Jararaka relays that 'giant' may indeed mean an actual giant's castle, but who knows how reliable these kobolds are.

Jararaka will take third watch. In what is salvaged of the encampment, she tends to her own wounds briefly before going over to the dead wyvern. She stares at it thoughtfully for a while as everyone else rests. Her wound still throbs, she puts a hand to it and feels a spark of divine aid. Taking out a dagger and her curved blade, she begins cutting and carving at it's thick scaled tail, attempting to shape it into something they could use.

[not sure what she'll be able to make with the Cunning Artisan trait, but she's trying for javelins since the wyvern already had the stinger. Also made a survival roll in case it's needed! Survival: 16 + 4 (guidance if allowed)

Perception for the watch: 12]

Jararaka, it takes some doing, but you are able to fashion a javelin using the stinger from the end of the dead wyvern's tail. Initially it throws of the balance considerably but with some trimming and shaving you manage to get the weight right.  It makes a functional and gruesome trophy.  [Same stats as a javelin, but this one announces 'I slew a wyvern' to jealous lizardfolk.]

Jirel wants to cast Speak With Animals, but the wyvern isn't prone to start the conversation.  If she wants to begin a dialog, she can.

[Skipping to morning... you can all get the benefit of a LONG REST] 

The night passes without further incident.  While Jirel stays with the wyvern, the other three assist Hamal and Brittaniya with keeping watch.  This forest is known for its wolves and trolls, but the combination of smoke and wyvern scent is apparently enough to keep such things a healthy distance away.

In the morning, the destruction of the camp can be taken in more clearly.  The fires have all burned out, but there is still a heavy scent of smoke and charred flesh, and everywhere you step churns up a small cloud of ash and dust.  Most of the walls are intact as well as some of the supply crates, but the main tents have all been destroyed along with the stockade.  Outside the west wall, the wagon that the Emerald Enclave captured from the cultists sits nearly empty. 

None of the horses or oxen from the camp have returned in the night.  Brittaniya announces that she has magically contacted others in their order, and they should have reinforcement by sundown.  She then departs to explore the forest to see if she can find their lost pack animals.  If any offer to assist, she begs off and conjures a pair of rams to accompany her.

Hamal gathers the Enclave's dead, catalogues their belongings and prepares them for burial. 

Ethraz limps along through the remains of the camp, salvaging what tools and supplies she can.  She approaches Finn.  "Here," she says, handing over a small potion discretely.  "Hamal can be... moody.  But you folk came at a pivotal moment.  Things could have gone very differently for me if you hadn't shown up when you did.  I appreciate that.  So take this before she realizes I am giving supplies away.  It's all I could salvage.  Its a strong healing potion."

     "No, no!  I couldn't," Finn insists and makes the appropriate effort to decline the gift before, reluctantly, accepting it.  "I just wish we would have gotten here sooner.  That we could have done more."

     "So what now?" Finn asks Ethraz after she has discreetly secured the potion.  "Will you rebuild here or...?  I guess I don't know if their awareness of where this camp is will be a dealbreaker where you have to pick up and move or if it just means more reinforcements?"

     All in all Finn will chat with Ethraz about the Emerald Order in general and learn whatever there is she can learn through casual conversation.  She's not really looking for any specific dirt or information but knowledge is power and it never hurts to have too much of either.  And since people talk the easiest and loosest to those they work with, Finn helps with all the cleaning up and other tasks she can with Ethraz to help the info flow...

     Finn's other main goal for the morning is to check in on Jiral and the Wyvern Situation.  In fact this likely would have been a wake up and get it done type situation before she even got social and interactive with other people.  Blurry eyed and yawning she'd have checked on Jirel and done her best to give her a big dose of Morning Inspiration so that she could hopefully start the day off right with the flying beast.  Finn would return again after she had some breakfast and interacted with their hosts a while, lent a helping hand and such...  But her mind would never stray far from the craziness that the Goliath is trying and she'd ind excuses to go over and lend some inspiration whenever she felt it was needed...  ((Finn will definitely give one morning Bardic Inspiration to Jirel and try to give her more throughout the day...))

(Night prior)

“Is it correct teh address you as Glittersnake?” Jirel would begin. “I’m Jirel Nalekekali.” She states. “Do you seek freedom, or purpose?” Honey eyes meet that of the wild beast, pausing.

