This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thelan cocks his head as he hears the shouts from ahead and replies to Yashmina “Yes, arguing and a scream. Sounds like something is amiss.” He lengthens his stride as well and moves to quickly climb the top of the rise in front of them to get a better view of the road ahead.
Perception (once he gets to the top of the rise): 22. (Passive: 14)
Clearing the top of the rise, you see two large mounts with what appears to be three people between them. One rides alone, facing the other two. The screaming comes from one of the people riding together and sounds like a woman's voice. At this distance it's hard to see any further distinguishing features, but you see that the road appears clear of other travelers for as far as you can see ahead.
Thelan turns and calls back to the others “Two riders ahead. Looks like one has a woman with them and it sounds like she is the one in distress.” Thelan turns to continue up the trail toward them, this time moving more deliberately and cautiously with his bow in hand and ready for any potential danger.
Yasmina walks briskly forward, then slowing down and approaching the group in a friendly and peaceful manner. "Greetings, can we be of any assistance?"She calls out, moving closer with a friendly smile.
Persuasion to make peaceful contact: 18 Another roll if help action is given by someone: 12
Yasmina & All who would follow her - The two men look up when you call out and wave, "Hail! Yes, please we are gravely wounded!" says the man with the bandage covering his eye. As you get closer you see that he has long copper colored hair that spills wildly around his shoulders. He wears leather armor that has been damaged recently, as evidenced by the many gashes and gouges, a few of them crusted over with congealed blood. He wears a blood stained strip of cloth across his face, covering his right eye, "Thank Sehan-" he begins, but is cut off by the badly injured woman, "Please! You must help us... *Cough* My children..." She begins weeping now, no longer fighting but leaning back against the man seated behind her, "Please..." You can see that despite the blood covering most of her body, she has hazelnut brown hair with streaks of silver and delicate features. The left side of her body is completely drenched in blood and a torn cloak is tied tightly around her shoulders, compressing a bundle of cloths tightly against the stump where her left arm used to be. The man behind her holds her as she weeps and gently rubs her right arm and shoulder as he speaks soothingly to her. He looks up to you and nods, giving you a small polite smile before turning his attention back to the woman. He appears to be older than the other two elves, his lean face actually bearing wrinkles and his hair totally white. He wears dirty half-moon spectacles and long grey robes that are also dirty and damaged.
Before Krugh can grab her, Neela is already running up to follow the others to the top of the rise and see what is happening below. "Come on Krugh, somethings happening. Oh wow, elves! I love elves! They have so many interesting stories. Oh no, they're hurt."
She moves up beside Yasmina just in time to hear the woman's comment about her children. "We can help your kids. Totally. Right guys?"
She looks around at the rest of the group then back at the woman. "We only just met today but I can tell you already that these people are the most fearsome warriors on The Coast Way. I hear and tell a lot of stories and I already know theirs will be epic" She says the last with a very matter-of-fact nod.
Yasmina hurries closer, distraught by all the blood, hoping that one of her travelling companions might be able to help. "What about your children milady, let us help." She says, walking up to the weeping woman.
Seeing Neela come up beside her she glances down and smiles warmly. "Well, at least we are prepared to do brave deeds worthy of a song." She says, laying a friendly hand on the brass-coloured kobolds shoulder.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sinak is following Thelan to the top of the rise. “What do you see? What is making that sound?” As he crests the ridge he looks himself.
Perception : 9
Seeing everyone rush forward Sinak moves close as well and listens to their story, at first an observer and appraising their truthfulness but as he quickly examines their grave injuries this gives credence to their tale. He has the dispassionate look of someone who has seen injuries and death, and he quickly assesses the situation. As the others ask about the children, he bends down to the woman, quickly examining her amputated arm as a battlefield medic would. Seeing the compressive dressings in place, he examines and tries to tighten them, making sure to stop any sources of bleeding. “She will need more care and soon. I will try to stabilize her.”
