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

Elyria rises and gathers her gear, shaking her head and smiling over the peculiarities over the Feywild and it's forests. "Thank you Triserla." She says gratefully to the hawk sitting on the branch before following it into Gwyllinwald again.

Survival: 12 +5

The group travels back into the forest and while you never see the cave, Elyria sees a couple of tell-tale landmarks from the previous day.  It takes almost two hours before you hear the sound of Triserla's voice. "Thank goodness! You did find your way back!"  She looks at you, her face looking serious. "The Gwyllinwald is a tricky place.  Very few travelers make it far into the forest.  And those that do usually find themselves quickly back out of the forest.  That is the way the true guardians of this forest like it." 

"Ahh..well this is unfortunate." sighs Flynt as he awakes to find himself set back a day in their mission. Yes, please kind spirit show us the way." He chimes in before following Elyria.

"Perhaps Acorn and Sozi, being fully fey, could lead us without being beguiled by the sylvan magick.  Elyria or Triserla, if you could explain to them what we are looking for..."

Aurelius follows along after his friends, walking beside Lady, singing a haunting melody titled "Twilight in Autumn".

"I will be more careful now that I know the nature of Gwyllinwalds defenses." Elyria says smiling confidently. "Now, show us the way to this ruined tower Triserla."
Survival: 16 (+5?) Perception: 19 Aelric flying low perception: 15

(Additional Survival roll is not need.) 

Triserla leads the party on into the forest, taking a bit more than an hour before you see the low wall of a tower, the stones crumbling from years of aging and disrepair. 

"Thank you Triserla, now stay back and let us handle these aberrations. Perhaps this is where you take point again Aurelius." Elyria suggests, nocking an arrow to her elven long bow.
Stealth: 10 Perception with help from Aelric: 27

Map -  The rounded tower is to the NW of the area.  On the east side of the compound are lower out buildings. The bottom of the tower seems mostly intact and perhaps the second floor.  Anything more has crumbled down.  

The party approaches from the southeast, and Triserla brings you over to the south where these is a gap now in the wall.  

Triserla nods at Elyria's words, though she is hesitant to go. "You are probably right.  We have seen strange creatures in there.  Like large spiders with eel-like heads. And there's something in the tower too, but we haven't made it in there. Be wary yourselves." 

As she prepares to leave you spot 5 creatures coming around the SW corner.  The two-legged, leathery creatures are covered in spikes and have taloned hands and feet.  They have one large eye in the middle of their head. They clearly see you.

(Everyone roll for initiative.)    (10, 11, 16, 22, 17)

(Also, I forgot to add everyone to the map - but you are all clustered just to the left of the bushes by the gap in the southern wall. At the bottom part of the map.) 

Elyria initiative: 12

(It was awfully nice to have those map coordinates on the last map, I don't know if you can do that again...)

Aurelius' Initiative 16

EDIT - Thanks!

Int. 18

 (I just realized I used the wrong modifier for my roll but it doesn't matter. A +3 with the same roll stoll puts me second in line.)

Insight: 20

What is the demeanor of the creatures? Do they appear frightened, uncertain, wary. Are they aggressive in a protective of family or territorial way?

(22, 19)

Initiative Order: 
Creature 1
Flynt
Acorn
Creature 2
Aurelius
Sozi
Creature 3
Triserla 
Elyria
Creature 4
Creature 5

The creatures are clearly malevolent.  They do also seem intrigued a bit but they look prepared for violence. 

Round 1

Creature 1 moves forward (to J32) keeping its eye on the group, seeming to be watching them with curiosity. 

(Flynt is now up. Followed by Acorn and Creature 2.) 

Aurelius declares in a loud voice (if speaking out of initiative order is permitted), "Greetings travelers! What are your names? Clearly you are far from home.  Is there some way we can help you find your way back? Aurelius Degas stands ready and willing to assist you in your departure.  For you cannot stay here...."

Several of the creatures appear to look at Aurelius with interest as he speaks.  Though they are not charging you, the still seem to be closing in on all of you.  None make any specific response to your challenge. 

(Flynt still up next.) 

Flynt holds up a hand, palm out, "Halt! Leave now and come no closer." He levels his crossbow at them and points first at them then swiftly motions them away. 

Flynt will use his bonus action to cast Expeditious Retreat

Intimidation: 15

He also trys to discern which one seems to be the leader.

Insight: 19

(Flynt - Intimidation and Insight checks would each be Actions, so you can only do one. Presuming you stick with intimidation, but I can go back if needed.)

The creatures, though they weren't charging in to attack, seem to hesitate at Flynt's challenge. They are all still keenly focused on the group. And now Flynt in particular.

Acorn stays in place near Elyria.

Creature 2 takes just one step forward (5 ft) and seems to just watch you all. 

(Aurelius is now up. Sozi, Creature 3, and Triserla follow.)

Aurelius will cast protection from evil and good on himself.  To his companions, he says, "They don't seem aggressive.  Perhaps we can negotiate.  Still, you might want to take to the sky, Elyria."
To the creatures, he says in a soothing voice, "Do you understand our speech? Can you nod if you understand? Tell us why you are here, what you want.  Perhaps a truce can be made.  Triserla, what do you know of these creatures? Have they harmed anyone?"

None of the creatures nod, they just keep looking at you - particularly Flynt.  

Triserla responds, "We did see some of these before.  They attacked us when we tried to enter into the walls of the compound. But there were the other creatures there as well.  We retreated and they came after us, but obviously did not catch us.  Zol'nard said they like magic items, but he seems to think they came along with the others."

Sozi also stays put near to Acorn. 

Triserla steps back a bit, behind the Blink Dogs.  She looks ready to retreat but is holding in place as you all have. 

(Elyria is now up.)