After the group unleashes their attacks, Annique remains with a second arrow knocked for several moments as she surveys the landscape. "You suppose there are more of whatever those are out there?" She eventually relaxes the tension on her bowstring and straps the longbow to its place at her back. By the time she grabs her shield and follows the others, the creatures have already melted away.
As she gets closer she answers Amaryllis. "I'm not sure if these are the sorts of creatures we could have captured alive." Then more broadly to the group. "Does anyone know what they were?" Having not got a close look herself she certainly doesn't know.
There were four enemies, small and shriveled creatures with pointy heads and ears and a long hooked nose. They were white like fallen snow, their skin had a frozen aspect it and from their backs a pair wings, not too dissimilar from those of bats, protruded. For Thael they evoked the image of an imp, a small devil, but one claimed by the winter itself. Maybe they were horrors cast upon the land by Auril, together with her rime. Maybe they were just wilder things driven closer to civilization after losing their usual prey to the everlasting frost. Either way, they didn’t survive for long. As soon as the creatures entered range the travelers unleashed their assault. A rain of attacks, between magic and arrows, poured of the enemies, annihilating them before they could do anything.
Amaryllis was the first to speak after the victory, questioning if the group didn’t agree on leaving any of the things alive. The warlock remembered she asking something like that before the massacre, but by them he had already prepared his offensive.
“I agree with Annique and honestly, I’m starting to think they are enemies of anyone who does not follow a certain deity.” He pointed to the snow, hoping his companions would understand who he was referring. “Or enemies of Battlehammer.” If that was the case then maybe the caravan, or whatever remained of it, was close. “Anyway, I think we would do well by scouting the area before moving. As fast as possible.”
Half listening to the others around her, Rinn focuses intently on the fast-decaying bodies of the creatures in front of her.
“These are not natural beasts,” she says firmly, to no one in particular. “They are not of this plane. If I were to guess, native to the Abyss. Somehow they have been brought here… Or by someone.” Her head snaps up as she begins to scan the horizon for any indication of a figure from the direction whence the creatures came. “Summoned for some undoubtedly foul purpose, though whether due to our presence or not is uncertain.” She pauses a beat, digesting what words the others have been speaking.
“Thael is right. I would know who unleashed these on the land. Let us detour, and with haste.” Bow in hand, Rinn hardly waits for a response, certain only that answers lie eastward. Trusting that the remainder of the group is of similar mind, she makes to retrace the creatures’ path at a light run, searching for any sign of a point of summoning origin, or of a figure silhouetted against the endless white.
For the DM:
Unless the group calls for her to halt, Rinn is running and searching. 8 if a straight roll, or also 14 if considered to be at disadvantage. If Perception is the skill, her bonus is +5, or +0 if instead this calls for Investigation.
Seeing the creatures melt away, Hadi thinks back to one of the books on creatures native to the north that his uncle had in his cabin and remembers reading about something similar. Nodding in agreement with Rinn he adds, "It is unlikely that whomever sent these things has done this for the first time. Perhaps there is a connection with the missing caravan?"
Rinn moves out to scout the area. It is easy to track the creatures despite the falling snow. The trail is still fresh enough. They lead to a large tumble of rock and snow to the southeast. It is still a couple of miles away but the straight beeline going there can't be mistaken.
For all:
Would anyone go with Rinn or are you all following at a distance?
Annique doesn't say anything but keeps an eye on Rinn as she comments about finding the source of the creatures, then heads off without waiting for a response. She takes after her, keeping at a light run to stay with her. She doesn't say anything but motions towards the rocks and nods her head, trying to imply they should continue on to investigate further.
As you approach the ruins you can feel that something is watching you.
Arcana Check DC 15
On the ground, the residual signs of magic and the many glyphs carved into the walls and rocks speak of powerful spells. They are written in a strange and old pattern.
History check DC 14
The magic here is clearly Nethereese. An aged past magocracy that defied the gods and created magical flying cities.
“Hmm. That’s interesting. Didn’t know they were here.” The voice echoes slightly within the helm of Iarroris. He draws his fingers along the walls. “Would the caravan have used a place like this for shelter perhaps?”
