Stormraider Keep (A M.E.T.A.L. Campaign)

Aurelius says, "Well, this is concerning... we know that invisible trolls dwell in this world.  Can Aelric tell anything from above?  Although from Sozi's reaction, it didn't really seem like an enemy..."

He will search the trampled grass for clues.

Investigation 17

Perception 14

Investigation: 2

Flynt also !looks about.

Flynt notices there is some grass here.  And dirt.  The grass seems to grow out of the dirt.  But he doesn't uncover much else.  Elyria notices a couple of footprints.  They all look similar - quite likely made by the same creature.  But there is no sign of them coming or going from this small area.  

(14, 22, 12) 

Suddenly Acorn starts to growl, looking up and jumping a bit into the air.  The other blink dogs follow after her, also growling but the trio soon stops. Whatever it was, they seem to have again lost it.  (And Aelric has not noticed anything.) 

(Did Aurelius' investigation turn anything up? Also, are the footprints humanoid? barefoot or shod?)

Elyria tries to decipher the noises and motions of the Blink Dogs (Speech of the Woods) while closely investigating the tracks, trying to determine who made them.
Survival: 25

(Apologies to Aurelius - I completely missed your roll somehow!) 

Aurelius also notes the tracks and based on the size, he believes it was most likely made by a Large creature.  It seems to be barefooted and with claws. 

With Elyria's further look, and the previous mention, it does seem like this could be a troll.  From your recollection though it does not match up perfectly to a troll.  Perhaps an ogre, but even then you do not think it is a perfect match. (Elyria, make an Arcana roll to see if perhaps you can recall more.) 

Elyria explains what she found out to Flynt and Aurelius. "What could this creature be do you think?"
Elyria arcana: 16 rolled with advantage if helped by Flynt or Aurelius, otherwise go with first roll.

Quote from Oberon99 >>

Elyria explains what she found out to Flynt and Aurelius. "What could this creature be do you think?"
Elyria arcana: 16 rolled with advantage if helped by Flynt or Aurelius, otherwise go with first roll.

You are still thinking Troll or Ogre - but again, the match seem imperfect.  Given the invisible trolls before, perhaps it is some sort of different troll?

(Trying to figure out Speech of the Woods.  Strictly written it says Beasts can understand you and you can understand their noises and motions.  Blink Dogs are of course not Beasts.  Given that the feature is meant to give you "the ability to converse with beasts and many fey," I would think it makes sense to use this for the Blink Dogs.  Just mentioning this for the future.) 

From what you can tell the Acorn must have sensed something nearby but in the air.  Just as Sozi had sensed something earlier, presumably at the spot where you are now investigating.  As the barking stops you presume that whatever the sensed has gone or at least they no longer sense it.  Nothing in their behavior suggests how they knew something was there.  From their reaction, it seemed whatever it was was unknown to them. So possibly an enemy but they were not sure. 

"So, an invisible troll of some sort again. It is a good thing we can never be surprised, right Flynt? Does anyone of you have the ability to see or even locate something that is invisisble?" Elyria says quickly before resuming the journey towards Gwyllinwald.

New rolls if needed. Perception: 17  Survival: 13 Aelric perception: 8

The group continues on for another hour or so, now crossing the open plains and headed mostly in a southwest direction through tall grass.  Aelric alerts Elyria to the presence of two humanoid creatures lurking not far ahead.  Though these lands are quite flat, Aelric indicates they are within a slight depression - not so deep it would hide anything normally, but it allows for good cover given the tall grass. 

You are still all some distance away. (~ 500 ft.) 

Assuming that Elyria signals him, Aurelius will proceed straight ahead, and signal his companions to spread out to flanking positions as they advance.

(Every so often Flynt checks the compass.)

Flynt takes his cue from Aurelius and fans out left.

Elyria flanks out to the, right crouching and using the tall grass for cover, trying to get closer and catch sight of the humanoids, her elven bow ready.
Stealth: 28 Perception: 18

Aurelius has Lady follow close behind him.  When get gets within 80 feet or so of the suspected location of the humanoids, he calls out,
"We know you are there.  We are peaceful to those who would not hinder our path.  Stand, and identify yourselves.  We will not harm you if you let us pass."

If any creature tries to flee, he will motion the blink dog to pursue while he mounts Lady, and then joins the chase.

In response to Aurelius' challenge, you all hear two piercing shrieks and hear the rush of snarling creatures moving forward. 

Once they get to about 60 ft. from you their hyena-like heads become apparent.  They seem to have seen Aurelius and Flynt and one is headed for each. 

(Everyone roll initiative.)

(17, 10)

(4)

Elyria initiative: 17

Aurelius Initiative 9
(do you want a separate initiative roll for Lady?)

Initiative: 16

Quote from rob88scps2 >>

Aurelius Initiative 9
(do you want a separate initiative roll for Lady?)

(Yes, roll for Lady separate. I will cover Blink Dogs)

Initiative Order: Blink Dogs, Elyria, Flynt, Aurelius, Lady, G1, G2

(I will post for Blink Dogs in a moment. I will resolve everyone's actions in Initiative Order, but feel free to post ahead if you like to keep things moving.  I will allow adjustment if something changes.)