The goliath eventually continues. “I seek not teh hold ye against yer will.” She admits, not caring for having to dance around any trust issues. Jirel would not tolerate any threats against what she’s gain thus far. Her companions were irreplaceable, appreciated her loyal steed, and respected Greenest and the factions who fought alongside her. “But wonder if there be mutual benefit teh werking together.” This is where she wanted to learn more, to see if there’s incentive, desire, capability and/or compatibility of working together. “I know yer in pain, an’ I can ask for my companions teh spare their skills teh mend yer wounds.” It was an ‘olive branch’ being offered, somewhere to start should Glittersnake be receptive.

(Will try to cont. morning post tomorrow. Falling asleep…)

Jararaka stashes the stinger javelin away, pleased with the work.

Under the day light, the camp somehow looks even more desolate. She goes over to the horses, giving them the fruits (eating a few herself in the process) as a sort of make up to the scare yesterday. Seeing that the battered Glittersnake is the only threat there is, and it's unlikely any new danger would come to the camp, given there really isn't much of a camp left, she offers to go with Brittaniya. "How many of what are we looking for?"

While they go around the surrounding forest, Jararaka keeps an eye out for any shiny silver items, in case the attackers from last night left a cartoonish trail.

Perception: natural 1 for 6 lol

Jirel:

Jararaka has no luck in helping search for the missing pack animals.

[We've come to another decision point.

• Baldur's Gate is to the West.
  • You have heard the cult is gathering there, but you don't know where precisely and you have lost access to the treasure you hoped would be your 'in' with finding them.
  • You have contacts with the various factions in the city who may know more, or who may be able to help you learn more.
  • You still have the cultist's wagon, though absent the treasure it was carrying, may not be worth much to you.
• You have a Wyvern, formerly a part of the Cult's air force.
  • Its potentially a powerful asset, but also dangerous and not likely to be welcomed in civilized places.
  • Your other animals do not seem to enjoy its presence.
• The kobold's said something about a 'Giant's Castle'
  • You don't know what that means for sure, or where it could be.
• Back at the raider camp you heard about somewhere or someone called 'Naerytar'
  • Once again you don't know who or where that is.
• You've heard that the Cult is working with Red Wizards
  • These are powerful, dangerous mages.
  • These Red Wizards are simultaneously hunting down and exterminating some of their ex-pats who were living in the Sword Coast.
• You've also heard that the Cult is collecting relics called 'Dragonmasks'
  • But you don't currently know where any can be found or who has them.

You will have to decide where to go next.  Proceed on to Baldur's Gate and continue the hunt for the Cult there?  Prowl the roads looking for other cultist wagons?  Strike out in another direction entirely? ]

     "Not factoring in Jirel's attempts to make friends with the Wyvern," Finn says to the others as 'what next' comes up, "I think heading for Baldur's Gate is probably our best option.  If for no other reason as it's the only place we know where is..."

     "The way I figure it is we can take the wagon and even if it won't get us in the door with the cult it may draw some attention from them.  This, at least, may be a lead on who and where they are.  If our faction contacts haven't dug up any actionable clues then the mere presence of the wagon may.  Barring that we could also do some investigating ourselves...  I figure I could play at a variety of the more questionable taverns and listen for gossip but perhaps even stir some up with my songs and lyrics.  If you can't find the enemy then piss them off enough to come find you, right?"

"Some would call that a foolhardy plan Finn, drawing attention to ourselves like that, but you can count me in brave one." The young blonde half-elf says with a smile as she gathers her gear and readies herself to depart for Baldur's Gate. "I'm not sure what will happen to Jirel's new friend though, I doubt that fearsome creature will be welcome in the city, maybe it can stay here with the Emerald Enclave for rest and healing while we continue our investigation. The wyvern could prove invaluable later as it might be able to take us to this Giant's Castle, or maybe even this place Naerytar, maybe they are even the same." She continues, looking over at the blonde giantess.

Coming back with only the fatigue and no result, Jararaka hopes Jirel has better luck with Glittersnake.

Gathering around to discuss what next, she nods Finn's suggestion, "the big city's where information is. And if we want another wagon, there might be one on the road waiting to be robbed right now."