"If it's cold and windy enough even a rock is better than nothing to hide behind."Hadi says, as he looks around the ruins, his owl flying high overhead.
Hadi perception 12 laza (owl) 9 arcane (he is a wizard after all :P) 22 + history since I opened it 14
As he looks around he absentmindedly starts tracing his fingers around some glyphs on the walls before even realizing what they were. He then recognizes them for what they are/were and adds, "Whatever this place was, it is very old, and whomever lived here was very magical. An interesting find to be sure."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rinn, half-preoccupied with her scouting, takes a moment to fully digest what Iarroris and Hadi are speaking into the frigid air. There is a subtle scraping sound as she quietly unsheathes the shortsword at her hip, eyes darting in every direction, while she begins to pad silently in a clockwise perimeter around the ruins.
“… Whatever this place may be, keep your eyes sharp to our surroundings. We are being watched.”
Rinn is first making an exterior sweep of the ruins, searching for any sign of recent activity in the area, and only entering and searching the ruins herself after a full perimeter search.
Amaryllis subtly nods to Rinn. "Let's make sure we leave at least one alive this time." She whispers. Then, she walks into the ruins. She wants to investigate the area, understand what the texts mean, but doesn't have a lot of time to read into it. For now, she quietly walks between the pillars, until she suddenly disappears from view. Then, she prepares her bow and nocks an arrow into it. She doesn't pull the arrow yet, but she's ready to fight if whatever it is that's watching them proves to be hostile.
Annique pauses as they reach the ruins, keeping outside the collection of stone and rock. Seeing Rinn make a sweep, she holds her position and scans the terrain surrounding them for any signs of whatever is watching.
Accepting his suggestion, Rinn takes the lead and start scouting the area. Soon enough she finds a trail and following it arrive at what could only be described as falling ruins. An island of stone that spoke of stairs, pillars, walls and doorways. An island of stone amidst a sea of winter, even more desolate than the emptiness of the deserts made of snow and ice that were oh so common in that part of the world.
Before he could say or even think anything, Hadi comments on their finding, mentioning, and rightfully so, how any rock could help in the cold. The wizard also mentions something about the nature of those that once inhabited the ruins, but Thael didn’t care about that. Rather, as soon they stepped in the area he could feel eyes upon them, a sensation that the or-tel-quessir was fast to voice.
“Time to watch back.”He says noticing Annique’s search for whoever is after them. Suddenly a though takes hold of his mind. Moments before, after killing the icy imp-like creatures, Rinn mentioned they were summoned. Could whoever was watching them be the summoner?“And no lethal attacks, right?”
His last question was a nod to Amaryllis request. They needed as many leads as they could do if they wanted to find the caravan and their pursue might have some. With that in mind the Warlock takes cover behind one of the walls still standing and start to scan the area, trying to find their observer.
Notes:
Thael positions himself in a way he can get as much cover from the closest standing wall as possible.
Thael tries to perceive/find whoever is observing the group.
Once more Amaryllis disappear into the snowy shrubbs and rocks that surround the ruins.
Thael's warning sparks a furious head turning from the ones who weren't doing it already.
The feeling of being watched doesn't go away but you can t find anyone and there are almost no tracks outside the one left by the usual game their predators.
Rinn's quick look inside the runes after a full exterior inspection reveals that no-one has used the place to shelter from the wind. It is a suggestion that now that night is getting closer might even suit your party.
Still, you could walk for a couple of hours more if you needed to.
(ooc: is anyone looking inside the ruins for an entrance or something specific. To be clear nothing jumped out.There are a few glyphs etched on the walls. )
OOC, Rinn hasn't understood whatever arcane/historical significance these ruins hold, unless those that understand have shared it. She's been purely practical, and "on the hunt" for whatever wild dangers are present, of which there don't appear to currently be any.
If the others will be taking a few minutes to look around, Hadi continues walking around and tracing the sigils along the walls with his fingers, whistling a bit to himself. about ten minutes later his eyes flash with a light glow as he looks around to see if he can sense anything arcane in the ruins.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"If those... things came from here, I'm not sure we want to stay here. I'd really like to know what might be watching us. Could it be magic?" Annique looks about and calls out, "Hey Hadi, all these glyphs and such have to be some sort of magic right? Do you have any idea what this is all about?"