As he bends down, he uses the medical knowledge he has to address her wounds. Failing stabilization, he will call on the help from his Queen, closing his eyes and saying words, focusing his healing on her, the most injured of the group.
Medicine check to stabilize : 12
If fails, casts cure wounds for 6 points of healing.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Neela - The woman's eyelids flutter and she falls unconscious before she can reply, but the older elven man that holds her smiles and nods in your direction.
Yasmina - Before she can reply, the woman falls unconscious. The man with the copper-colored hair says, "She's lost too much blood... This is the third time she's regained and lost consciousness since we fled our home." He shakes his head and stifles a sob, "Dammit!" The man shouts angrily but takes a deep breath and regains his composure before answering your question, "Her husband was killed while repelling an orc warband just yesterday. And now her children are trapped in the keep that was our home. We had barely returned to Ravenglade Keep when a black dragon fell upon us..." He stares past you into the distance, eyes unfocused and glassy for a moment, lost in the horrible memories of the past few days.
Sinak - After a quick assessment of the woman's injuries, you find it a miracle that she's still alive. You see right away that anything short of magical healing will not be enough. The Raven Queen's magic flows from you and into the woman, her eyelashes fluttering like the frantic flapping of dark wings. Her breathing becomes more regular, and you see the color return to her face.
Kragh - You don't get the feeling that the elves are lying, but you do notice the older man straining to hold the full weight of the unconscious woman. Both his age and injuries making it a mighty task.
All - After Lia is healed, the copper haired man introduces himself as Aelar and suggests finding a place away from the road where they can rest and tell their tale. What would you like to do?
"Good find, Kragh! Yes, please, come and rest and tell us your tale! Black dragons are vile and horrible and no-good dragons. Almost as bad as blue ones. The only good dragons are brass dragons." Neela jabbers as she makes her way over to the camping spot. There she clears a spot for the elven trio and will do her best to help them from their mounts but it is quite apparent she can barely reach to their bootstraps. Seeing she is of no help here, she pulls out some rations to share and then sits cross-legged, impatiently waiting to hear the story of Ravenglade Keep.
Yasmina gives Sinak a grateful smile as he tends to the unconcious woman. "The black dragon..." She turns and says to the elf with the copper-colored hair, then hesitating a moment before continuing. "...I promise I will go there at first light and try to rescue the children." She says with determination in her voice, then turning to her travelling companions."I'm aware no one can ask you to face the dragon, but will any of you follow me to rescue the children?"
She follows the others and gives Kragh an appreciative nod as he finds them a good spot to set up camp. She finds a spot for her gear and her bedroll before starting to gather wood for a fire, silently cursing herself for getting involved in such a dangerous task.
Sinak smiles a thin smile when he sees the results of his healing. He helps her to stand, and then follows the others to shelter and further discussion of the keep. He listens quietly, at one point interjecting to Aelar, “What is this black dragon seeking? I’m sure this is no random attack, there must be something it is after…”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Kragh - You manage to find a low spot in the surrounding hills where a few large boulders have tumbled together, providing just enough shelter from the road and wind. The older man and Aelar start to help you pick up Lia, but quickly realize you can manage it alone. Their arms fall to their sides as they watch you set off toward the campsite, Lia cradled in your arms like a small child.
Neela - The two men practically fall to the ground at the campsite, weakened by their injuries and exhausting flight from the black dragon. They gratefully accept the rations and begin eating small, carefully chewed bites of them to settle their stomachs before telling their tale.