At the idea of leaving Glittersnake with the Enclave, she tilts her head doubtfully, "not considering what Glittersnake's thinking... might not be the best idea to ask the ones who's camp got trashed by wyverns to take care of one of said wyverns."

"If, if Glittersnake wants to cooperate, that opens up options. The cult going to Baldur's Gate, that's what the factions are looking into. If we can find out what's going on in this 'giant's castle', it could be new information, like a breakthrough point."

[ooc: basically want to see what happens with the wyvern, a wyvern companion's too cool to pass up haha]

(Agree with guyu, not sure how to handle the wyvern but would much prefer that we find a way to continue without letting it go/killing it, it's not evil after all, just a dangerous poisonous predator.)

((Yep, rooting for the Wyvern craziness but also not holding my breath...  There'll be difficulties if it does, but also advantages.  And it'd be cool! lol...  But besides any Inspiration he can give here, that is in Jirel's hands...))

Night Prior

“Yes, I speak.” Jirel nods to the wyvern, acknowledging her name. Although she’d fall a bit silent, the goliath wouldn’t flinch and honey eyes would not look away from Glittersnake’s display. A tiny hint of a smirk tugged at her lips from the wyvern’s spirit. One that echoed that of her own. 

“Do you have clutchmates?” Jire asks. “Was little dragon your clutchmate?“ She didn’t want to offend the Wyvern by asking if the kobold held her against her will after her display of pride.

Jirel gestures to her companions. “Even if we look different, they are my clutch mates.“ She makes genuine effort to lay out some simple concepts for context. “I protect and defend my clutch mates with my life.” She explains her ‘role’ with firmness.

“My clutchmates can stop pain.” The goliath aims to clarify. “Do you want pain to stop? Clutchmates can help.”

”I ask for trust.” Jirel states. “I ask for your story. I ask if you will be a clutchmate.” She pauses to give a moment before adding. “Freedom to soar the skies and dine on on wild warm, bloody meat.” 

(I didn’t expect this to be without it’s challenges… My idea has been, and my intention’s essentially try to arrange a scouting partnership/agreement. I don’t look to ride the wyvern per-say or trot it around like a mount mount, but ‘allow’ the wyvern to roam free to return with reports. She could be sent off with beast sense should/if the situation allows/calls for it. Jirel can use her outlander trait to hopefully hunt some warm, bloody meat while Glittersnake heals and/or for check ins. I don’t expect to bring the wyvern into towns/cities. More like have her sent off on a scouting mission or to hunt for herself in the woods/problem wild areas while the group is around civilization.

If this is way too ambitious/out of scope, then Jirel will just set Glittersnake free and wish the best.

Sorry folks…)

Jirel:

Night Prior

Jirel nodded along in acknowledgement to what ‘Glittersnake’ shared with her. She’s come to gain insight to her perspective and was beginning to understand where the wyvern was coming from. Though, the goliath couldn’t help but smirk when she was noted for eating her fill due to her size. She wasn’t entirely wrong.

“What food do you crave most?” She asks to learn more and makes note for future feedings/huntings. “Do you have a favourite hunting ground?”

Should Finn, or Jararaka, be nearby, Jirel would raise her hand to flag them over. “May I ask ya spare teh spare healing words teh relieve her of some pain?” She’d dip her head in apologies for imposing on them to ask for them to spare their magic reserves. “Building trust.” She explains simply. Jirel understood that they would not be able to heal her completely, however maybe at least make it less painful to breathe so that she can rest better.

And from here, unless there was anything else pressing, Jirel would fall silent so the wyvern could rest. From here the warrior would set her snare for the night prior to keeping watch until it was her turn to rest.

Next Day

Jirel would wake early to spend the time to check her trap and hunt for any additional/available game to provide for Glittersnake. She’d arrive dirty, sweaty and late to the group gathering. However she would catch enough of the discussion to agree with Finn’s suggestion and the groups direction. “Baldur’s gate’s a good start.” She breaks her silence. “Glittersnake shared she is willing teh hunt with us should the food be good.” She nods with respect. That was as good a reason as any to the goliath, and fair.

Night Prior

Jararaka tilts her head when called, and slinks over to Jirel to observe how far she's gotten. Hearing the request, she first hesitates, tail swishing in uncertainty, but then decides to trust the barbarian's instinct. Even if she's willing to trust, she makes sure to angle herself so she's not the only one in the wyvern's field of vision.