She would then look around to the others - well, aside from Amaryllis who seems to have disappeared somewhere. "I say we at least investigate these ruins thoroughly. I can give it a look but I'm afraid I'm not sure what to look for really."
She then walks slowly through the collection of stone columns and arches, looking for anything that might provide a clue.
Hadi walks around the ruins. Trying to discern a few things.
That it is old is a given. The runes etched on the walls are names. There are hundreds of them that brach out in different way but all linked together.
À few give of a magical aura but it has faded with time.
At the center a faded name seems to stand out.
Cole Isandor.
Hadi knows that name. He was a great wizard and one of the few who tried to stop Karzus foly. He warned the others that the gods of magic wouldn't let a mortal usurp their powers. He fled with follower. Now you know where. The Netheril Empire was destroyed a decade later.
“Can’t see anyone”. He says to Annique, almost questioning if she had more luck. She answer was came as a question - could they be under the observant eye of some magic? “I don’t know for sure, but makes sense.” Assuming their stalker is the same individual who summoned the icy imp-like creatures it wouldn’t be strange if they had some spell or mystic item to watch them. Not that Thael had any concrete idea of what kind of item or spell it would be, but he knew for a fact magic of that sort existed. “That or whoever is watching us is extremely good at hiding.”
The last words Thael spoke remembering how Amaryllis disappeared before their fight and soon after being warned of the presence of an observer. He takes a look to the sky and even through the heavy clouds he notices that night approaches. And he is not the only one, considering how Annique brings up the possibility of staying there for the night.
“I have Carpenter’s Tool with me and although I am no genius I can make a lean-to or a similar shelter to keep the elements away.” Such thing would not last longer than three days, but that would be more than enough for them to rest. “If everyone helps gathering wood from the bushes around here then we shouldn’t be losing that much for leaving this place. That said, I would prefer stone to wood.” There could always be a blizzard, after all.
After the group unleashes their attacks, Annique remains with a second arrow knocked for several moments as she surveys the landscape. "You suppose there are more of whatever those are out there?" She eventually relaxes the tension on her bowstring and straps the longbow to its place at her back. By the time she grabs her shield and follows the others, the creatures have already melted away.
As she gets closer she answers Amaryllis. "I'm not sure if these are the sorts of creatures we could have captured alive." Then more broadly to the group. "Does anyone know what they were?" Having not got a close look herself she certainly doesn't know.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
There were four enemies, small and shriveled creatures with pointy heads and ears and a long hooked nose. They were white like fallen snow, their skin had a frozen aspect it and from their backs a pair wings, not too dissimilar from those of bats, protruded. For Thael they evoked the image of an imp, a small devil, but one claimed by the winter itself. Maybe they were horrors cast upon the land by Auril, together with her rime. Maybe they were just wilder things driven closer to civilization after losing their usual prey to the everlasting frost. Either way, they didn’t survive for long. As soon as the creatures entered range the travelers unleashed their assault. A rain of attacks, between magic and arrows, poured of the enemies, annihilating them before they could do anything.
Amaryllis was the first to speak after the victory, questioning if the group didn’t agree on leaving any of the things alive. The warlock remembered she asking something like that before the massacre, but by them he had already prepared his offensive.
“I agree with Annique and honestly, I’m starting to think they are enemies of anyone who does not follow a certain deity.” He pointed to the snow, hoping his companions would understand who he was referring. “Or enemies of Battlehammer.” If that was the case then maybe the caravan, or whatever remained of it, was close. “Anyway, I think we would do well by scouting the area before moving. As fast as possible.”
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AlumniHalf listening to the others around her, Rinn focuses intently on the fast-decaying bodies of the creatures in front of her.
“These are not natural beasts,” she says firmly, to no one in particular. “They are not of this plane. If I were to guess, native to the Abyss. Somehow they have been brought here… Or by someone.” Her head snaps up as she begins to scan the horizon for any indication of a figure from the direction whence the creatures came. “Summoned for some undoubtedly foul purpose, though whether due to our presence or not is uncertain.” She pauses a beat, digesting what words the others have been speaking.
