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

Presxina bids you all farewell, the herbalist standing just beyond the wall of the little settlement of the harengon.  She is very grateful to Aurelius for the gifts, although she does look at the cube rather oddly for several long minutes before she assures herself it is not going to dissolve anything.  

Elyria appears to be willing to follow the slightly longer route to simply retrace their steps back to Lady Sylmare's domains.  The first two days pass with little incident as you leave the plains and make your way to the higher elevation lands to the north and east.  You eventually find the same trail you had followed before into the forest.  By tomorrow you should reach the ridge marking the northern border of Sylmare's lands.  

You are about ready to set camp for the night when you see a lone figure coming along the path towards you.  The person is wearing a dull red cloak, pulled up over their head.  They look to be no more than five-and-a-half feet tall, maybe less.  They seem to be dressed in green shirt and dark brown pants.  They do not seem to be carrying much.  

(Everyone can roll Perception if they wish. I presume including Aelric.  The blink dogs are with the group and at this point seem no more nor less wary than you are.) 

(And I do apologize... I kept meaning to name the herbalist. I thought I might have and not put it in my notes, but as far as I can tell I never did give a name.  So, now that you have left her, you know her to be Presxina!)  

After Elyria's rest she studies the amulet she had recovered from the Gwyllinwald.  She discerns from her study that it in some way would allow admittance to Leilatha holdings.  But attunement is needed, and this magic is different than what you are used to. There seems to be some sort of ritual required. 

(Elyria make an Arcana Check)

Elyria Arcana check: 16

Putting together some of what you know with what you can glean from the amulet, it would seem that specific forms are needed to work the magic of this item.  You figure out a little bit about how this works. 

First, the amulet requires blood to form an attunement.  You are not familiar with this sort of magic.  Perhaps a drop of blood combined with a typical focusing on the item as usual would work.  You are not completely sure.  

Second, it seems there is some way to provide the benefits of admittance to Leilatha holdings to others, not just the person attuned.  You are not sure precisely how though.  You believe there is a chance that with attunement it might be clearer. 

Elyria decides against tampering further with the amulet right now, content with knowing that it seems to be what they are after.

When they are apprached by the cloaked person, Elyria moves to the side, wary of deception, letting Aurelius or Flynt greet the person.
Perception: 17
Aelric perception: 17

Getting a closer look, Elyria can tell that the approaching figure has fur on their legs rather than brown pants and cloven feet.   

Perception 3

Aurelius will mentally prepare an eldritch blast, holding it for now unless the stranger takes aggressive action.

He will call out, "Halt, stranger.  Identify yourself, and your allegiance."

Perception: 13

Flynt tucks a leg under himself and rises to a knee, Betsy at the ready.

The hooded figure stops and looks toward Aurelius. From the distance, both Flynt and Aurelius notice that the person has a sword, barely visible beneath their cloak.  A tentative voice responds, just loud enough to be heard. "Hello travelers.  It is unusual to find your likes here in the forest." 

The voice sounds female, and she seems to be studying the three of you.  Her eyes go from one to the other, finally resting on Elyria.  She seems to study her the closest.  Finally, she speaks up again. "I am looking for Elyria Greenleaf?"  She then glances to Aurelius, "And are you Mr. Degas?"  Finally, she turns towards Flynt, but says nothing more. 

"Curiously, you seem to have misheard me.  I said, 'Identify yourself and your allegiance'.  We mean you no harm but we will defend ourselves," states the paladin.

Elyria stays silent and backs up behind Aurelius, her elven longbow tight in her hand.
Insight to determine if there is any planned hostility: 8

Flynt slowly rises to his feet and puts on his glasses.

The voice falters, sounding rather small. "Oh! I... I mean..."  She looks almost overwhelmed, cowering back a little as everyone is threatening physical violence against her.

"Questions! My allegiance? I work for Leilatha. Just a serving girl... OH! But no... that's not the message she said..."

At this point she pulls back her hood. You see from her curled horns and features she is certainly a satyr.  And you would guess young, maybe 18 at most.

Elyria does not sense hostility or ill-will.  She seems genuinely nervous. 

Elyria relaxes, slightly, but is still ready. "I'm Elyria Greenleaf, now what is the message." She says after a moment.
(Did the insight get anything at all?)

Aurelius frowns.  "Do all serving-girls carry swords in Leilatha's fortress?  And have we frightened you so badly you have forgotten your name?  Very well, what is your message?  And what can you tell us of our friend Rahkeshi? Is she well? Has she been harmed?"

"Yes! Rahkeshi!" she smiles fondly as she says the half-orc's name. "It was her that sent me. Or sent the message. She actually tried to tell me not to go. But I told her someone should. And so here I am."

She pauses to look at Aurelius, almost seeming confused. "Oh, I was a bit frightened sir. It's not often people threaten me like that. You all are so... intimidating. But I do still remember my name. How could I forget that? And sword?"

Pulling back her cloak, there is a short sword at her belt. Or maybe somewhat long knife is more apt. It has a wood handle and surprisingly it also has a wooden blade. It does look like it might be sharp though. "For cutting samples. I'm a bit of a botanist. Assistant to the Potion Maker!"  This last she says with pride.

The satyr who has definitely not forgotten her name but not told you what it is yet: 

Why was this young cute satyr speaking so fondly of Rahkeshi Elyria wondered with growing frustration. "So what is the message?" Elyria repeated impatiently, not yet moving from behind the paladin.

(Anything on the insight check? :-)

Quote from Oberon99 >>

Why was this young cute satyr speaking so fondly of Rahkeshi Elyria wondered with growing frustration. "So what is the message?" Elyria repeated impatiently, not yet moving from behind the paladin.

(Anything on the insight check? :-)

 Elyria does not sense hostility or ill-will.  She seems genuinely nervous.  <--- Post #1564