Seeing others walk up to examinate the staff Geraine quickly interjects. "The staff is emanating some sort of transmutation magic, and I fear all may not be as it seems. Unless you know specifically what it is, and I unfortunately do not, I might recommend we keep our distance."
As Geraine glances at Klage he pauses for a moment, inadvertently staring in the process. He blinks hard, then turns his gaze skyward. "And, the longer we are here the more it feels conveniently overly-exposed. I think we need to keep moving."
“I think the goblins are the least of our problems.” Radu said standing and pointing to the footprints. “They started to retreat walking backwards, then panicked and then retreated by marching like a disciplined army.” The Blood Hunter continued while pointing to each stage to goblinoid retreat. “It’s like they noticed something approaching and entered a state of alert, then panicked when identified the threat but were charmed into orderly walking away.” And that meant three things. “If that’s what happened then we may be dealing with a spellcasting enemy, strong enough to make six goblins terrified with its presence alone and in control of the buggers.” He turned to Klage with a serious look. “Too early for any Ilithids, right?”
Ahsford thought about his conversation with Emilia. Maybe the tree huger they speculated about had spells to bend minds just like the rays of light were bent into the chasm. It was hard to say what could be worse, this or some mindflayers. Either way, he thought optimistic as always, we are ****ed.
“The tracks are pretty fresh and seems easy to follow.” Radu spoke to one in particular, as if inviting the opinions of all. “Time to decide if we will do it.” Personally he was quite fond of the idea of finding and killing anything dangerous before it could find and kill them.
Rosie agrees wholeheartedly with Geraine and Radu. "The staff may be a lure: get too close and it changes into something scary enough to panic a group of goblins; then charms you into following a certain path. Because it begs the question, Radu: if the goblins were charmed, why did they all walk in that particular direction? I think we have two options here. Leave this staff business well alone and continue on the journey Klage has planned for us. Or follow that trail north and see what lure is at the end. If we do the latter I think we need to be ready for anything, particularly trying to shield our minds against intrusion."
I'm using my 'mum' voice, she thinks. The one that brooks no argument. Finish your dinner, or go to bed. Follow our path, or see what dangers lie beyond. But in this case, the latter is oh so alluring. Is she really becoming an adventurer, or has she always been one in her heart?
Fifi pauses a moment to consider everything Geraine, Radu and Rosie said. As she thought, she heard a nearby branch shake as a monkey swung from it which reminded her of her initial plan. "If the group wishes to investigate a little further into the staff and these charmed goblins, maybe the wildlife here may know something about it. I have a spell that allows me to communicate with beasts, but my magic reserves a little low after our recent encounter with the stirges. So I only want to do it if we plan to move forward with investigating the staff."
Rosie was growing on him. From the first contacts with the elder the Blood Hunter had sympathized with her, but now that she was alert and full of suspicions? To his eyes she was almost reliable, which is as trustworthy as anyone can be to his eyes.
“We are in a jungle. Six of anything capable to fight some is useful by nature so our supposed spellcaster may just be getting useful pawns while making his way to that direction and made them march like an army for the very same reason armies march – its organized movement, easy to watch, efficient.” And too easy, convenient of an explanation for a pessimist like him to believe it for even a second. "But to be honest I think it’s someone laying a trap for any expeditions coming down here, be it for seeing expeditions as invaders or to eliminate competition.”And there was the Tree-Hugger. Radu doubted anyone could made sense of the reasons of the theoretical spellcaster, but was sure he would be happy about murdering anyone there. “We should have the strength of numbers and there is merit in dealing with whatever is out there before it has a chance to attack us as we camp, for example. At the same time there is a chance that by going our own way we just completely avoid any battle with it.” He turned his eyes towards Klage. The man was too silent for his tastes. “You are the one paying. What’s your call?”
"If you insist!" Klage chuckles as Radu asks for his thoughts on the matter. "Personally, I think a light investigation might be worthwhile! However, a large group will have difficulty keeping the element of surprise, so it boils down to whether or not you think it wise to split up, given our location. I've decided that it would be more interesting if I took a more hands-off approach to leading the expedition. So please, feel free to see how your preferred course of action plays out."
Angus, who had been listening, seems surprised at the mention of taking a "hands-off approach".