“Thael is right. I would know who unleashed these on the land. Let us detour, and with haste.” Bow in hand, Rinn hardly waits for a response, certain only that answers lie eastward. Trusting that the remainder of the group is of similar mind, she makes to retrace the creatures’ path at a light run, searching for any sign of a point of summoning origin, or of a figure silhouetted against the endless white.
For the DM:
Unless the group calls for her to halt, Rinn is running and searching. 8 if a straight roll, or also 14 if considered to be at disadvantage. If Perception is the skill, her bonus is +5, or +0 if instead this calls for Investigation.
Seeing the creatures melt away, Hadi thinks back to one of the books on creatures native to the north that his uncle had in his cabin and remembers reading about something similar. Nodding in agreement with Rinn he adds, "It is unlikely that whomever sent these things has done this for the first time. Perhaps there is a connection with the missing caravan?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Rinn moves out to scout the area. It is easy to track the creatures despite the falling snow. The trail is still fresh enough. They lead to a large tumble of rock and snow to the southeast. It is still a couple of miles away but the straight beeline going there can't be mistaken.
For all:
Would anyone go with Rinn or are you all following at a distance?
Annique doesn't say anything but keeps an eye on Rinn as she comments about finding the source of the creatures, then heads off without waiting for a response. She takes after her, keeping at a light run to stay with her. She doesn't say anything but motions towards the rocks and nods her head, trying to imply they should continue on to investigate further.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Iarroris follows at a distance, enough to let Rinn do their work without disturbance.
Paladin - warforged - orange
The path Rinn follows leads to ruins.
Perception Check DC 15
As you approach the ruins you can feel that something is watching you.
Arcana Check DC 15
On the ground, the residual signs of magic and the many glyphs carved into the walls and rocks speak of powerful spells. They are written in a strange and old pattern.
History check DC 14
The magic here is clearly Nethereese. An aged past magocracy that defied the gods and created magical flying cities.
“Hmm. That’s interesting. Didn’t know they were here.” The voice echoes slightly within the helm of Iarroris. He draws his fingers along the walls. “Would the caravan have used a place like this for shelter perhaps?”
Paladin - warforged - orange
"If it's cold and windy enough even a rock is better than nothing to hide behind." Hadi says, as he looks around the ruins, his owl flying high overhead.
Hadi perception 12
laza (owl) 9
arcane (he is a wizard after all :P) 22 + history since I opened it 14
As he looks around he absentmindedly starts tracing his fingers around some glyphs on the walls before even realizing what they were. He then recognizes them for what they are/were and adds, "Whatever this place was, it is very old, and whomever lived here was very magical. An interesting find to be sure."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
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AlumniRinn, half-preoccupied with her scouting, takes a moment to fully digest what Iarroris and Hadi are speaking into the frigid air. There is a subtle scraping sound as she quietly unsheathes the shortsword at her hip, eyes darting in every direction, while she begins to pad silently in a clockwise perimeter around the ruins.
“… Whatever this place may be, keep your eyes sharp to our surroundings. We are being watched.”
Rinn is first making an exterior sweep of the ruins, searching for any sign of recent activity in the area, and only entering and searching the ruins herself after a full perimeter search.
7 +5 if Survival, or +0 if Investigation.
Amaryllis subtly nods to Rinn. "Let's make sure we leave at least one alive this time." She whispers. Then, she walks into the ruins. She wants to investigate the area, understand what the texts mean, but doesn't have a lot of time to read into it. For now, she quietly walks between the pillars, until she suddenly disappears from view. Then, she prepares her bow and nocks an arrow into it. She doesn't pull the arrow yet, but she's ready to fight if whatever it is that's watching them proves to be hostile.
Stealth: 24.
Varielky
Annique pauses as they reach the ruins, keeping outside the collection of stone and rock. Seeing Rinn make a sweep, she holds her position and scans the terrain surrounding them for any signs of whatever is watching.
(Perception: 10)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Accepting his suggestion, Rinn takes the lead and start scouting the area. Soon enough she finds a trail and following it arrive at what could only be described as falling ruins. An island of stone that spoke of stairs, pillars, walls and doorways. An island of stone amidst a sea of winter, even more desolate than the emptiness of the deserts made of snow and ice that were oh so common in that part of the world.
