Saffi watches the others discuss Muro and the plan to travel through the forest to get to the Village Tree. After Lam adds his bit about animals, she gives him a friendly slap on the arm and adds, "I agree with my good friend, Lam, here! Animals we encounter may be troublesome but they certainly can't be as mean and crooked as those HMC folks up there, whatever their motivations might be. I'm good for the forest path, personally."
Noticing they are clear of the elves, the changeling runs her hands over her pointy elf ears and causes them to revert back to human ears. Yawning, she offers, "I can do watch, too. Whenever is fine with me."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
"I have a bedroll, and the canopy will be our tent", Hemlock says in his usual drawl whilst doing a sweeping motion of his arm to indicate the canopy high above.
He looks down to Muro, "Muro will tell us in his own time, he has been honest about his nature, and has already suggested to me that he be tied up this night".
"I am happy to sit watch, although I will need some light to see properly. If we lay a fire, and find some berries and mushrooms, I can cook for us as well", he says with a smile. It is so obvious he is more in his element now.
He looks to the others, obviously wanting their agreement, rather than trying to force them to follow his lead.
"If that is all ok of course", he says at last, a little shyly.
- I can see in the dark and I'm not hurt, so I could take first watch while those of you who are more hurt can rest - Saoirsesays, specially to Shaand Hemlock- Though I guess is best to do it in pairs? Anyone wants to take first watch with me? - then she adds -I have a bedroll, too, by the way.
The blood hunter doesn't add more for the moment, as she has already stated that she also prefers to go through the woods instead of the open road. It is good that Muro has offered to be restrained, but she feels the rest of the group should know the reason behind that beforehand. Watching a lycanthropy transformation out of the blue, without being informed, could be .... unnerving ... to say the least. Even if the creature is restrained. So she glances at Muro, waiting to see if he's going to reveal any of this.
Lam watches Saffron, grateful for her agreement, after she gives him a friendly slap on the arm. He blinks when she changes her appearance back to human ears. It was so seamless, he probably wouldn’t have noticed if he hadn’t been staring at her. Turning back to watch the conversation, he seems relieved that the group is opting to go the forest route.
When the question comes up, he responds, “I have bedroll.” He resists the urge to volunteer for all the watches- getting so enraged today did sap just a bit of energy out of him. However, he seems eager to speak as everyone volunteers to keep watch. After Saoirse speaks, he chimes up: “I can also do first watch- or any watch. I can see in dark. I am not hurt.”
You are still within 50 feet of the walls of Coldwater keep, and no more than that away from the treeless area from which the main entrance to the Keep is accessible (where Rhys confronted a large number of Coldwater Guards and Grommit, stalled for long enought to rescue Cylence, and somehow without killing any of them).
Heading west towards the village tree would very soon mean crossing the road, (only 100 feet away) even if you intend to stay in the forest and keep off of significant paths on your way. Passive Perception of 15:
You can hear people approaching along the road from the northeast. A large group - probably 400-500 yards away still, moving at a relaxed but consistent pace.
Muro'scheeks flush a bright red when Saoirse opens this talk about his nature, and briefly looks around as if considering whether to run away. Seeing no malice from these people, and after hearing how the party is discussing the practicality of looking out for each other - and for him! - he takes a deep breath and explains to everyone: "I'm a were-rat, have been since puberty. Tonight, when the moon rises over the horizon, my body will rearrange itself, and I will have claws and tail and teeth, and I will be super dextrous and have great senses and be totally in tune with my instincts!"Muro pauses, and refocusses on the practical side of things. "Sorry, it's actually a great experience as long as I stay in control. Tonight though, so close to the full moon, I won't stay in control. I will have an irresistable urge to bite, and fight, and attack anyone who isn't also a lycan. I don't think you'll be able to calm me, no matter how good you are with rodents. So on those nights, I tie myself down, or to a tree. I've got a specially made harness that my rat-form fingers are two big to open (my mom invented it!), and that lets me travel by myself without too much worry. 'Course, those folks in the prison took it away from me. One of those HMC folks found me the night before last in full rat-mode, and they insisted on dragging me into the prison to wait until they could get some big cleric to come and cure me. They didn't listen when I told them that that's not what I want."