"But father, isn't the expedition your responsibility?"
"Quiet, Angus. I told you to trust me, remember? I trust you all to make intelligent decisions." Klage smiles at Radu as he says this. "The goal of this expedition is to explore. Where's the adventure in avoiding anything that so much as implies danger? I consider such practice absurd."
Angus falls silent in agreement, his eyes turning to those of Radu and Rosie, nodding.
Turning back to the four of you, Klage claps his hands and grins. "So! I'd like to hear your suggested course of action. Fifi, you had suggested interrogating the wildlife?"
The rest of the group has starting circling around the upright staff, not daring to touch it, but leaning in closer with every second, their curiosity growing. All but Aju, who stands at the edge of the clearing, watching the others with disapproval.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Rosie gives Angus a reassuring smile and steps up where Klage had stepped off, using her 'mum' voice again to organise the party. "OK, myself, Radu, Fifi, Geraine and perhaps one more will go and investigate this path to the north. The rest of you stay here and keep watch. Do not touch that staff or get too close. We will be back in an hour, but before we go: Fifi would you like to talk to the animals and maybe get some more information? Better informed is better prepared, I always say."
“A group of five is the best idea and the ideal fifth member would be someone knowledgeable about the area.” He said looking to Klage. Radu was still far from convinced the elf wouldn’t have the expedition killed and didn’t like the idea of leaving his back to the man. Dark gods or fiends flooded the Blood Hunter’s mind. “An intelligent decision and one where you get to explore, you are coming or not?”
Ashford had also noticed that Eduan did not answer his question about it being too early to think Ilithids could be acting there. He talked about negotiating with the colony Maybe he is working with them. Maybe the Three-hugger is their ally. Either way, it will be good to have him between me and Rosie. That was, if Rosie was not in cahoots with him, paid to voice opposition first and get anyone who followed such thoughts away from the main group to be executed.
****, Radu thought realizing that if this was the case he fell like a duck. Out of everyone there the only one he could trust wouldn’t try to kill was Lisana and precisely because she was dead. And even that trust was not absolute. Undead did exist, after all. How hard should it be to escape on these jungles?
"Yes, if we can spare a few minutes let me ask the wildlife here what they know," Fifi responds to Rosie.
Without further ado, the satyr casts Speak with Animals. She turns her attention to the trees and addresses the birds and monkeys she saw earlier, first waving at them happily to catch their attention. "Um, excuse me Mr. Monkey and Mr. Bird sorry to disturb you. My name's Fifi, I hope you're day is going well," the satyr gives a small bow before continuing, "My group and I are curious as to what this staff here is. Do any of you know who brought this here, what it does, and if anything has happened with it?"
Klage raises his eyebrows in surprise at Radu's suggested course of action, then smiles knowingly. "That does sound like quite the plan, Mr. Ashford. I agree. I will accompany the four of you in investigating the fate of our missing goblins." This last part he says loud enough for the entire expedition to hear. "Angus! Emilia! You keep everyone organized until our return. We won't be long." He then listens to Rosie's orders to not touch the staff, before turning to Emilia again. "Emilia, you know what to do if things get out of hand." Emilia nods in understanding.
Rosie's mum voice seems to have the desired effect on the expedition, as her orders are met with a series of "okay"s, "yes, ma'am"s, and silent nods of agreement.
After casting her spell, the bird and monkey Fifi caught the attention of begin squawking and chattering (respectively) to her, their speech understood only to her.
"What do the beasts say, Fifi?" Klage asks, watching the creatures curiously.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
"Ah I see, the mangoes here do seem quite tasty... and I suppose the black beetles are too. I appreciate the information you two!"
Fifi turns to Klage and the others, sharing what she learned, "There appears to have been two parties involved here. One party consisted of six 'short people' who came here first. They brought that staff with them and stuck it into the ground. With the staff in the ground, they chanted a few words which caused the nearby trees to shake until a clearing in the forest roof opened up. This allowed the sun to peek through the forest canopy and the short folk apparently made camp to rest. However, a second party came in: tall folk wearing green with weapons. It seems the tall folk drove the short folk away through the northern clearing and led them somewhere."
