Once the bodies are buried Oriyas sits with a grim expression. "Evenviel Enclave is in trouble.A noble is laying siege to the town, They have breached the outer gates and killed so many. Elder Bruth has tried her best to protect us. Many could not get into the inner part of town before the inner gates were closed. I had little choice, but to run. It was a miracle that we escaped only for us to run into that blasted scorpion"

"If the town is under siege, we must hurry, but also I'm not sure what we'll be able to do..." Duncan says, thinking. He then asks, "Do you know any secret ways into the town? We'll need to see how we can help with the town's defenses."

Oriyas thinks for a while. "There might be a way, but it will be dangerous. There is an old well in outer part of town that was abandoned. I remember hearing stories how there is a secret tunnel down their. I am not sure how you plan to get past the armed forces."

"That... we will have to see when we get there..." Duncan says, pondering as he readies his weapon and wipes his brow, sweaty from the burial. Pulling up the hood of his desert robes he then says, "Let's only hope it isn't an entire army outside the walls..." He then turns towards their destination ready to continue the trek.

“I need to think a while.  We will come up with a plan when we get there, something will be apparent.  Oriyas, is there a place that you can hide?  We don’t want to endanger you, but if we are successful I would want you to come with us.  Maybe you could help us… and avenge your friends.”  Kas muses, pondering as they are walking.  Gaz peeks his head up looks around, then finds his way back to his comfortable inner pocket.

Hrathen holds up his hand, and a shimmer of power emanates from it. He is casting zone of truth, and it is a dc 13 saving throw to resist. "Be honest, child. Why is the noble laying seige? Were taxes not sent? Were laws broken? Or was this noble angered without reason?"

"The noble wanted one of our holy trees. For my people the trees are part of our souls. He demanded the Chiacki tree. I understand why Elder Bruth has not given in. Even if that means the death of my people. Nowhere is safe for me. I will follow in hopes I can help my people" says Oriyas solemnly

“Let us walk and talk,” Duncan says, as they begin their journey. He then adds to the child, “Is there only one of those trees? And have you any idea how large of a force this noble has brought?”

Oriyas travels along with the party. "Yes there is only one Chiacki tree, there are 2 other holy trees with different names. I am not sure how many armed forced were there. It was chaos when they came in slaughtering people. Maybe 15, but I did not stay long enough to count."

The party continues on for the next several days. The desert gives way to a vibrant forest. Off in the distance the party sees thick billowing black smoke rising from Evenveil Enclave. Most of the town is ravaged by fire with bodies left to rot in the sun. There is a large blue and white striped tent outside of town with and encampment. There you see many men and women clad in black armor.

Its dawn and your also see siege equipment. Trebuchet and battering ram. The soldiers are preparing to launch another assault.

“Quick, Oriyas, where is that secret entrance that you mentioned?  Is it blocked by the fire?  How should we enter?  We need to evacuate the people here!  I think I know why they want that tree, they are trying to make a magical crown..”. Kasbis observes and looks for any possible route of entry.  

Perception : 12 

"How will burning the town get them what they want?!" Duncan cries out in anger and exasperation. "The tree will surely also burn..."

--- As there is clearly a lot of chaos happening, and the noise of battle and death, we don't need to worry too much about hiding. Are there any individual (or very small groups of) enemy solders that Duncan could catch quickly to take down while they follow their 'guide' towards the secret tunnel? ---

"The Chiacki tree does not burn. I am not sure how they know that though. We need rope of some kind so we can climb down. Unless your interested in jumping strait down. Oriyas points at the well which is surrounded by burning debris and 15 ft away are a group of 4 soldiers keeping watch as another group of 3 are looting and dragging a family from their home.

Kasbis says “I happened to have 50 feet of rope.  But how are we going to lure those soldiers away?  Seven are a bit much to take on, if I cast any spell to harm them, it will make a terrible noise.  Any ideas?  We need a distraction…”

"I could gain the two of you some time to attack by making a number of them drop their weapons. It would be risky, though. If it fails I will surely be in great danger." Hrathen scans the group, trying to get an idea of how strong they are.  Perception: 17

Hrathen gathers that the soldiers have training, but lack discipline as their greed got the better of them as they are looting anything of value.

What do you do?

Kasbis looks grimly to his companions and says, “Now or never.  Let’s take those four out by the well and head down.  Oriyas, jump in and help as you can, but stay safe.  For father….  here we go!”  He hands Oriyas one of his daggers.  

Kas targets the one on the far side, hoping that Duncan might be able to throw the near one down the well.  He points his hand and a bolt of energy shoots out of it.  He then casts hex on the enemy soldier for additional damage, cursing his strength and ability to grapple if it comes to that. 

Eldritch blast : Attack: 23 Damage: 6 + 2 damage from Genie’s wrath and 1 damage from hex.

((See OOC question, don’t know if we have surprise / advantage, if not, just take the first roll.))

Kasbis initiative rolled in log : 17.  

Gaz drops down onto the ground, but does nothing yet, sizing up the situation.

Duncan grins as Kas looses his magical energy, and gripping his glaive tightly charges in towards the group watching the others, hoping they haven't seen him yet. As the bolt hits, he also swings his weapon at the solider, maintaining a small bit of distance from the others.