Tesfaye looks very tired, and weak. "The moon is a powerful thing, Muro. You are wise to seek peace with its wishes for you, and to let the tide ebb and flow. I... I can not take first watch. Perhaps I will be ready in the early morning. Are we making camp here?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“There are people heading our way about 400 yards off. If I can spot them they may spot us. We need to hide.” Sha’s face is sullen, as he quickly finds a place to hide.
"I too hear them", Hemlock states, having been staring in wonder at Muro during his admission to being a were-rat.
"I think we need to put distance between us and this structure, we should move away from here and the road", he suggests. "If they come looking for us, they will find us", he adds looking around, mostly at Tesfaye who does not look the greatest at being stealthy and hidden.
He starts to move quietly away, which turns out to be very quiet indeed.
Sha silently agrees with Hemlock and begins moving slowly away from the road and the prison. Cautious of his jangling chain armor. ‘Dear goddess of the dark and moonlit night cover us in your shadows let us move within your silent space protected in your sweet embrace.’ silently mouthing the words he reverently prays.
Saoirse listens to Muro's story and is about to reply, but Sha's warning of the incoming group of people doesn't leave much time to talk. So she looks at the halfling gratefully for sharing his story and puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder indicating that he's safe among them. Unfortunately, there's not much they can do about the missing harness, and she curses the HMC for separating the halfling not only from this useful tool, but also from a gift from his mother.
- Let's leave this place, yes - the genasi agrees with the rest.
Saoirse tries to be as silent as possible, but doesn't seem to manage that, at least not as much as she would have wanted.
Lam had been avoiding Muro’s eyes, but as he tells his story, Lam begins to listen intently with wide eyes. He had heard of werewolves, but never were-rats! He is about to respond to Tesfaye’s query about where to make camp when Sha and Hemlock warn of approaching strangers- something Lam had not noticed. Both suggest moving away from the prison, which Lam agrees with. He begins to move through the forest following his friends as stealthily as he can, letting his knowledge of the outdoors and control of his movements counter his size which makes him generally hard to miss.
Saffipays close attention to what the halfling says of his lycanthropic condition, especially the bit about the harness. She's about to pipe up and say something when Sha announces that someone is approaching. Instinctively, the changeling skulks close to the ground, attempting to conceal herself as best she can in any shrubbery or overgrown flora.
Stealth: 14
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
The road is to the west, but it loops around the pocket of forest you are in - you can't get far from it without crossing it. The approaching group will arrive in about 4 minutes. Moonrise is in about 90 minutes.
Not very artistic, but a rendition of generally where things are:
Sha heads to the road intending to cross with stealth ahead of and preferably out of sight of the pedestrians. ‘Dang Hemlock was just here a second ago’. He motions with his arm for those watching signaling his intent to move out.
You all move quickly and relatively quietly towards the southwest, crossing a road into a larger section of forest. The ground is soft - loamy soil with countless decades of trees' detritus. So near the road, the underlayer becomes thick with those low green ferns and mosses that take advantage of any gap in the canopy.
The road is wide, hard-packed from most of a year of heavy use. Towards the edges, there are bushes and various flora that has been recently trampled, but there are no tree stumps, and neither is this road cobbled or stone. This road is old, and seems almost to be a part of the forest, though its recent use has been a sudden change.
Tesfaye is not moving quickly at all, although it is clear that they are trying. While they cross the road, they stumble for a moment, and their hammer knocks loudly against their shield. They push themself forward, scampering across the road. By the time they get across, you can all hear the group approaching, still 300 yards away.
Muro moves dextrously and swiftly, appearing to take naturally to darting between dark places. He looks slightly taller than we has a moment ago, although that's probably just your imagination.
The approaching group are talking loudly amongst themselves - a group of at least a dozen on foot, with pack animals and heavy gear in tow. They do not seem to have been alerted to your presence.
Hemlock quietly moves away from the road, turning back to try and see how everyone else was getting on just as Tesfaye knocks his shield. He winces and his eyes dart towards the approaching convoy, and he breathes a sigh of relief as he can't see or hear any response.
Seeing the turtle struggle, he regrets not giving him more of the goodberries.
Looking about, he can see Muro, Saoirse, Lam and Saffi moving as stealthily as they can, but can't see Sha-gravis. He hoped that meant he was just good at moving unseen.
