This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Bryant concerned someone is in trouble takes the lead moves forward with the group. He tries his best to remain quiet. and rests his hand on the broken blade but does not draw it. His eyes darting around for any sign of movement.
Stealth: 25
Perception: 15
(sorry about that just got a bit distracted, I'm back:))
(So sorry about the wait everyone, been a rough couple of days, and the next few days will have erratic posting but I'll try to post when I can!)
As you approach the place where Rahkeshi says she can hear the sobbing, a noxious odor hits you, and you step into a clearing, sickly green mist settles on the blackened ground, around bare trees, and between the trampled pieces of cloth and lumps of things. A lingering sense of cruelty, hunger, and despair mingle with the sickly sweet smell of rotting flesh.
@Rahkeshi:
Tears sting your eyes as you see much more than the others. You fall silent as you watch moments gone past, small orcish children playing with the spirits, adult orcs, dancing with nature, the phantom of a tree giving an apple to a hungry orcish woman, a dragon, clad in black-ish blue armor descending down, spewing it's poisonous breath, taking no mercy on land or people. You hear the echoing cries of nature and it's heralds, as the echoes fade, you are left looking at a massacre, reaching deep into the natural. The last thing left alive is a small deer, and the spirit of a flower, both leaning over a small lump.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rahkeshi pauses a moment, seeming to watch the clearing, looking from place to place. Her face furrows into concern then sadness, almost bordering on tears.
After the moment's pause, she heads into the clearing. Her steps are slow as she picks her way through, but seemingly intent on getting to a particular spot.
She comes up to a small deer, which appears to still be alive. She tries to see if there is anything she can do for it as she whispers in Druidic, "Spirit, this is so awful."
The spirit flinches away for a second before nodding, clearly realizing you are a friend of the forest. Upon examination, you find that the deer and flower are leaning over the trampled body of a small child, which seems to have been given the mercy of a swift death, rather than suffering under the fumes. The deer licks the tears gently off your face, acknowledging your sorrow and comforting you, in that there is nothing that can be done.
"Foul magic has been at work here."Elyria says grimly as they first enter the clearing. "Be ready."
"Oh no" She says as she sees the small deer laying on the ground, rushing over to Rahkeshis side, laying a comforting arm on the half-orcs shoulder, prepared to use healing magic if the deer is still alive.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aurelius enters the clearing a few moments after the others. An uncharacteristic frown settles on his features as he surveys the destruction. He will draw his sword, and inspect the perimeter for survivors or enemies.
Rahkeshi turns to Elyria as she touches her shoulder. "They were trying to protect this little child. But nothing can be done now." She takes a brief look at the trampled child, not wanting to look but also wanting to fix this carnage in her memory.
Finally she takes a deep breath, looking again at Elyria, she speaks so that the others could hear as well. "It was a dragon. In black armor. This was an orc village."
With a sudden realization, Rahkeshi turns to look at something unseen. "Spirit, can you tell me where this dragon has gone?" she asks in Druidic.
Seeing the trampled orc child Elyria falls to her knees in front of it and starts crying uncontrollably, taking the mangled body in her arms and holding it tight.
Now Rahkeshi places a hand on Elyria's shoulder, speaking softly,"Come, there's nothing more to be done for the child. The most we can do now is provide vengeance." There is a cold anger in her tone, which softens again as she continues. "We ought to take care of all the bodies. Perhaps another pyre. This dragon poison has killed everything here - orc, animal, plant."
Rahkeshi dismisses Aurelius' question with a wave of her hand. "Shush. I'm asking."
She sighs as she waits to see if the spirit responds.
The spirit (Which again, only Rahkeshi can see) shakes it's head as it continues to mourn, but the young buck looks up and to the north, towards the looming dark shape as the weight of what you are going to look for hits you. The deer looks you in the eyes, nods gently, and prances off, disappearing into the wood.
"You´re right Rahkeshi." Elyrias says wiping her tears. "Go now to your family and your ancestors little one." She says softly to the orc child, gently placing the body back on the ground and standing up. "I will not rest until this massacre is avenged." She says with strong determination.
Rahkeshi follows the gaze of the young buck. (I presume to the looming shape of Neadle's Peak?) To the group she says, "I can't say how long ago. But it seems relatively recent." She again sighs. "They seemed to have such a good life here in such a bountiful forest. Is someone sending out these dragons to just destroy?"
"That does make sense, purely academically, it is a very practical way of eliminating these settlements. We have heard suggestion that each contained an artefact of Gigantic origin, which would likely survive dragon fire. This seems like an efficient method of retrieval of said items. It also fits with the reported observation of aircraft which cannot be corroborated by our investigations on the ground." Lilianna pauses for a moment to consult her notebook, "Therefore we must assume one of two possibilities are verifiable, the first being that a being or beings have subdued a single black armoured dragon which we have since terminated, or more worryingly that said beings have a fleet of dragons to match or exceed the stature of the beast that we faced early, which raises rather more concerns."
