Rum departs for a little bit, then returns with Penelope, Herbs and Spice, and the wagon which they had left at Lon Lon Ranch, but only after releasing the rest of the ranch's animals before the horde could sweep over them. The departure from there carries them on further and further from Lon Lon Ranch, through the night, through the next day, even after Sorry and the pissed off teenage Elf Malon has joined them, both still in the care of Lelith. The Elf is not happy with this, but, considering the wasteland they travel through, has little choice.
There are more swarms of zombies to avoid as the Twilight Embers move, though most of the swarms are glimpsed in the distance. There are battlefield casualties everywhere that are too damaged to have been resurrected. Watchtowers, towns, outposts, and any structure between Lon Lon Ranch and Hyrule Castle have been razed. Craters and laser burns mark the land. The roads have been trampled by dozens of huge, mechanical feet; there is no doubt that they are following Ganondorf's path to the castle.
Two days after Lon Lon Ranch they come into sight of the Castle in the distance. Smoke is still rising from the burned out houses within the walls. It's so thick they can see it even as the Three Brothers dip over the western horizon and the sky begins to bruise. They are still a couple of miles from the castle. Random zombies wander the countryside. At least three Guardians, like those they fought when they first arrived at Zora's Domain, stalk around the destroyed homes and farmsteads outside the castle walls while a fourth that is, somehow, airborne, patrols the countryside between them and the castle with a blue spotlight searching the ground as it goes...
A woman screams inside the castle walls...followed by the sounds of a Redead screaming. She's silent after that.
As they travel, Rum feels the tension in the air, and remains far quieter than normal. It isn't just the destruction that they pass, it is the tension amongst the member of the Twilight Embers as well.
He focusses on guiding Herbs and Spice across the uneven terrain, avoiding swarms of zombies and the worst of the scarred landscape, remaining vigilant for threats.
He is curious about Malon, the Elf who has somehow joined them, but despite his normally curious and extrovert nature he keeps his opinions to himself and doesn't probe the young elf. He does listen to the conversations Lelith and the others have with him though, trying to piece together where he came from and what he was doing with them. He hadn't been happy bringing Sorry along with the dangers so apparent, so why a teenage Elf had to travel into the eye of the storm was beyond him.
They were Lelith's responsibility though, she had made that clear with Sorry. He was here for a very specific purpose, and babysitting was not a part of it.
At the end of each days travel, he finds a tree to meditate in, or some other secluded spot. He was still certain he was on the right path, but he needed his link to the Great Dragon now more than ever.
As the castle comes into view, he slows the pace of the cart, taking in the scene. It is the first time he has been here, and he would have preferred it to be under more auspicious circumstances.
He turns to look at Ro, his heart going out to the False Knight as he looks upon such a familiar place, but in such an unfamiliar state.
"I am sorry, friend Ro", he says, not finding any more words of comfort than that.
"We will need to sneak in", he adds as he watches the guardians patrol, especially the airborne one.
He then starts to look around for somewhere to safely leave the animals and cart.
"Do not forget, our first priority should be the Temple of Time. We need to ascertain the safety of the Legendary Sword. It should be well away from our enemies though even if they find it, they would not be able to wield it but we need not risk," Lelith interjected quickly before they started moving forward. She turned toward her impromptu protégés Sorry and Malon. "As for you two, you will not be following us into the castle. It is far too dangerous. Sorry will take lead here for your safety, Malon. Stay with the carts and animals, don't draw attention to yourselves, if danger is nearby hide or run. This is not a request."
Lelith waited to hear their responses before moving on. She moved stealthily while keeping an eye out for any enemies or friendly creatures.
Oten is silent for much of the ride, resuming his lodestone experiments with the clothes of mending. On the second day, he muses to Ro, "I present no objection to our decision. But... I suppose I am yet to young to understand... by what metric do we evaluate the rightness of our actions? I grasp the justifications both for staying and helping the village, and for pressing onward toward our greater goal. But the choice seems complex and uncertain to me. Is the metric simply the number of lives saved? But then if so, do the lives of a child, a hero, a murderer, and an ant all carry equal weight?"
He thinks in silence for another minute. "And what about me? Do I carry any weight on the scales of right and wrong? Surely, Ro, there must be a variable I am missing that makes these conundrums trivial. Can you tell me? Can you explain to me what factor makes our decision back there correct?"
Ro was quiet as the party traveled onwards to the castle. He was conflicted about how the party handled the villagers and the undead horde. He knew it was up to the villagers to determine their fate, and the Twilight Embers had a far larger crisis to deal with at Hyrule Castle. The party simply didn't have the time, resources or capabilities to handle both situations. Excuses. Ro simply wasn't good enough. A false knight indeed, the elf-dwarf thought to himself.
To distract himself from the mental anguish, Ro buried himself in his studies with Kazek when he found the time. The elf-dwarf still wanted to experiment with the book they had found in the Great Deku Tree, but the party could not afford another detour. For now, all that was on Ro's mind was his shortcomings and his family's wellbeing.
When Oten posed his question to Ro, the elf-dwarf thought for a long while. He turned to his companion and answered in a monotone voice, as if he was on autopilot, "There is no universal scale to measure right and wrong. Everyone has their own scale that they use to measure the quality of their actions. Each scale being shaped by the individual's beliefs, values and experiences."
Ro's tone then changed to a much more meek and quiet voice, as if he were speaking to himself, "I pray to the gods that our actions at Hyrule Castle prove to be a great boon to the realm. So that I may come to terms with our decision to leave those villagers...."
And then finally as the party came upon the ruins on Hyrule Castle, Ro looked at its demise with still eyes. He knew what to expect through the information he received from his Sending spells, but seeing it in person was a whole different sensation. Had he not known the status of his family, Ro wouldn't have put it against himself to break down then and there. There was plenty of turmoil in his heart as he looked at the scene. But he kept it all in. They were here now, at the cost of leaving those villagers, so he was going to make every action count.
As the group planned on how to enter the castle, Ro chimed in, "If need be, I ca cast Silent Image to obstruct the gaurdian's line of sight on us."
Greko felt badly about leaving the ranchers but he knew it was the right decision. There were more important tasks at hand then helping people who didn't want it. On the trip he took to the teenage elf Malon to try to make them feel at ease. Being a teen on a ranch couldn't have been fun but Greko thought if he could teach them something they'd be more relaxed about being "saved" by Lelith. He spent his time teaching Malon medicine skills...making poultices and creams from nature. He figured since they came from a ranch, brushing up on animal skills could prove useful as well. While Greko was gone saving the realm, Malon could take care of Gary, his noble steed.
Greko hears Oten's question and listens to Ro's answer. He senses the morale of his group hitting a new low. He understands they need a win and soon. As they approach the castle Greko sees the Guardians and wonders what they should do next.....It seems some of them have gone stalking stealthily and looking for a place to stow the animals and Lelith's brood.
"Perhaps stealth isn't the best way to handle this? Maybe attacking 1 guardian at a time from afar hiding behind buildings and trees and such would be better? The one guarding the door wouldn't drone out and leave it unattended....?" Greko wonders as he looks to the others for their opinions
“There really isn’t a trivial variable that makes sense of everything, friend Oten. Just faith that we are doing the right thing given what we know. And being that our knowledge is very limited, that makes for hard decisions. So I guess the factor you may be missing, is all the permutations of what might be happening that we are not aware of, and how they will effect the balance between right and wrong”, Rum interjects after a few moments of stroking the fur under his chin.
“This is why I trust in a higher power. The Great Dragon guides me to what is truly important”.
Rum is still looking for a safe spot for the animals...
Oten thinks long and hard about the words of his companions. "My own scale? I'm not sure that is within my capabilities. Originally, I was simply following the imperative laid out by the Childlike Empress. But with her passing, I suppose I will rely on the guidance of her chosen champions."
Upon seeing the Guardians, Oten begins carefully watching their movements to try and work out some algorithm determining their patrol pathing.
"If my predictive models are correct, then in 20 minutes we will have an unobstructed window of opportunity to make for the southwest walls. They will all be to the north or the east."
"Aye that's good news to hear, Oten. If I recall correctly, there is a small farm in the southwestern region of the castle. Inside this farm is a hidden passage that should take us into Hyrule Castle," Ro shares with the group as he points to the general direction of the farm.
He looks to the rest of his bandmates, especially to Rum and Lelith who have suggested the approach of stealth, "I propose we wait for this window of opportunity Oten spoke of and use it to make way to the farm. If all goes well, hopefully we can avoid any confrontations as we make way into the castle."
Rum listens to Oten's analysis of the guardian's movements, and hears Ro's revelation that he knows a secret way in and smiles, showing his feline teeth.
"So, fellow Embers, we have the majority of a plan. We just need to be ready when the time is right. Ro, you will need to lead the way, but I suggest we do not bunch up too much, as the blasts from those guardian's could catch us all if we do. If things go wrong, we need to provide multiple targets, I am happy to try and draw fire so you can all move unharmed", he says as he crouches down conspiratorial to plan.
Greko stretches a bit to waken up his limbs since he will have to hurry across the field to the secret passage. He hears Ro and Rum speak and feels a heaviness in his heart. "Those are good ideas Ro and Rum. We wait for the window of opportunity and take off for the passage. I will go last. Rum you run ahead with the others. I will draw the attention if need be. I won't allow any of you to sacrifice yourselves. No, I won't hear any arguments. It is done. Now let's ready ourselves"
Ro interjects as Rum and Greko discuss their martyrdom, "Ah, should any of us be spotted by the guardian I can use Silent Image to create an illusory wall to block the guardian's sight on us. Just stay within 60 feet of me as that's the range for my spell. Unfortunately, the illusion can be no greater than 15 by 15 feet long, so should more than one of us be spotted my spell may not be able to cover everyone."
If everyone agrees to the plan and the DM moves us forward: Ro takes lead and waits for the guardians to clear the southwestern region as Oten had predicted. Once the guardians leave, Ro pulls out an owl feather from his pouch, "Great Owl, grant my footsteps the same quiet as your flight. Conceal me from my prey, shroud me in your night." The elf-dwarf casts Enhance Ability on himself and Oten, granting the two advantage on all dexterity checks for the next hour (so long as he maintains concentration).
The Embers move toward the south western corner of the castle, moving across the fields between haystacks, overturned military equipment, hastily constructed ditches and barricades and other crude defenses, and farmhouses as they do what they can to avoid the Guardians. Three, including the one that is airborne, are already out of range, but the last Guardian is moving slower, tracking something in the night...and then the laser locks on, flickers, and fires.
Whatever it is firing at is apparently moving and unscathed, at least for now, by the attack...but the Guardian begins to pursue in the general direction the Twilight Embers are moving...
Tuto sinks back behind Oten's head, then, curiosity yanked him back out. It wasn't firing at them, gods be blessed, but it was still firing. Maybe it was malfunctioning, or, more likely, a really big squirrel. They are quite a neucance. He leaned forward sto get a better look, then threw his arm over the mouth of his mask to cover a shout. A person! A friend! Maybe...has to be! Wouldn't be firing if they weren't. Tuto quickly taps on Oten's shoulder as he brings out his maracas. Then, as quietly as he could, begins to play. Then, a mote of fire about the size of Tuto blazes in front of the group, an animated silent image of a featureless person running for their lives.
Rum sneaks across the field, staying very low and moving without making a sound. As he goes he keeps an eye on the others, making sure they are attracting as little attention as possible. Except for Lelith, who disappeared from his view as she too sneaked forward.
Almost to their destination, he remains cautious, seeing that one guardian still remains to be avoided. And then it's large eye stirs into action and a blast fires out. He tenses instinctively, but sees the blast heading in another direction. Another target had attracted it's attention.
And the guardian was now heading to the very farmhouse they were!
He increases his speed, almost on all fours now as he keeps low, looking to get closer and see who or what the guardian is tracking.
He spots the magical figure appear, but not the caster, and keeps his distance, not wanting to be caught in a blast.
Movement: Sneaks as fast as he can trying to make it towards the target to get eyes on (if you need a new roll: 2+8=10). Perception: 10+8=18
It was hard to see what was happening in the darkness, in the tall grass and scattered debris of the fields, but they could hear something.
"Banzaiiiiiiii!" A fierce, feminine voice called. There was the sound of metal on metal; someone was fighting the Guardian. The top of the construct began to flash red as it sounded an alarm, a deep, bassy rumble not unlike a war horn. The sound echoed through the night, reverberating off nearby farm hours and cascading over the walls of Hyrule Castle; there's no chance that it wasn't heard by many, many hostile ears. The machine continues to turn, its legs lashing out at something.
Rum hears the sounds of battle and the alarm that follows it and curses under his breath. Although he had no stake in this fight, it would surely draw more defenders and put into question their own plan to get to the secret passage.
He darts forward under the cover of darkness, his athletic feline form covering the distance in no time. He finds himself close enough to the Guardian to hopefully be within sight of it's as yet unseen attacker.
Thoughts tumble through his mind...
Who is it that fate has brought into their path? Is this the will of the Great Dragon? Are they worth exposing their own presence here for? What does Banzaiiii mean?
Special: Feline Agility (Double movement to 80ft) Movement: 80ft towards Guardian Action: Dash - 80ft towards Guardian, now just 20ft away Passive Perception: 18 to get eyes on the person attacking the Guardian
Ro braces himself when he hears the guardian's laser go off and his face goes white as its siren blares. He peers out onto the landscape and hears a battle cry and subsequent sounds of battle. Before the elf-dwarf has the chance to converse with his band, he sees Rum jet across the field. The tabaxi moved so fast he was nearly a blur.
He shouts out to the others, "I fear stealth is no longer an option with that siren blaring. We need to get to that farm quickly!"
The elf-dwarf casts Silent Image to create a 15 by 15 foot wall in the likeness of the other ruined buildings around them. The illusory wall apparates 60 feet ahead of Ro, between himself and the Gaurdian. He then makes a beeline towards the Guardian and the farm, doing his best to use the wall to block the Guardian's line of sight on him.
Action: cast Silent Image to create a 15x15 ft wall between Ro and the Guardian.
Movement: 25 feet towards the farm whilst using the wall to break the Guardian's LoS on himself
Concentration: Silent Image (no longer concentrating on Enhance Ability)
Rum departs for a little bit, then returns with Penelope, Herbs and Spice, and the wagon which they had left at Lon Lon Ranch, but only after releasing the rest of the ranch's animals before the horde could sweep over them. The departure from there carries them on further and further from Lon Lon Ranch, through the night, through the next day, even after Sorry and the pissed off teenage Elf Malon has joined them, both still in the care of Lelith. The Elf is not happy with this, but, considering the wasteland they travel through, has little choice.
There are more swarms of zombies to avoid as the Twilight Embers move, though most of the swarms are glimpsed in the distance. There are battlefield casualties everywhere that are too damaged to have been resurrected. Watchtowers, towns, outposts, and any structure between Lon Lon Ranch and Hyrule Castle have been razed. Craters and laser burns mark the land. The roads have been trampled by dozens of huge, mechanical feet; there is no doubt that they are following Ganondorf's path to the castle.
Two days after Lon Lon Ranch they come into sight of the Castle in the distance. Smoke is still rising from the burned out houses within the walls. It's so thick they can see it even as the Three Brothers dip over the western horizon and the sky begins to bruise. They are still a couple of miles from the castle. Random zombies wander the countryside. At least three Guardians, like those they fought when they first arrived at Zora's Domain, stalk around the destroyed homes and farmsteads outside the castle walls while a fourth that is, somehow, airborne, patrols the countryside between them and the castle with a blue spotlight searching the ground as it goes...
A woman screams inside the castle walls...followed by the sounds of a Redead screaming. She's silent after that.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
As they travel, Rum feels the tension in the air, and remains far quieter than normal. It isn't just the destruction that they pass, it is the tension amongst the member of the Twilight Embers as well.
He focusses on guiding Herbs and Spice across the uneven terrain, avoiding swarms of zombies and the worst of the scarred landscape, remaining vigilant for threats.
He is curious about Malon, the Elf who has somehow joined them, but despite his normally curious and extrovert nature he keeps his opinions to himself and doesn't probe the young elf. He does listen to the conversations Lelith and the others have with him though, trying to piece together where he came from and what he was doing with them. He hadn't been happy bringing Sorry along with the dangers so apparent, so why a teenage Elf had to travel into the eye of the storm was beyond him.
They were Lelith's responsibility though, she had made that clear with Sorry. He was here for a very specific purpose, and babysitting was not a part of it.
At the end of each days travel, he finds a tree to meditate in, or some other secluded spot. He was still certain he was on the right path, but he needed his link to the Great Dragon now more than ever.
As the castle comes into view, he slows the pace of the cart, taking in the scene. It is the first time he has been here, and he would have preferred it to be under more auspicious circumstances.
He turns to look at Ro, his heart going out to the False Knight as he looks upon such a familiar place, but in such an unfamiliar state.
"I am sorry, friend Ro", he says, not finding any more words of comfort than that.
"We will need to sneak in", he adds as he watches the guardians patrol, especially the airborne one.
He then starts to look around for somewhere to safely leave the animals and cart.
Perception: 11+8=19
"Do not forget, our first priority should be the Temple of Time. We need to ascertain the safety of the Legendary Sword. It should be well away from our enemies though even if they find it, they would not be able to wield it but we need not risk," Lelith interjected quickly before they started moving forward. She turned toward her impromptu protégés Sorry and Malon. "As for you two, you will not be following us into the castle. It is far too dangerous. Sorry will take lead here for your safety, Malon. Stay with the carts and animals, don't draw attention to yourselves, if danger is nearby hide or run. This is not a request."
Lelith waited to hear their responses before moving on. She moved stealthily while keeping an eye out for any enemies or friendly creatures.
Stealth Check: 2d20kh1 (14, ) + 7 = 21
Perception Check: 1d20 (3) + 7 = 10
Oten is silent for much of the ride, resuming his lodestone experiments with the clothes of mending. On the second day, he muses to Ro, "I present no objection to our decision. But... I suppose I am yet to young to understand... by what metric do we evaluate the rightness of our actions? I grasp the justifications both for staying and helping the village, and for pressing onward toward our greater goal. But the choice seems complex and uncertain to me. Is the metric simply the number of lives saved? But then if so, do the lives of a child, a hero, a murderer, and an ant all carry equal weight?"
He thinks in silence for another minute. "And what about me? Do I carry any weight on the scales of right and wrong? Surely, Ro, there must be a variable I am missing that makes these conundrums trivial. Can you tell me? Can you explain to me what factor makes our decision back there correct?"
Ro was quiet as the party traveled onwards to the castle. He was conflicted about how the party handled the villagers and the undead horde. He knew it was up to the villagers to determine their fate, and the Twilight Embers had a far larger crisis to deal with at Hyrule Castle. The party simply didn't have the time, resources or capabilities to handle both situations. Excuses. Ro simply wasn't good enough. A false knight indeed, the elf-dwarf thought to himself.
To distract himself from the mental anguish, Ro buried himself in his studies with Kazek when he found the time. The elf-dwarf still wanted to experiment with the book they had found in the Great Deku Tree, but the party could not afford another detour. For now, all that was on Ro's mind was his shortcomings and his family's wellbeing.
When Oten posed his question to Ro, the elf-dwarf thought for a long while. He turned to his companion and answered in a monotone voice, as if he was on autopilot, "There is no universal scale to measure right and wrong. Everyone has their own scale that they use to measure the quality of their actions. Each scale being shaped by the individual's beliefs, values and experiences."
Ro's tone then changed to a much more meek and quiet voice, as if he were speaking to himself, "I pray to the gods that our actions at Hyrule Castle prove to be a great boon to the realm. So that I may come to terms with our decision to leave those villagers...."
And then finally as the party came upon the ruins on Hyrule Castle, Ro looked at its demise with still eyes. He knew what to expect through the information he received from his Sending spells, but seeing it in person was a whole different sensation. Had he not known the status of his family, Ro wouldn't have put it against himself to break down then and there. There was plenty of turmoil in his heart as he looked at the scene. But he kept it all in. They were here now, at the cost of leaving those villagers, so he was going to make every action count.
As the group planned on how to enter the castle, Ro chimed in, "If need be, I ca cast Silent Image to obstruct the gaurdian's line of sight on us."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Greko felt badly about leaving the ranchers but he knew it was the right decision. There were more important tasks at hand then helping people who didn't want it. On the trip he took to the teenage elf Malon to try to make them feel at ease. Being a teen on a ranch couldn't have been fun but Greko thought if he could teach them something they'd be more relaxed about being "saved" by Lelith. He spent his time teaching Malon medicine skills...making poultices and creams from nature. He figured since they came from a ranch, brushing up on animal skills could prove useful as well. While Greko was gone saving the realm, Malon could take care of Gary, his noble steed.
Greko hears Oten's question and listens to Ro's answer. He senses the morale of his group hitting a new low. He understands they need a win and soon. As they approach the castle Greko sees the Guardians and wonders what they should do next.....It seems some of them have gone stalking stealthily and looking for a place to stow the animals and Lelith's brood.
"Perhaps stealth isn't the best way to handle this? Maybe attacking 1 guardian at a time from afar hiding behind buildings and trees and such would be better? The one guarding the door wouldn't drone out and leave it unattended....?" Greko wonders as he looks to the others for their opinions
“There really isn’t a trivial variable that makes sense of everything, friend Oten. Just faith that we are doing the right thing given what we know. And being that our knowledge is very limited, that makes for hard decisions. So I guess the factor you may be missing, is all the permutations of what might be happening that we are not aware of, and how they will effect the balance between right and wrong”, Rum interjects after a few moments of stroking the fur under his chin.
“This is why I trust in a higher power. The Great Dragon guides me to what is truly important”.
Rum is still looking for a safe spot for the animals...
Oten thinks long and hard about the words of his companions. "My own scale? I'm not sure that is within my capabilities. Originally, I was simply following the imperative laid out by the Childlike Empress. But with her passing, I suppose I will rely on the guidance of her chosen champions."
Upon seeing the Guardians, Oten begins carefully watching their movements to try and work out some algorithm determining their patrol pathing.
"If my predictive models are correct, then in 20 minutes we will have an unobstructed window of opportunity to make for the southwest walls. They will all be to the north or the east."
"Aye that's good news to hear, Oten. If I recall correctly, there is a small farm in the southwestern region of the castle. Inside this farm is a hidden passage that should take us into Hyrule Castle," Ro shares with the group as he points to the general direction of the farm.
He looks to the rest of his bandmates, especially to Rum and Lelith who have suggested the approach of stealth, "I propose we wait for this window of opportunity Oten spoke of and use it to make way to the farm. If all goes well, hopefully we can avoid any confrontations as we make way into the castle."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Rum listens to Oten's analysis of the guardian's movements, and hears Ro's revelation that he knows a secret way in and smiles, showing his feline teeth.
"So, fellow Embers, we have the majority of a plan. We just need to be ready when the time is right. Ro, you will need to lead the way, but I suggest we do not bunch up too much, as the blasts from those guardian's could catch us all if we do. If things go wrong, we need to provide multiple targets, I am happy to try and draw fire so you can all move unharmed", he says as he crouches down conspiratorial to plan.
Greko stretches a bit to waken up his limbs since he will have to hurry across the field to the secret passage. He hears Ro and Rum speak and feels a heaviness in his heart. "Those are good ideas Ro and Rum. We wait for the window of opportunity and take off for the passage. I will go last. Rum you run ahead with the others. I will draw the attention if need be. I won't allow any of you to sacrifice yourselves. No, I won't hear any arguments. It is done. Now let's ready ourselves"
Ro interjects as Rum and Greko discuss their martyrdom, "Ah, should any of us be spotted by the guardian I can use Silent Image to create an illusory wall to block the guardian's sight on us. Just stay within 60 feet of me as that's the range for my spell. Unfortunately, the illusion can be no greater than 15 by 15 feet long, so should more than one of us be spotted my spell may not be able to cover everyone."
If everyone agrees to the plan and the DM moves us forward:
Ro takes lead and waits for the guardians to clear the southwestern region as Oten had predicted. Once the guardians leave, Ro pulls out an owl feather from his pouch, "Great Owl, grant my footsteps the same quiet as your flight. Conceal me from my prey, shroud me in your night." The elf-dwarf casts Enhance Ability on himself and Oten, granting the two advantage on all dexterity checks for the next hour (so long as he maintains concentration).
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
The Embers move toward the south western corner of the castle, moving across the fields between haystacks, overturned military equipment, hastily constructed ditches and barricades and other crude defenses, and farmhouses as they do what they can to avoid the Guardians. Three, including the one that is airborne, are already out of range, but the last Guardian is moving slower, tracking something in the night...and then the laser locks on, flickers, and fires.