Making sure a large tree trunk is between himself and the direction of the convoy, he tries to gain Tesfaye's attention, calling him over discreetly so he can help him hide.
When Saoirsesees Tesfayestruggling, she approaches them and grabs their staff to allow them to travel little lighter (and sthealthier). Then grabs their arm and passes it over her shoulder, so they can lean on her. This may perhaps slow them both, but the fire genasi hopes Tesfayewill suffer a little less from their injuries by not needing to carry their full weight by themselves.
"Thank you. I am sorry - sneaking and fighting are not my strengths." Tesfayeleans on Saoirsefor support, and tries to walk with her up towards Hemlock. "I am in all of your debt."
- Strength comes in many forms. You helped me a while back with your healing, remember? - the fire genasi presses the tortle's arm a little as she's saying this, so as to give him confidence. Then she adds - ...we'll manage, all together.
Then she nods at Hemlock, and keeps silent and hidden, hoping the group that is about to pass by do not notice any of them.
Saffi watches the others discuss Muro and the plan to travel through the forest to get to the Village Tree. After Lam adds his bit about animals, she gives him a friendly slap on the arm and adds, "I agree with my good friend, Lam, here! Animals we encounter may be troublesome but they certainly can't be as mean and crooked as those HMC folks up there, whatever their motivations might be. I'm good for the forest path, personally."
Noticing they are clear of the elves, the changeling runs her hands over her pointy elf ears and causes them to revert back to human ears. Yawning, she offers, "I can do watch, too. Whenever is fine with me."
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
"I have a bedroll, and the canopy will be our tent", Hemlock says in his usual drawl whilst doing a sweeping motion of his arm to indicate the canopy high above.
He looks down to Muro, "Muro will tell us in his own time, he has been honest about his nature, and has already suggested to me that he be tied up this night".
"I am happy to sit watch, although I will need some light to see properly. If we lay a fire, and find some berries and mushrooms, I can cook for us as well", he says with a smile. It is so obvious he is more in his element now.
He looks to the others, obviously wanting their agreement, rather than trying to force them to follow his lead.
"If that is all ok of course", he says at last, a little shyly.
- I can see in the dark and I'm not hurt, so I could take first watch while those of you who are more hurt can rest - Saoirse says, specially to Sha and Hemlock - Though I guess is best to do it in pairs? Anyone wants to take first watch with me? - then she adds - I have a bedroll, too, by the way.
The blood hunter doesn't add more for the moment, as she has already stated that she also prefers to go through the woods instead of the open road. It is good that Muro has offered to be restrained, but she feels the rest of the group should know the reason behind that beforehand. Watching a lycanthropy transformation out of the blue, without being informed, could be .... unnerving ... to say the least. Even if the creature is restrained. So she glances at Muro, waiting to see if he's going to reveal any of this.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Lam watches Saffron, grateful for her agreement, after she gives him a friendly slap on the arm. He blinks when she changes her appearance back to human ears. It was so seamless, he probably wouldn’t have noticed if he hadn’t been staring at her. Turning back to watch the conversation, he seems relieved that the group is opting to go the forest route.
When the question comes up, he responds, “I have bedroll.” He resists the urge to volunteer for all the watches- getting so enraged today did sap just a bit of energy out of him. However, he seems eager to speak as everyone volunteers to keep watch. After Saoirse speaks, he chimes up: “I can also do first watch- or any watch. I can see in dark. I am not hurt.”
You are still within 50 feet of the walls of Coldwater keep, and no more than that away from the treeless area from which the main entrance to the Keep is accessible (where Rhys confronted a large number of Coldwater Guards and Grommit, stalled for long enought to rescue Cylence, and somehow without killing any of them).
Heading west towards the village tree would very soon mean crossing the road, (only 100 feet away) even if you intend to stay in the forest and keep off of significant paths on your way. Passive Perception of 15:
You can hear people approaching along the road from the northeast. A large group - probably 400-500 yards away still, moving at a relaxed but consistent pace.