"Wow, well done Fifi! You really have an affinity with the creatures of the forest. That is useful information, but does not change the fact we should be very careful investigating this path. Let's go. I can lead if you wish; I'm a little lighter on my feet." When everyone else is ready, Rosie will head down the path, stepping lightly with rapier drawn and eyes scanning the forest.
"Thanks Rosie!" the satyr beams a warm smile towards Rosie, delighted to receive a compliment. Receiving such a genuine smile, Rosie can't help but feel inspired (bardic inspiration GET!). The satyr follows behind the halfling, doing her best to stay quiet.
"You know what to do if things get out of hand.." The works echo in Geraine's mind for a moment before shaking it off, only then realizing he had spaced off as Rose begins to direct the group forward down the path.
"I am a bit less light on my feet than many of you."He starts while tugging at his chainmail, sending a shiver of clinking noises. "I will follow along from behind to hopefully keep the noise down."
He pulls his shield around his body, unties the loop of leather holding his club to his belt, and checks his items and clothing as best as he can manage before following along in the rear of the group trying to stay as quiet as he can.
By now, the rest of the expedition has been informed of the plans for investigating the missing goblins. As you make your way back into the jungle, you are reminded of how cramped it felt. The vines, branches, and undergrowth intrude into your personal space from all sides.
"Clad in green..." Klage mutters to himself as the small reconnaissance team draws further from the clearing. He appears concerned. In marching order, he again tries to ensure that he is neither in the lead or falling to the back of the group.
Moving quietly through the thick vegetation proves to be near impossible, with various unwanted noise created by your passing. The goblin footprints you had began following seemed to have immediately been joined by several sets of booted footprints. Presumably the green-clad figures Fifi had learned of from the animals. The tracks seem to travel in a relatively straight path, leading to the North (you had descended down the Western wall of the chasm (somewhere within the Southern half), and had been traveling East until now).
After about fifteen minutes of trekking through the forest, you notice that the trees have begun to thin out. Ahead of you, you see that the woods have given way entirely to a glade, much larger than the clearing you had left behind.
The air is filled with the consistent droning of cicadas, masking most other sounds.
The clearing is occupied by a shallow green pool, from which a small stream trickles. The banks of the pool are coated in thick moss, from which gorgeous pink flowers protrude. The area is noticeably more humid, a muggy haze blanketing your surroundings. In the middle of the pool stand two tall, moss-covered rocks. The footprints you had been following lead directly through the water. Hopefully, they continue somewhere on the other side of the stream. However, there is a more attention-grabbing matter at hand: near the rocks, two masked figures stand.
The first figure, a woman from the looks of it, stands on top of the rock in the middle of the pool. Her posture is relaxed, as though enjoying a pleasant walk in the forest. Her hair is held in a bun by a black pin. Her garments are similar to those worn by warrior monks of the mountain hermitages. Her mask appears to be made of gold, or at least painted in it. Its shape resembles that of an emaciated corpse. The second figure, a man, stands shin-deep in the water. He is clad in a drab brown cloak. His dull stony mask somewhat resembles a scarab beetle, its outstretched legs forming the framework of the face. Neither wear green.
The two are silent, occasionally turning their heads to scan the edge of their clearing. They do not seem to notice you as you arrive, despite the difficulties you've encountered with keeping quiet. Perhaps the droning of the cicadas has covered up your approach? A natural barrier of shrubberies hides you from their direct line of sight. Or perhaps, as the more paranoid among you may think, they are only pretending not to notice you?
"Well. This should be interesting..." Klage whispers to himself.
NOTE:
When your character moves to a new square, please list to the coordinates of your new position.
He was surprised to see Klage accepted his proposition. To the point that he started suspecting if the entire group with him was not in cahoots with the elf. Sophie’s information didn’t made thinks much better. They were not dealing with a caster, but an entire group of enemies. More adventurers? He considered happy as always, which is to say, not at all. Had he the time, Ashford would surely try to think about a fiend or dark good that claimed the color green as their own.
With all that in mind the Blood Hunter decided to walk mostly behind the others. His mind was ready for battle to start at any moment. So much that he practically didn’t pay attention to moving stealthy. He didn’t crouch or look his steps. His walking speed was too fast. A critical failure of an attempt to advance discreetly.
