Heavy is the Head - Campaign thread

Saoirse eyes both Saffron and Eliza, but doesn't respond and instead focuses in preparing the wagon to carry Federico. She's nowhere near ready to welcome the changeling back, thought she won't refuse her from returning to the group. And Eliza had once again been a disappointment when she asked her friend to leave the fight, showing again that she cares for the two of them and no one else.

When she makes sure that the elf is prepared for the journey back, she just stands in silence for the rest to finish speaking. After a while she just says:

- We shouldn't linger. Let's head back to Village Tree, okay?

She nods as a farewell to Jonah, silently wishing he'll still be an ally next time they meet him. That might prove difficult, taking into account he will probably have enemies as Viconia dangerously close to him.

Jonah frowns deeply at Saoirse's description of the collar. He thanks her for the information, and grits his teeth as he worries about who he's in business with.

Taking the wagon is easy enough - though using it to transport Frederico will confine you to the more established paths. You won't be able to get it through the forest bushwhacking. The teens run ahead through the woods as soon as one of you gives the nod, they are quite eager to be away from this battlefield.

Eliza falls in step with Saffron, silently waiting for Saffi to open up to her again.

You are on your way back towards Village Tree, and the forest is as beautiful as it ever was. It does seem a little too quiet though...

Hemlock is lost in thought as they travel and it takes him a while to fully appreciate how quiet it was around them.

"Does it seem quiet to anyone else?", he asks as he looks about. "Perhaps I am just being overly sensitive, but I am starting to feel that we are bit exposed with the wagon. Perhaps when Frederico stirs we should leave it and the path behind?".

Perception: 6+6=12 (Passive: 16)

- You're right. This doesn't look good - Saoirse says, looking everywhere but not being able to catch anything - Gods, this is really not the time for anything weird to happen. Could we perhaps carry him? It won't be comfortable for him, but it will be better than to have him walk.

Perception: 6 

Lam doesn’t say anything to them, but watches Saffron and Eliza to see if they will join the group that’s clearly set on going back to the tree. He helps get Frederico into the wagon and begins to pull it in the right direction when they are ready to go.

At the seeming quiet, Lam looks around, beginning to get wary. This could be a dangerous quiet.

 When Saoirse suggests carrying Frederico, Lam nods and briefly stops pulling the wagon. He seems willing to leave the wagon behind and carry the boy if needed.

The silence is definitely a bad sign, and it is now clear to Hemlock that there is something unnattural here, although he can not see or hear yet whatever creature ore creatures have scared off the birds and critters that should be moving about in the forest around them. There is a hint of the smell of rot on the air, and the vague presence of something not of this world.

Everyone please make a deception check. 

Saoirse's hair stand up on the back of her neck as the smell of rot fills her nostrils. 

(Deception: 18)

Lam looks around in vain, trying to catch whatever is causing the smell.

Deception: 10

"Something has scared off the birds and animals", Hemlock says as he looks about in vain for a cause. "And that smell of rot...and a presence that is...unnatural".

He is obviously disconcerted and confused by what is happening.

Deception: 16-1=15

deception 20

Saoirse:

Lam:

Hemlock:

Sha-Gravis:

Saffi:

Something catches your eyes suddenly - a strange creature darting between the trees, heading away from.you towards the east.

Hemlock spots the strange creature seeming to dart away, and reaches out a hand to channel his magic through the ground underneath the creature. Vines erupt from the earth and try to ensnare the creature.

"Over there", he says warning the others in case they haven't spotted it.

Action: Cast Entangle - DC14 Strength Save

As Hemlock reacts Sha-Gravis also calls out with authority, “Halt!”

Wisdom save DC 14

The creature stops suddenly, making it stumble in the vines and fall to a knee, and by the time it has stood back up on its two legs, its feet are totally wrapped in vines. It twists its horned head towards you, its neck turning a full 180 degrees - an uncomfortable sight to see. Its face is naught but a mouth ringed in sharp teeth and one gigantic, glowing, green eye. Its gaze feels like spiders crawling on your skin. It screams, and the scream is echoed by two more of the same kind. A telepathic voice sounds in Hemlock's mind - feeling like a dry whisper from right next to your ear. 

"Vince sends his regards. But we're not supposed to kill you, yet. Let me go, and you will live for now, thief."

https://www.owlbear.rodeo/room/5nRs1L_uFdxM/HeavyistheHeadPBP

It takes a moment for her to realize, but Saoirse remembers her studies and finally to recognizes the foul creature standing in front of them. 

- That's a nothic, a former mage who delved into dark magic to his undoing - she whispers to her friends - Even if it was alone, I don't think we should risk fight it. We cannot afford to loose time and if it lays a claw on Federico then he will be done for!

"Vince?.....Thief?", Hemlock mutters even as a cold shiver runs across his body and his hand moves to touch his wooden amulet. What did this creature know? It was in his mind! It can't be allowed to leave.

"We will see who is killed!", he says as his body once again begins to glow with star light.

Special: Concentration entangle - 1/10  

(OOC: Is Hemlock allowed to attack or should we go into initiative? He is about to hit the creature with everything he has. Also, is it restrained?)

- Wait! Think of Federico...! - the genasi exclaims.

“Lam run!  Protect Fredrico!”  Sha turns towards Hemlock ready to fight.  If possible Sha casts Moonbeam on the entangled nothic.

Understanding that they are surrounded, Lam quickly gets back to the wagon and picks up Frederico to carry him in both arms. If he can, he will start to run, but he will watch the trees to see what the creatures plan to do.

Please roll initiative.

The actions you decided to take to initiate combat are allowed. By that I mean, that Hemlock can fire away and Sha can use moonbeam, but that means you've used your action for the first round (and bonus action for starry form, in Hemlock's case.)

Lam can carry Frederico without it limiting his movement speed, but you would have to put him down to use your arms for anything else.