Faintly, lightning markings glow under her scales, and she speaks in Draconic:

[already long-rested on character sheet but I think I had 1 first level and 1 second level left, using both slots for healing word! Healing in total: 13]

(Already did the rest too but pretty sure I had two first left… So Finn would happily chip in 13 healing as well.)

     Finn was always trying to keep some attention on Jirel and the Wyvern so would meander over sometime before bed and chip in to the healing of the beast.  “If you are able to communicate with them perhaps you could learn where this raid was launched from? Or where they typically nest or roost or sleep?  Den!  They probably den, I suppose…” Finn rambles.  Hey, there’s a wyvern right there!  Of course she’s a bit ill at ease!

     “In due time, of course,” Finn quickly follows up.  “Won’t build trust by immediately looking for information, I suppose.., “

The healing touch of Jararaka and Finn makes a difference.  Jirel is able to detect that the creature is much more comfortable.  That doesn't stop it from glaring menacingly at the changeling and lizardfolk, baring its fangs and hissing loudly at them the entire time they try to help.  Afterwards it settles in to sleep, its breathing no longer accompanied by the sound of fractured ribs rubbing against one another.

[Back to the Morning]

The decision made to continue on to Baldur's Gate, the party gathers their belongings and prepares to leave.  Brittaniya returns with a single stray horse, the only one of the camp's animals she was able to locate.  She and Hamal gather to bid you farewell.

"We will rebuild," says Brittaniya.  "This land is consecrated now with the blood sacrifice of so many of our brethren.  We will continue their mission and follow the selfless example they have set for us."

Hamal has a dark look to her, or perhaps it is just the unsettling, mottled pattern the wyvern poison has left on her, many of the veins in her neck still black and swollen.  "Vengeance is not our way," she says at last.  "The Enclave would not approve of me breaking rank to hunt down and put every last dragon cultist to the sword."  She looks at Finn.  "Therefore, Bard, I expect I shall have to live vicariously through the stories you will one day tell of the deed.  Do take careful notes for me."

Without explanation, Glittersnake rises to her feet, stretches like a cat, then with a running start takes to the air.  She loops twice over top of the camp, unsettling the horses, and then rises higher and flies to the north.  Her destination is unclear, and Jirel has only the monster's declaration that it would hunt with her to suggest she would see it again.

With the wyvern out of sight, the horses relax again and consent to be mounted.

[Baldur's Gate is two days from here.  One day via wilderness trail, and another day by trade road.  Unless there is anything more to do or say at the camp, we will start the trip to the city.

Lets set a riding order, and lets also set a permanent watch order for sleeping.  That way we don't have to decide every single night who will take which watch.  I will just assume each night you set a watch and use the agreed order.]

     "So long as you don't mind a bit of creative liberties taken with the truth," Finn says with a warm smile.  "What my tales lack in accuracy they more than make up for with authenticity!"  And with that Finn spurs Chompers into motion, knowing a good exit line when she says one.

     A shiver goes through Finn as she watches Glittersnake take to the air in front of her.  The lives lost and the tenuous alliance they possibly have with the wyvern is a bit unnerving but Finn does have high hopes for what Jirel has possibly acheived.   With Misses Binklesworth riding in front of her, Finn continues on at a slow trot and waits for the others to catch up before really putting hooves to road, as it were, at hitting speed.

[Riding wise I would probably suggest something like Jirel, Tylaerys, Finn and Jararaka.  Prolly same order if going 2x2 as well...  Watch-wise, Finn is used to late nights so wouldn't argue with taking first watch unless particularly wounded or exhausted. But really she'll take any spot.]

"Thank you for your help, both of you." Tylaerys says with a warm smile to Brittaniya and Hamal. "We will not forget the help provided by the Emerald Enclave and we will not rest until the threat of the Cult of the Dragon is is no more." She continues with a solemn tone and a bow.

As farewells are taken, Tylaerys mounts up on Shiloh and heads out towards Baldur's Gate, riding alongside Jirel where the road allows that. As evening comes she would help make a camp and enjoy her friends good company by the fire. She would offer to take second watch after Finn, keeping her silvery half-elven eyes open for approaching threats in the night.

Survival to find good spot to rest: 24
Perception to spot threats in the night: 7