Before he could say or even think anything, Hadi comments on their finding, mentioning, and rightfully so, how any rock could help in the cold. The wizard also mentions something about the nature of those that once inhabited the ruins, but Thael didn’t care about that. Rather, as soon they stepped in the area he could feel eyes upon them, a sensation that the or-tel-quessir was fast to voice.
“Time to watch back.” He says noticing Annique’s search for whoever is after them. Suddenly a though takes hold of his mind. Moments before, after killing the icy imp-like creatures, Rinn mentioned they were summoned. Could whoever was watching them be the summoner? “And no lethal attacks, right?”
His last question was a nod to Amaryllis request. They needed as many leads as they could do if they wanted to find the caravan and their pursue might have some. With that in mind the Warlock takes cover behind one of the walls still standing and start to scan the area, trying to find their observer.
Notes:
Perception Check: 18
Once more Amaryllis disappear into the snowy shrubbs and rocks that surround the ruins.
Thael's warning sparks a furious head turning from the ones who weren't doing it already.
The feeling of being watched doesn't go away but you can t find anyone and there are almost no tracks outside the one left by the usual game their predators.
Rinn's quick look inside the runes after a full exterior inspection reveals that no-one has used the place to shelter from the wind. It is a suggestion that now that night is getting closer might even suit your party.
Still, you could walk for a couple of hours more if you needed to.
(ooc: is anyone looking inside the ruins for an entrance or something specific. To be clear nothing jumped out.There are a few glyphs etched on the walls. )
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AlumniOOC, Rinn hasn't understood whatever arcane/historical significance these ruins hold, unless those that understand have shared it. She's been purely practical, and "on the hunt" for whatever wild dangers are present, of which there don't appear to currently be any.
If the others will be taking a few minutes to look around, Hadi continues walking around and tracing the sigils along the walls with his fingers, whistling a bit to himself. about ten minutes later his eyes flash with a light glow as he looks around to see if he can sense anything arcane in the ruins.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"If those... things came from here, I'm not sure we want to stay here. I'd really like to know what might be watching us. Could it be magic?" Annique looks about and calls out, "Hey Hadi, all these glyphs and such have to be some sort of magic right? Do you have any idea what this is all about?"
She would then look around to the others - well, aside from Amaryllis who seems to have disappeared somewhere. "I say we at least investigate these ruins thoroughly. I can give it a look but I'm afraid I'm not sure what to look for really."
She then walks slowly through the collection of stone columns and arches, looking for anything that might provide a clue.
(Investigation: 9)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Hadi walks around the ruins. Trying to discern a few things.
That it is old is a given. The runes etched on the walls are names. There are hundreds of them that brach out in different way but all linked together.
À few give of a magical aura but it has faded with time.
At the center a faded name seems to stand out.
Cole Isandor.
Hadi knows that name. He was a great wizard and one of the few who tried to stop Karzus foly. He warned the others that the gods of magic wouldn't let a mortal usurp their powers. He fled with follower. Now you know where. The Netheril Empire was destroyed a decade later.
“Can’t see anyone”. He says to Annique, almost questioning if she had more luck. She answer was came as a question - could they be under the observant eye of some magic? “I don’t know for sure, but makes sense.” Assuming their stalker is the same individual who summoned the icy imp-like creatures it wouldn’t be strange if they had some spell or mystic item to watch them. Not that Thael had any concrete idea of what kind of item or spell it would be, but he knew for a fact magic of that sort existed. “That or whoever is watching us is extremely good at hiding.”
The last words Thael spoke remembering how Amaryllis disappeared before their fight and soon after being warned of the presence of an observer. He takes a look to the sky and even through the heavy clouds he notices that night approaches. And he is not the only one, considering how Annique brings up the possibility of staying there for the night.
“I have Carpenter’s Tool with me and although I am no genius I can make a lean-to or a similar shelter to keep the elements away.” Such thing would not last longer than three days, but that would be more than enough for them to rest. “If everyone helps gathering wood from the bushes around here then we shouldn’t be losing that much for leaving this place. That said, I would prefer stone to wood.” There could always be a blizzard, after all.