His vision was basically tunneled to the moment, that he was certain would come, when the group would turn and attack him. So much so that he barely noticed anything on the surroundings. Avoiding the goblins and their leaders won’t do me much good if I let these guys get a strike on me, he decided. When they arrived on the glade Eduan spoke to himself, grabbing Ashford's attention.
"You know about them?"Radu asked, ready to draw his crossbows.
"I do not." Klage responds almost immediately to Radu's inquiry. "However, their posture reeks of zealotry, not to mention the freakish masks. No doubt cultists of some sort. They don't look particularly weak, but they won't pose much of a threat in combat. I recommend lethal action." As he says this, he assumes an almost academic demeanor, with little uncertainty in his voice.
The two masked figures now both stare directly in your direction.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Hearing Klage's comment regarding cultists, Geraine studies the masked individuals from his current location attempting to recognize their religion/faith before responding.
Between the two humanoids, Geraine can't discern any accessories or garments that identify their religious affiliation. Nothing resembling a uniform. The two wear completely different outfits. The masks don't appear to have any mystical significance. However, Geraine has heard of some obscure religious sects, cults, and even some druid circles that actively shun traditional identifying signs of faith, such as holy symbols and vestments. Most of these are iconoclastic faiths, believing religious symbols to be heretical. Others hid their affiliations for more sinister reasons.
Whatever the case, the two appeared to have been waiting for something when you had arrived, and now they stood, staring in your direction.
"No use hiding, friends! You make quite a lot of noise! Come out and we can greet each other like civilized people!" The woman in the golden mask speaks in a mocking tone, titling her head to the side.
The figure in the grey beetle mask remains silent.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
"Hail and well met friends! Yes, these cicadas are nearly as loud as my fumbling and clinking through this brush! As you can see we have no intent of sneaking up on you, just passing through.."
Geraine is holding his action for intent to cast a spell, his shield hand clasping his holy symbol as he hugs his shield closely.
Seeing others walk up to examinate the staff Geraine quickly interjects. "The staff is emanating some sort of transmutation magic, and I fear all may not be as it seems. Unless you know specifically what it is, and I unfortunately do not, I might recommend we keep our distance."
As Geraine glances at Klage he pauses for a moment, inadvertently staring in the process. He blinks hard, then turns his gaze skyward. "And, the longer we are here the more it feels conveniently overly-exposed. I think we need to keep moving."
Horkur Beren in Tending the Garden
Geraine Lucineous in Onward Down
“I think the goblins are the least of our problems.” Radu said standing and pointing to the footprints. “They started to retreat walking backwards, then panicked and then retreated by marching like a disciplined army.” The Blood Hunter continued while pointing to each stage to goblinoid retreat. “It’s like they noticed something approaching and entered a state of alert, then panicked when identified the threat but were charmed into orderly walking away.” And that meant three things. “If that’s what happened then we may be dealing with a spellcasting enemy, strong enough to make six goblins terrified with its presence alone and in control of the buggers.” He turned to Klage with a serious look. “Too early for any Ilithids, right?”
Ahsford thought about his conversation with Emilia. Maybe the tree huger they speculated about had spells to bend minds just like the rays of light were bent into the chasm. It was hard to say what could be worse, this or some mindflayers. Either way, he thought optimistic as always, we are ****ed.
“The tracks are pretty fresh and seems easy to follow.” Radu spoke to one in particular, as if inviting the opinions of all. “Time to decide if we will do it.” Personally he was quite fond of the idea of finding and killing anything dangerous before it could find and kill them.
Rosie agrees wholeheartedly with Geraine and Radu. "The staff may be a lure: get too close and it changes into something scary enough to panic a group of goblins; then charms you into following a certain path. Because it begs the question, Radu: if the goblins were charmed, why did they all walk in that particular direction? I think we have two options here. Leave this staff business well alone and continue on the journey Klage has planned for us. Or follow that trail north and see what lure is at the end. If we do the latter I think we need to be ready for anything, particularly trying to shield our minds against intrusion."
I'm using my 'mum' voice, she thinks. The one that brooks no argument. Finish your dinner, or go to bed. Follow our path, or see what dangers lie beyond. But in this case, the latter is oh so alluring. Is she really becoming an adventurer, or has she always been one in her heart?
Fifi pauses a moment to consider everything Geraine, Radu and Rosie said. As she thought, she heard a nearby branch shake as a monkey swung from it which reminded her of her initial plan. "If the group wishes to investigate a little further into the staff and these charmed goblins, maybe the wildlife here may know something about it. I have a spell that allows me to communicate with beasts, but my magic reserves a little low after our recent encounter with the stirges. So I only want to do it if we plan to move forward with investigating the staff."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Rosie was growing on him. From the first contacts with the elder the Blood Hunter had sympathized with her, but now that she was alert and full of suspicions? To his eyes she was almost reliable, which is as trustworthy as anyone can be to his eyes.
“We are in a jungle. Six of anything capable to fight some is useful by nature so our supposed spellcaster may just be getting useful pawns while making his way to that direction and made them march like an army for the very same reason armies march – its organized movement, easy to watch, efficient.” And too easy, convenient of an explanation for a pessimist like him to believe it for even a second. "But to be honest I think it’s someone laying a trap for any expeditions coming down here, be it for seeing expeditions as invaders or to eliminate competition.” And there was the Tree-Hugger. Radu doubted anyone could made sense of the reasons of the theoretical spellcaster, but was sure he would be happy about murdering anyone there. “We should have the strength of numbers and there is merit in dealing with whatever is out there before it has a chance to attack us as we camp, for example. At the same time there is a chance that by going our own way we just completely avoid any battle with it.” He turned his eyes towards Klage. The man was too silent for his tastes. “You are the one paying. What’s your call?”
"If you insist!" Klage chuckles as Radu asks for his thoughts on the matter. "Personally, I think a light investigation might be worthwhile! However, a large group will have difficulty keeping the element of surprise, so it boils down to whether or not you think it wise to split up, given our location. I've decided that it would be more interesting if I took a more hands-off approach to leading the expedition. So please, feel free to see how your preferred course of action plays out."
Angus, who had been listening, seems surprised at the mention of taking a "hands-off approach".
"But father, isn't the expedition your responsibility?"
"Quiet, Angus. I told you to trust me, remember? I trust you all to make intelligent decisions." Klage smiles at Radu as he says this. "The goal of this expedition is to explore. Where's the adventure in avoiding anything that so much as implies danger? I consider such practice absurd."
Angus falls silent in agreement, his eyes turning to those of Radu and Rosie, nodding.
Turning back to the four of you, Klage claps his hands and grins. "So! I'd like to hear your suggested course of action. Fifi, you had suggested interrogating the wildlife?"
The rest of the group has starting circling around the upright staff, not daring to touch it, but leaning in closer with every second, their curiosity growing. All but Aju, who stands at the edge of the clearing, watching the others with disapproval.
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Rosie gives Angus a reassuring smile and steps up where Klage had stepped off, using her 'mum' voice again to organise the party. "OK, myself, Radu, Fifi, Geraine and perhaps one more will go and investigate this path to the north. The rest of you stay here and keep watch. Do not touch that staff or get too close. We will be back in an hour, but before we go: Fifi would you like to talk to the animals and maybe get some more information? Better informed is better prepared, I always say."
“A group of five is the best idea and the ideal fifth member would be someone knowledgeable about the area.” He said looking to Klage. Radu was still far from convinced the elf wouldn’t have the expedition killed and didn’t like the idea of leaving his back to the man. Dark gods or fiends flooded the Blood Hunter’s mind. “An intelligent decision and one where you get to explore, you are coming or not?”
Ashford had also noticed that Eduan did not answer his question about it being too early to think Ilithids could be acting there. He talked about negotiating with the colony Maybe he is working with them. Maybe the Three-hugger is their ally. Either way, it will be good to have him between me and Rosie. That was, if Rosie was not in cahoots with him, paid to voice opposition first and get anyone who followed such thoughts away from the main group to be executed.
****, Radu thought realizing that if this was the case he fell like a duck. Out of everyone there the only one he could trust wouldn’t try to kill was Lisana and precisely because she was dead. And even that trust was not absolute. Undead did exist, after all. How hard should it be to escape on these jungles?
"Yes, if we can spare a few minutes let me ask the wildlife here what they know," Fifi responds to Rosie.
Without further ado, the satyr casts Speak with Animals. She turns her attention to the trees and addresses the birds and monkeys she saw earlier, first waving at them happily to catch their attention. "Um, excuse me Mr. Monkey and Mr. Bird sorry to disturb you. My name's Fifi, I hope you're day is going well," the satyr gives a small bow before continuing, "My group and I are curious as to what this staff here is. Do any of you know who brought this here, what it does, and if anything has happened with it?"
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Klage raises his eyebrows in surprise at Radu's suggested course of action, then smiles knowingly. "That does sound like quite the plan, Mr. Ashford. I agree. I will accompany the four of you in investigating the fate of our missing goblins." This last part he says loud enough for the entire expedition to hear. "Angus! Emilia! You keep everyone organized until our return. We won't be long." He then listens to Rosie's orders to not touch the staff, before turning to Emilia again. "Emilia, you know what to do if things get out of hand." Emilia nods in understanding.
Rosie's mum voice seems to have the desired effect on the expedition, as her orders are met with a series of "okay"s, "yes, ma'am"s, and silent nods of agreement.
After casting her spell, the bird and monkey Fifi caught the attention of begin squawking and chattering (respectively) to her, their speech understood only to her.
"What do the beasts say, Fifi?" Klage asks, watching the creatures curiously.
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
"Ah I see, the mangoes here do seem quite tasty... and I suppose the black beetles are too. I appreciate the information you two!"
Fifi turns to Klage and the others, sharing what she learned, "There appears to have been two parties involved here. One party consisted of six 'short people' who came here first. They brought that staff with them and stuck it into the ground. With the staff in the ground, they chanted a few words which caused the nearby trees to shake until a clearing in the forest roof opened up. This allowed the sun to peek through the forest canopy and the short folk apparently made camp to rest. However, a second party came in: tall folk wearing green with weapons. It seems the tall folk drove the short folk away through the northern clearing and led them somewhere."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
"Wow, well done Fifi! You really have an affinity with the creatures of the forest. That is useful information, but does not change the fact we should be very careful investigating this path. Let's go. I can lead if you wish; I'm a little lighter on my feet." When everyone else is ready, Rosie will head down the path, stepping lightly with rapier drawn and eyes scanning the forest.
Perception: 14
Stealth: 11
"Thanks Rosie!" the satyr beams a warm smile towards Rosie, delighted to receive a compliment. Receiving such a genuine smile, Rosie can't help but feel inspired (bardic inspiration GET!). The satyr follows behind the halfling, doing her best to stay quiet.
Stealth: 8
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
"You know what to do if things get out of hand.." The works echo in Geraine's mind for a moment before shaking it off, only then realizing he had spaced off as Rose begins to direct the group forward down the path.
"I am a bit less light on my feet than many of you." He starts while tugging at his chainmail, sending a shiver of clinking noises. "I will follow along from behind to hopefully keep the noise down."
He pulls his shield around his body, unties the loop of leather holding his club to his belt, and checks his items and clothing as best as he can manage before following along in the rear of the group trying to stay as quiet as he can.
Stealth: 7
Horkur Beren in Tending the Garden
Geraine Lucineous in Onward Down
By now, the rest of the expedition has been informed of the plans for investigating the missing goblins. As you make your way back into the jungle, you are reminded of how cramped it felt. The vines, branches, and undergrowth intrude into your personal space from all sides.
"Clad in green..." Klage mutters to himself as the small reconnaissance team draws further from the clearing. He appears concerned. In marching order, he again tries to ensure that he is neither in the lead or falling to the back of the group.
Moving quietly through the thick vegetation proves to be near impossible, with various unwanted noise created by your passing. The goblin footprints you had began following seemed to have immediately been joined by several sets of booted footprints. Presumably the green-clad figures Fifi had learned of from the animals. The tracks seem to travel in a relatively straight path, leading to the North (you had descended down the Western wall of the chasm (somewhere within the Southern half), and had been traveling East until now).
After about fifteen minutes of trekking through the forest, you notice that the trees have begun to thin out. Ahead of you, you see that the woods have given way entirely to a glade, much larger than the clearing you had left behind.
The air is filled with the consistent droning of cicadas, masking most other sounds.