"Either way, based on the little information that we have, coupled with the collar that we found on the beast, and the artefacts in question, we must assume the involvement of Giants or Giant enthusiasts. I am however lost for any course of action other than the one we already pursue, as we lack an evidential basis for a change in tactical approach."At this point she realises how much she has been talking and blushes. "Sorry"
Lilianna will proceed towards Neadle's Peak hoping the rest of the party follow.
Responding to Lilianna, Rahkeshi says, "This was definitely a different dragon. This place was destroyed by the dragon's poison breath, not cold."'
She then wordlessly starts to sort through the destruction. Primarily she wants to collect the dead and create a pyre. She often murmurs prayers to commend the dead to the goddess Luthic and among her for retribution.
Rahkeshi would keep an eye out for anything if value - though expecting little. But she knows the orcs would want such things to be scavenged and put to use helping get vengeance.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Elyria does her best helping Rahkeshi with the pyre, still shedding tears of sorrow and pain. Meanwhile Aelric searches the skies for dragons and other threats. Perception:19
As they work, Rahkeshi speaks to nobody in particular. "As to our plans. First we find this other village near Neadle's Peak. We can check that out to see if it too shows signs of a dragon attack or something else. Then we proceed on to the peak itself. The faun indicated that was the way to go. And if we need help finding the dragon, I can handle that."
She sounds very determined and continues to focus on moving the dead as she speaks. "We will need protection against poison. I can probably cure those that get poisoned. But I will meditate in the morning and see what I can do about protection."
For a time, Rahkeshi continues on quietly. She then speaks out again. "From what I saw, this dragon laid waste to everything. I fear it is more powerful than the one we faced this morning. We will need to be ready."
(Very true. We're all really stealthy though. A +10 does wonders! Not sure if Sinver is still playing? Or Bryant? Are we waiting for them?)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Bryant concerned someone is in trouble takes the lead moves forward with the group. He tries his best to remain quiet. and rests his hand on the broken blade but does not draw it. His eyes darting around for any sign of movement.
Stealth: 25
Perception: 15
(sorry about that just got a bit distracted, I'm back:))
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
(So sorry about the wait everyone, been a rough couple of days, and the next few days will have erratic posting but I'll try to post when I can!)
As you approach the place where Rahkeshi says she can hear the sobbing, a noxious odor hits you, and you step into a clearing, sickly green mist settles on the blackened ground, around bare trees, and between the trampled pieces of cloth and lumps of things. A lingering sense of cruelty, hunger, and despair mingle with the sickly sweet smell of rotting flesh.
@Rahkeshi:
Tears sting your eyes as you see much more than the others. You fall silent as you watch moments gone past, small orcish children playing with the spirits, adult orcs, dancing with nature, the phantom of a tree giving an apple to a hungry orcish woman, a dragon, clad in black-ish blue armor descending down, spewing it's poisonous breath, taking no mercy on land or people. You hear the echoing cries of nature and it's heralds, as the echoes fade, you are left looking at a massacre, reaching deep into the natural. The last thing left alive is a small deer, and the spirit of a flower, both leaning over a small lump.
Farewell.
Rahkeshi pauses a moment, seeming to watch the clearing, looking from place to place. Her face furrows into concern then sadness, almost bordering on tears.
After the moment's pause, she heads into the clearing. Her steps are slow as she picks her way through, but seemingly intent on getting to a particular spot.
She comes up to a small deer, which appears to still be alive. She tries to see if there is anything she can do for it as she whispers in Druidic, "Spirit, this is so awful."
(Medicine check: 8)
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
The spirit flinches away for a second before nodding, clearly realizing you are a friend of the forest. Upon examination, you find that the deer and flower are leaning over the trampled body of a small child, which seems to have been given the mercy of a swift death, rather than suffering under the fumes. The deer licks the tears gently off your face, acknowledging your sorrow and comforting you, in that there is nothing that can be done.
Farewell.
"Foul magic has been at work here." Elyria says grimly as they first enter the clearing. "Be ready."
"Oh no" She says as she sees the small deer laying on the ground, rushing over to Rahkeshis side, laying a comforting arm on the half-orcs shoulder, prepared to use healing magic if the deer is still alive.
(The deer is fine, it's standing beside something else, see spoiler above)
Farewell.
Bryant enters the clearing and seeing the carnage draws his sword. Looking toward the others, "My God what could have caused this horror..."
He starts looking the area over hoping to find traces of others (survivors or aggressors) and if they might have gone off in another direction.