Yasmina - Aelar nods appreciatively as he chews the dried fruit and dense bread from the ration. He wraps the remaining half and sets it aside before clearing his throat. He begins coughing and accepts an offered water skin from his older companion. Aelar takes a few small sips and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. You see his gaze settle on a stain of red against the paleness of his fair skin and he quickly brushes it away against his cloak before clearing his throat again and adjusting his cloak self-consciously, "Thank you for your offer of help, truly. You weren't the first travelers we've met along the road today, only the first to stop and offer anything other than spittle and threats. I have every intention of retaking Ravenglade Keep from that foul beast, but with more swords by my side. We have allies in the Cloakwood, another tribe of elves. Lia's uncle is on the war council. We'd ridden as hard as I'd ever ridden, trying to get her to their healers, but it was clear we needed help immediately..." He glances over to Lia's sleeping form near the warmth of the fire as he says, "If you hadn't stopped, she would be dead." He looks to you and holds your gaze as he says, "Thank you."
Sinak - The older elf sighs and says, "You're right... Though dragons, especially black dragons, can be cruel for the sake of cruelty, I believe it was after the keep. Ravenglade was built and lost by our ancestors thousands of years ago. We reclaimed it, but as is the nature of all things..." He grimaces and lets out a slow, measured breath as he adjusts his position on the ground, "The cycle of reclamation and loss repeats itself. It is well hidden deep within the Woods of Sharp Teeth and well defensible. An ideal lair for such a beast."
All - The older elf introduces himself as Fivin and he and Aelar recount their tragic tale in the flickering light of the campfire...
Abridged version:
Their tribe calls themselves the Warriors of Sehanine
Their scouts spotted an orc warband encroaching upon the Woods of Sharp Teeth
The war council decided to meet the threat head on and drive the orcs back
The attack was swift and brutal, slaying half the orcs and routing the rest
Lia's husband Lucan was among the elves killed in the attack
Fivin carried out the funerary rituals for the dead as the elves began mourning their losses
The dragon attacked shortly after, killing most of the remaining elves and badly injuring Lia and Aelar
Fivin saw Lia's children alive just before the dragon destroyed a portion of the keep, cutting him off from them and trapping them inside
Aelar and Fivin managed to wrangle their terrified elk mounts, gathered Lia, and fled
They rode without rest through the night and half the next day to reach the Cloakwood
As Lia slipped in and out of consciousness, she would plead, scream, fight, and beg the two to return for her children
Aelar sighs and you see tears streaming freely from his remaining eye, "She hates me for it and I join her in the sentiment." Fivin responds, "You did what you had to Aelar. Someone had to warn the other tribes. It was a hard choice to make, but I am confident in saying many more would have died had there been no survivors to warn the others. You and Lia will rally the other tribes and together you will retake Ravenglade Keep. You will avenge those who died." Aelar grunts and says, "I will try to remember your confidence in me in the long, lonely hours of the night, when demons come to life." He stares into the fire for a few seconds before saying, "Wait, what do you mean 'You and Lia'? Aren't you coming with us?" Fivin gives his friend a wry smile and says, "No, I will be returning to Ravenglade Keep with them. I know the way and the layout. I was the last to see the children alive. I will go." Aelar stares at Fivin for a moment then nods, "Thank you old friend." Fivin waves his hand dismissively and says, "My presence will do nothing to sway the war council. I am most useful guiding our heroes," Fivin gestures at you all, "quickly and quietly to the keep."
Yasmina listens compassionately at the elves' tragic tale, weeping quietly as she hear of the fate of the husband and then the trapped children. "Yes, quietly and quickly."She says softly and nods, giving Fivin a determined smile.
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Yasmina turns to the others. "Perhaps we should go and see what is the trouble?" She says, then starting to walk again with quick steps.
Kragh still has the full attention of the Kobold
"I once had a rock friend too, isn't that funny!"
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A nearly 50 years old lifetime role-player and gaming nerd
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Level 5 Half-Orc Barbarian Krugh in Warriors of Sehanine by Dylanthalas
Level 1 Half-Drow Warlock Qin'Tar T'Saria in The Shards of Miranos by PinkPygmyPuff307
Thelan cocks his head as he hears the shouts from ahead and replies to Yashmina “Yes, arguing and a scream. Sounds like something is amiss.” He lengthens his stride as well and moves to quickly climb the top of the rise in front of them to get a better view of the road ahead.
Perception (once he gets to the top of the rise): 22. (Passive: 14)
.
Thelan -
Clearing the top of the rise, you see two large mounts with what appears to be three people between them. One rides alone, facing the other two. The screaming comes from one of the people riding together and sounds like a woman's voice. At this distance it's hard to see any further distinguishing features, but you see that the road appears clear of other travelers for as far as you can see ahead.
Thelan turns and calls back to the others “Two riders ahead. Looks like one has a woman with them and it sounds like she is the one in distress.” Thelan turns to continue up the trail toward them, this time moving more deliberately and cautiously with his bow in hand and ready for any potential danger.
Yasmina walks briskly forward, then slowing down and approaching the group in a friendly and peaceful manner. "Greetings, can we be of any assistance?" She calls out, moving closer with a friendly smile.
Persuasion to make peaceful contact: 18 Another roll if help action is given by someone: 12
Yasmina & All who would follow her - The two men look up when you call out and wave, "Hail! Yes, please we are gravely wounded!" says the man with the bandage covering his eye. As you get closer you see that he has long copper colored hair that spills wildly around his shoulders. He wears leather armor that has been damaged recently, as evidenced by the many gashes and gouges, a few of them crusted over with congealed blood. He wears a blood stained strip of cloth across his face, covering his right eye, "Thank Sehan-" he begins, but is cut off by the badly injured woman, "Please! You must help us... *Cough* My children..." She begins weeping now, no longer fighting but leaning back against the man seated behind her, "Please..." You can see that despite the blood covering most of her body, she has hazelnut brown hair with streaks of silver and delicate features. The left side of her body is completely drenched in blood and a torn cloak is tied tightly around her shoulders, compressing a bundle of cloths tightly against the stump where her left arm used to be. The man behind her holds her as she weeps and gently rubs her right arm and shoulder as he speaks soothingly to her. He looks up to you and nods, giving you a small polite smile before turning his attention back to the woman. He appears to be older than the other two elves, his lean face actually bearing wrinkles and his hair totally white. He wears dirty half-moon spectacles and long grey robes that are also dirty and damaged.
Kragh picks up the Kobold on his shoulders and starts walking over
Come on little one, you can tell me more as we walk.
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A nearly 50 years old lifetime role-player and gaming nerd
=================================================
Level 5 Half-Orc Barbarian Krugh in Warriors of Sehanine by Dylanthalas
Level 1 Half-Drow Warlock Qin'Tar T'Saria in The Shards of Miranos by PinkPygmyPuff307
Before Krugh can grab her, Neela is already running up to follow the others to the top of the rise and see what is happening below. "Come on Krugh, somethings happening. Oh wow, elves! I love elves! They have so many interesting stories. Oh no, they're hurt."
She moves up beside Yasmina just in time to hear the woman's comment about her children. "We can help your kids. Totally. Right guys?"
She looks around at the rest of the group then back at the woman. "We only just met today but I can tell you already that these people are the most fearsome warriors on The Coast Way. I hear and tell a lot of stories and I already know theirs will be epic" She says the last with a very matter-of-fact nod.
Yasmina hurries closer, distraught by all the blood, hoping that one of her travelling companions might be able to help. "What about your children milady, let us help." She says, walking up to the weeping woman.
Seeing Neela come up beside her she glances down and smiles warmly. "Well, at least we are prepared to do brave deeds worthy of a song." She says, laying a friendly hand on the brass-coloured kobolds shoulder.
Sinak is following Thelan to the top of the rise. “What do you see? What is making that sound?” As he crests the ridge he looks himself.
Perception : 9
Seeing everyone rush forward Sinak moves close as well and listens to their story, at first an observer and appraising their truthfulness but as he quickly examines their grave injuries this gives credence to their tale. He has the dispassionate look of someone who has seen injuries and death, and he quickly assesses the situation. As the others ask about the children, he bends down to the woman, quickly examining her amputated arm as a battlefield medic would. Seeing the compressive dressings in place, he examines and tries to tighten them, making sure to stop any sources of bleeding. “She will need more care and soon. I will try to stabilize her.”
As he bends down, he uses the medical knowledge he has to address her wounds. Failing stabilization, he will call on the help from his Queen, closing his eyes and saying words, focusing his healing on her, the most injured of the group.
Medicine check to stabilize : 12
If fails, casts cure wounds for 6 points of healing.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Kragh will watch the ongoing pandemonia and ponder if all that blood is theirs alone. How is their story once they have calmed enough to tell it.
Insight: 4
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A nearly 50 years old lifetime role-player and gaming nerd
=================================================
Level 5 Half-Orc Barbarian Krugh in Warriors of Sehanine by Dylanthalas
Level 1 Half-Drow Warlock Qin'Tar T'Saria in The Shards of Miranos by PinkPygmyPuff307
Neela - The woman's eyelids flutter and she falls unconscious before she can reply, but the older elven man that holds her smiles and nods in your direction.
Yasmina - Before she can reply, the woman falls unconscious. The man with the copper-colored hair says, "She's lost too much blood... This is the third time she's regained and lost consciousness since we fled our home." He shakes his head and stifles a sob, "Dammit!" The man shouts angrily but takes a deep breath and regains his composure before answering your question, "Her husband was killed while repelling an orc warband just yesterday. And now her children are trapped in the keep that was our home. We had barely returned to Ravenglade Keep when a black dragon fell upon us..." He stares past you into the distance, eyes unfocused and glassy for a moment, lost in the horrible memories of the past few days.
Sinak - After a quick assessment of the woman's injuries, you find it a miracle that she's still alive. You see right away that anything short of magical healing will not be enough. The Raven Queen's magic flows from you and into the woman, her eyelashes fluttering like the frantic flapping of dark wings. Her breathing becomes more regular, and you see the color return to her face.
Kragh - You don't get the feeling that the elves are lying, but you do notice the older man straining to hold the full weight of the unconscious woman. Both his age and injuries making it a mighty task.
All - After Lia is healed, the copper haired man introduces himself as Aelar and suggests finding a place away from the road where they can rest and tell their tale. What would you like to do?
As a Wanderer and with a proficiancy in Survival I point to a decent camping spot.
Me thinks that will do fine for the night, I can also carry the woman for you as you don't seem very well either
We will rest and hear your tale, me no likes black dragons, both bad and strong
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A nearly 50 years old lifetime role-player and gaming nerd
=================================================
Level 5 Half-Orc Barbarian Krugh in Warriors of Sehanine by Dylanthalas
Level 1 Half-Drow Warlock Qin'Tar T'Saria in The Shards of Miranos by PinkPygmyPuff307
"Good find, Kragh! Yes, please, come and rest and tell us your tale! Black dragons are vile and horrible and no-good dragons. Almost as bad as blue ones. The only good dragons are brass dragons." Neela jabbers as she makes her way over to the camping spot. There she clears a spot for the elven trio and will do her best to help them from their mounts but it is quite apparent she can barely reach to their bootstraps. Seeing she is of no help here, she pulls out some rations to share and then sits cross-legged, impatiently waiting to hear the story of Ravenglade Keep.
Yasmina gives Sinak a grateful smile as he tends to the unconcious woman. "The black dragon..." She turns and says to the elf with the copper-colored hair, then hesitating a moment before continuing. "...I promise I will go there at first light and try to rescue the children." She says with determination in her voice, then turning to her travelling companions. "I'm aware no one can ask you to face the dragon, but will any of you follow me to rescue the children?"
She follows the others and gives Kragh an appreciative nod as he finds them a good spot to set up camp. She finds a spot for her gear and her bedroll before starting to gather wood for a fire, silently cursing herself for getting involved in such a dangerous task.
(The elves were riding on elks right?)
Sinak smiles a thin smile when he sees the results of his healing. He helps her to stand, and then follows the others to shelter and further discussion of the keep. He listens quietly, at one point interjecting to Aelar, “What is this black dragon seeking? I’m sure this is no random attack, there must be something it is after…”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Kragh looks the group over
I think I should come, you look like you are short a lot of muscle and I can be your shield
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A nearly 50 years old lifetime role-player and gaming nerd
=================================================
Level 5 Half-Orc Barbarian Krugh in Warriors of Sehanine by Dylanthalas
Level 1 Half-Drow Warlock Qin'Tar T'Saria in The Shards of Miranos by PinkPygmyPuff307
Kragh - You manage to find a low spot in the surrounding hills where a few large boulders have tumbled together, providing just enough shelter from the road and wind. The older man and Aelar start to help you pick up Lia, but quickly realize you can manage it alone. Their arms fall to their sides as they watch you set off toward the campsite, Lia cradled in your arms like a small child.
Neela - The two men practically fall to the ground at the campsite, weakened by their injuries and exhausting flight from the black dragon. They gratefully accept the rations and begin eating small, carefully chewed bites of them to settle their stomachs before telling their tale.
Yasmina - Aelar nods appreciatively as he chews the dried fruit and dense bread from the ration. He wraps the remaining half and sets it aside before clearing his throat. He begins coughing and accepts an offered water skin from his older companion. Aelar takes a few small sips and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. You see his gaze settle on a stain of red against the paleness of his fair skin and he quickly brushes it away against his cloak before clearing his throat again and adjusting his cloak self-consciously, "Thank you for your offer of help, truly. You weren't the first travelers we've met along the road today, only the first to stop and offer anything other than spittle and threats. I have every intention of retaking Ravenglade Keep from that foul beast, but with more swords by my side. We have allies in the Cloakwood, another tribe of elves. Lia's uncle is on the war council. We'd ridden as hard as I'd ever ridden, trying to get her to their healers, but it was clear we needed help immediately..." He glances over to Lia's sleeping form near the warmth of the fire as he says, "If you hadn't stopped, she would be dead." He looks to you and holds your gaze as he says, "Thank you."
Sinak - The older elf sighs and says, "You're right... Though dragons, especially black dragons, can be cruel for the sake of cruelty, I believe it was after the keep. Ravenglade was built and lost by our ancestors thousands of years ago. We reclaimed it, but as is the nature of all things..." He grimaces and lets out a slow, measured breath as he adjusts his position on the ground, "The cycle of reclamation and loss repeats itself. It is well hidden deep within the Woods of Sharp Teeth and well defensible. An ideal lair for such a beast."
All - The older elf introduces himself as Fivin and he and Aelar recount their tragic tale in the flickering light of the campfire...
Abridged version:
Aelar sighs and you see tears streaming freely from his remaining eye, "She hates me for it and I join her in the sentiment." Fivin responds, "You did what you had to Aelar. Someone had to warn the other tribes. It was a hard choice to make, but I am confident in saying many more would have died had there been no survivors to warn the others. You and Lia will rally the other tribes and together you will retake Ravenglade Keep. You will avenge those who died." Aelar grunts and says, "I will try to remember your confidence in me in the long, lonely hours of the night, when demons come to life." He stares into the fire for a few seconds before saying, "Wait, what do you mean 'You and Lia'? Aren't you coming with us?" Fivin gives his friend a wry smile and says, "No, I will be returning to Ravenglade Keep with them. I know the way and the layout. I was the last to see the children alive. I will go." Aelar stares at Fivin for a moment then nods, "Thank you old friend." Fivin waves his hand dismissively and says, "My presence will do nothing to sway the war council. I am most useful guiding our heroes," Fivin gestures at you all, "quickly and quietly to the keep."
Yasmina listens compassionately at the elves' tragic tale, weeping quietly as she hear of the fate of the husband and then the trapped children. "Yes, quietly and quickly." She says softly and nods, giving Fivin a determined smile.