The clearing is occupied by a shallow green pool, from which a small stream trickles. The banks of the pool are coated in thick moss, from which gorgeous pink flowers protrude. The area is noticeably more humid, a muggy haze blanketing your surroundings. In the middle of the pool stand two tall, moss-covered rocks. The footprints you had been following lead directly through the water. Hopefully, they continue somewhere on the other side of the stream. However, there is a more attention-grabbing matter at hand: near the rocks, two masked figures stand.
The first figure, a woman from the looks of it, stands on top of the rock in the middle of the pool. Her posture is relaxed, as though enjoying a pleasant walk in the forest. Her hair is held in a bun by a black pin. Her garments are similar to those worn by warrior monks of the mountain hermitages. Her mask appears to be made of gold, or at least painted in it. Its shape resembles that of an emaciated corpse. The second figure, a man, stands shin-deep in the water. He is clad in a drab brown cloak. His dull stony mask somewhat resembles a scarab beetle, its outstretched legs forming the framework of the face. Neither wear green.
The two are silent, occasionally turning their heads to scan the edge of their clearing. They do not seem to notice you as you arrive, despite the difficulties you've encountered with keeping quiet. Perhaps the droning of the cicadas has covered up your approach? A natural barrier of shrubberies hides you from their direct line of sight. Or perhaps, as the more paranoid among you may think, they are only pretending not to notice you?
"Well. This should be interesting..." Klage whispers to himself.
NOTE:
When your character moves to a new square, please list to the coordinates of your new position.
CURRENT COORDINATES:
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
He was surprised to see Klage accepted his proposition. To the point that he started suspecting if the entire group with him was not in cahoots with the elf. Sophie’s information didn’t made thinks much better. They were not dealing with a caster, but an entire group of enemies. More adventurers? He considered happy as always, which is to say, not at all. Had he the time, Ashford would surely try to think about a fiend or dark good that claimed the color green as their own.
With all that in mind the Blood Hunter decided to walk mostly behind the others. His mind was ready for battle to start at any moment. So much that he practically didn’t pay attention to moving stealthy. He didn’t crouch or look his steps. His walking speed was too fast. A critical failure of an attempt to advance discreetly.
His vision was basically tunneled to the moment, that he was certain would come, when the group would turn and attack him. So much so that he barely noticed anything on the surroundings. Avoiding the goblins and their leaders won’t do me much good if I let these guys get a strike on me, he decided. When they arrived on the glade Eduan spoke to himself, grabbing Ashford's attention.
"You know about them?" Radu asked, ready to draw his crossbows.
Stealth: Nat 1.
Perception: 7.
"I do not." Klage responds almost immediately to Radu's inquiry. "However, their posture reeks of zealotry, not to mention the freakish masks. No doubt cultists of some sort. They don't look particularly weak, but they won't pose much of a threat in combat. I recommend lethal action." As he says this, he assumes an almost academic demeanor, with little uncertainty in his voice.
The two masked figures now both stare directly in your direction.
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
Hearing Klage's comment regarding cultists, Geraine studies the masked individuals from his current location attempting to recognize their religion/faith before responding.
Religion: 15
Horkur Beren in Tending the Garden
Geraine Lucineous in Onward Down
Between the two humanoids, Geraine can't discern any accessories or garments that identify their religious affiliation. Nothing resembling a uniform. The two wear completely different outfits. The masks don't appear to have any mystical significance. However, Geraine has heard of some obscure religious sects, cults, and even some druid circles that actively shun traditional identifying signs of faith, such as holy symbols and vestments. Most of these are iconoclastic faiths, believing religious symbols to be heretical. Others hid their affiliations for more sinister reasons.
Whatever the case, the two appeared to have been waiting for something when you had arrived, and now they stood, staring in your direction.
"No use hiding, friends! You make quite a lot of noise! Come out and we can greet each other like civilized people!" The woman in the golden mask speaks in a mocking tone, titling her head to the side.
The figure in the grey beetle mask remains silent.
"Remind yourself that overconfidence is a slow and insidious killer."
With shield at the ready, Geraine advances to D3.
"Hail and well met friends! Yes, these cicadas are nearly as loud as my fumbling and clinking through this brush! As you can see we have no intent of sneaking up on you, just passing through.."
Geraine is holding his action for intent to cast a spell, his shield hand clasping his holy symbol as he hugs his shield closely.
Horkur Beren in Tending the Garden
Geraine Lucineous in Onward Down