Perception: 27
DM -- The Candlekeep Mysteries 1 & 2 Discord PCs -- Christian Dembele Forum PCs -- Edryd Breckon, Fizzlebit Forton Thornberry the Fourth
Aurelius enters the clearing a few moments after the others. An uncharacteristic frown settles on his features as he surveys the destruction. He will draw his sword, and inspect the perimeter for survivors or enemies.
Investigation 8
Perception 16
Rahkeshi turns to Elyria as she touches her shoulder. "They were trying to protect this little child. But nothing can be done now." She takes a brief look at the trampled child, not wanting to look but also wanting to fix this carnage in her memory.
Finally she takes a deep breath, looking again at Elyria, she speaks so that the others could hear as well. "It was a dragon. In black armor. This was an orc village."
With a sudden realization, Rahkeshi turns to look at something unseen. "Spirit, can you tell me where this dragon has gone?" she asks in Druidic.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Seeing the trampled orc child Elyria falls to her knees in front of it and starts crying uncontrollably, taking the mangled body in her arms and holding it tight.
Aurelius asks tersely, "Any idea how long ago? Could the villainous beast still be nearby?"
Now Rahkeshi places a hand on Elyria's shoulder, speaking softly, "Come, there's nothing more to be done for the child. The most we can do now is provide vengeance." There is a cold anger in her tone, which softens again as she continues. "We ought to take care of all the bodies. Perhaps another pyre. This dragon poison has killed everything here - orc, animal, plant."
Rahkeshi dismisses Aurelius' question with a wave of her hand. "Shush. I'm asking."
She sighs as she waits to see if the spirit responds.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
The spirit (Which again, only Rahkeshi can see) shakes it's head as it continues to mourn, but the young buck looks up and to the north, towards the looming dark shape as the weight of what you are going to look for hits you. The deer looks you in the eyes, nods gently, and prances off, disappearing into the wood.
Farewell.
"You´re right Rahkeshi." Elyrias says wiping her tears. "Go now to your family and your ancestors little one." She says softly to the orc child, gently placing the body back on the ground and standing up. "I will not rest until this massacre is avenged." She says with strong determination.
Rahkeshi follows the gaze of the young buck. (I presume to the looming shape of Neadle's Peak?) To the group she says, "I can't say how long ago. But it seems relatively recent." She again sighs. "They seemed to have such a good life here in such a bountiful forest. Is someone sending out these dragons to just destroy?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
"That does make sense, purely academically, it is a very practical way of eliminating these settlements. We have heard suggestion that each contained an artefact of Gigantic origin, which would likely survive dragon fire. This seems like an efficient method of retrieval of said items. It also fits with the reported observation of aircraft which cannot be corroborated by our investigations on the ground." Lilianna pauses for a moment to consult her notebook, "Therefore we must assume one of two possibilities are verifiable, the first being that a being or beings have subdued a single black armoured dragon which we have since terminated, or more worryingly that said beings have a fleet of dragons to match or exceed the stature of the beast that we faced early, which raises rather more concerns."
"Either way, based on the little information that we have, coupled with the collar that we found on the beast, and the artefacts in question, we must assume the involvement of Giants or Giant enthusiasts. I am however lost for any course of action other than the one we already pursue, as we lack an evidential basis for a change in tactical approach." At this point she realises how much she has been talking and blushes. "Sorry"
Lilianna will proceed towards Neadle's Peak hoping the rest of the party follow.
Skrach / Miner
Responding to Lilianna, Rahkeshi says, "This was definitely a different dragon. This place was destroyed by the dragon's poison breath, not cold."'
She then wordlessly starts to sort through the destruction. Primarily she wants to collect the dead and create a pyre. She often murmurs prayers to commend the dead to the goddess Luthic and among her for retribution.
Rahkeshi would keep an eye out for anything if value - though expecting little. But she knows the orcs would want such things to be scavenged and put to use helping get vengeance.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Elyria does her best helping Rahkeshi with the pyre, still shedding tears of sorrow and pain.
Meanwhile Aelric searches the skies for dragons and other threats. Perception:19
As they work, Rahkeshi speaks to nobody in particular. "As to our plans. First we find this other village near Neadle's Peak. We can check that out to see if it too shows signs of a dragon attack or something else. Then we proceed on to the peak itself. The faun indicated that was the way to go. And if we need help finding the dragon, I can handle that."
She sounds very determined and continues to focus on moving the dead as she speaks. "We will need protection against poison. I can probably cure those that get poisoned. But I will meditate in the morning and see what I can do about protection."
For a time, Rahkeshi continues on quietly. She then speaks out again. "From what I saw, this dragon laid waste to everything. I fear it is more powerful than the one we faced this morning. We will need to be ready."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard || Iromae Quinaea, Cleric
Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric