind for battle!
(Sorry I should have said - please also announce your intended actions when you roll initiative. I will process them in order and either allow for obvious misunderstandings or allow you to adjust if intervening turns make your original plan redundant)
Current initiative order:
Humans 19, Owlbear 17, Ingrida 15, Lucy 13
Initiative 21
Though typically not totally reckless, Garavant fears for the safety of the old folk should the beast reach them and their horses quickly.
"Let the wagon go!" he shouts at the men in the road. "At least these folk and their horses shall be out of the way!"
With that, he rushes at the beast, his long hair streaming in the breeze as he cuts a bold and dashing figure. As he reaches the monster, he feints slightly with his shoulders before planting his feet to drive the rapier forward, hoping his sudden attack surprises the creature.