Whatever it is firing at is apparently moving and unscathed, at least for now, by the attack...but the Guardian begins to pursue in the general direction the Twilight Embers are moving...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Tuto sinks back behind Oten's head, then, curiosity yanked him back out. It wasn't firing at them, gods be blessed, but it was still firing. Maybe it was malfunctioning, or, more likely, a really big squirrel. They are quite a neucance. He leaned forward sto get a better look, then threw his arm over the mouth of his mask to cover a shout. A person! A friend! Maybe...has to be! Wouldn't be firing if they weren't. Tuto quickly taps on Oten's shoulder as he brings out his maracas. Then, as quietly as he could, begins to play. Then, a mote of fire about the size of Tuto blazes in front of the group, an animated silent image of a featureless person running for their lives.
Rum sneaks across the field, staying very low and moving without making a sound. As he goes he keeps an eye on the others, making sure they are attracting as little attention as possible. Except for Lelith, who disappeared from his view as she too sneaked forward.
Almost to their destination, he remains cautious, seeing that one guardian still remains to be avoided. And then it's large eye stirs into action and a blast fires out. He tenses instinctively, but sees the blast heading in another direction. Another target had attracted it's attention.
And the guardian was now heading to the very farmhouse they were!
He increases his speed, almost on all fours now as he keeps low, looking to get closer and see who or what the guardian is tracking.
He spots the magical figure appear, but not the caster, and keeps his distance, not wanting to be caught in a blast.
Movement: Sneaks as fast as he can trying to make it towards the target to get eyes on (if you need a new roll: 2+8=10).
Perception: 10+8=18
It was hard to see what was happening in the darkness, in the tall grass and scattered debris of the fields, but they could hear something.
"Banzaiiiiiiii!" A fierce, feminine voice called. There was the sound of metal on metal; someone was fighting the Guardian. The top of the construct began to flash red as it sounded an alarm, a deep, bassy rumble not unlike a war horn. The sound echoed through the night, reverberating off nearby farm hours and cascading over the walls of Hyrule Castle; there's no chance that it wasn't heard by many, many hostile ears. The machine continues to turn, its legs lashing out at something.
The Guardian's War Horn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzY099ihULs
Post Order
Unseen Attacker
Guardian
Rum
Ro
Oten
Lelith
Greko
Tuto
It is Rum's turn
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Rum hears the sounds of battle and the alarm that follows it and curses under his breath. Although he had no stake in this fight, it would surely draw more defenders and put into question their own plan to get to the secret passage.
He darts forward under the cover of darkness, his athletic feline form covering the distance in no time. He finds himself close enough to the Guardian to hopefully be within sight of it's as yet unseen attacker.
Thoughts tumble through his mind...
Who is it that fate has brought into their path? Is this the will of the Great Dragon? Are they worth exposing their own presence here for? What does Banzaiiii mean?
Special: Feline Agility (Double movement to 80ft)
Movement: 80ft towards Guardian
Action: Dash - 80ft towards Guardian, now just 20ft away
Passive Perception: 18 to get eyes on the person attacking the Guardian
Ro braces himself when he hears the guardian's laser go off and his face goes white as its siren blares. He peers out onto the landscape and hears a battle cry and subsequent sounds of battle. Before the elf-dwarf has the chance to converse with his band, he sees Rum jet across the field. The tabaxi moved so fast he was nearly a blur.
He shouts out to the others, "I fear stealth is no longer an option with that siren blaring. We need to get to that farm quickly!"
The elf-dwarf casts Silent Image to create a 15 by 15 foot wall in the likeness of the other ruined buildings around them. The illusory wall apparates 60 feet ahead of Ro, between himself and the Gaurdian. He then makes a beeline towards the Guardian and the farm, doing his best to use the wall to block the Guardian's line of sight on him.
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
"Tuto," Oten rumbles, "I believe time is now of the essence. Let us resolve this quickly before more hostiles are drawn in by the noise."
Oten begins to run quickly, though without overclocking this time. He, like Ro, keeps to the lee side of the illusory wall.
Action: Dash
Movement: 60 feet to get right up to the illusory wall.
Lelith flew thirty feet in the general direction of the Guardian and aimed toward its glaring red eye before loosening up two arrows.
Action: Longbow Attack
To Hit: 1d20 (12) + 9 = 21
Damage: 1d8 (7) + 6 + 1d4 (2) + 1d4 (4) [piercing] = 19
Extra Attack:
To Hit: 1d20 (8) + 9 = 17
Damage: 1d8 (5) + 6 + 1d4(4) [piercing] = 16