Muro's cheeks flush a bright red when Saoirse opens this talk about his nature, and briefly looks around as if considering whether to run away. Seeing no malice from these people, and after hearing how the party is discussing the practicality of looking out for each other - and for him! - he takes a deep breath and explains to everyone: "I'm a were-rat, have been since puberty. Tonight, when the moon rises over the horizon, my body will rearrange itself, and I will have claws and tail and teeth, and I will be super dextrous and have great senses and be totally in tune with my instincts!" Muro pauses, and refocusses on the practical side of things. "Sorry, it's actually a great experience as long as I stay in control. Tonight though, so close to the full moon, I won't stay in control. I will have an irresistable urge to bite, and fight, and attack anyone who isn't also a lycan. I don't think you'll be able to calm me, no matter how good you are with rodents. So on those nights, I tie myself down, or to a tree. I've got a specially made harness that my rat-form fingers are two big to open (my mom invented it!), and that lets me travel by myself without too much worry. 'Course, those folks in the prison took it away from me. One of those HMC folks found me the night before last in full rat-mode, and they insisted on dragging me into the prison to wait until they could get some big cleric to come and cure me. They didn't listen when I told them that that's not what I want."
Tesfaye looks very tired, and weak. "The moon is a powerful thing, Muro. You are wise to seek peace with its wishes for you, and to let the tide ebb and flow. I... I can not take first watch. Perhaps I will be ready in the early morning. Are we making camp here?"
Moonrise is in about 90 minutes.
DM: Heavy is the Head
“There are people heading our way about 400 yards off. If I can spot them they may spot us. We need to hide.” Sha’s face is sullen, as he quickly finds a place to hide.
Stealth 19
"I too hear them", Hemlock states, having been staring in wonder at Muro during his admission to being a were-rat.
"I think we need to put distance between us and this structure, we should move away from here and the road", he suggests. "If they come looking for us, they will find us", he adds looking around, mostly at Tesfaye who does not look the greatest at being stealthy and hidden.
He starts to move quietly away, which turns out to be very quiet indeed.
Stealth: (
13, 20)+2=22You are in twilight hours, and in the forest rather than on the path. Stealth rolls have advantage.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Sha silently agrees with Hemlock and begins moving slowly away from the road and the prison. Cautious of his jangling chain armor. ‘Dear goddess of the dark and moonlit night cover us in your shadows let us move within your silent space protected in your sweet embrace.’ silently mouthing the words he reverently prays.
Saoirse listens to Muro's story and is about to reply, but Sha's warning of the incoming group of people doesn't leave much time to talk. So she looks at the halfling gratefully for sharing his story and puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder indicating that he's safe among them. Unfortunately, there's not much they can do about the missing harness, and she curses the HMC for separating the halfling not only from this useful tool, but also from a gift from his mother.
- Let's leave this place, yes - the genasi agrees with the rest.
Saoirse tries to be as silent as possible, but doesn't seem to manage that, at least not as much as she would have wanted.
Stealth =
5and 11.Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Lam had been avoiding Muro’s eyes, but as he tells his story, Lam begins to listen intently with wide eyes. He had heard of werewolves, but never were-rats! He is about to respond to Tesfaye’s query about where to make camp when Sha and Hemlock warn of approaching strangers- something Lam had not noticed. Both suggest moving away from the prison, which Lam agrees with. He begins to move through the forest following his friends as stealthily as he can, letting his knowledge of the outdoors and control of his movements counter his size which makes him generally hard to miss.
Stealth rolled in the log with advantage: 15
Saffi pays close attention to what the halfling says of his lycanthropic condition, especially the bit about the harness. She's about to pipe up and say something when Sha announces that someone is approaching. Instinctively, the changeling skulks close to the ground, attempting to conceal herself as best she can in any shrubbery or overgrown flora.
Stealth: 14
Walks in [insert absurd situation].
Honorary Leader in the Pixie Peewee Powderpuff Pals!
DM: Heavy is the Head
Sha heads to the road intending to cross with stealth ahead of and preferably out of sight of the pedestrians. ‘Dang Hemlock was just here a second ago’. He motions with his arm for those watching signaling his intent to move out.
You all move quickly and relatively quietly towards the southwest, crossing a road into a larger section of forest. The ground is soft - loamy soil with countless decades of trees' detritus. So near the road, the underlayer becomes thick with those low green ferns and mosses that take advantage of any gap in the canopy.
The road is wide, hard-packed from most of a year of heavy use. Towards the edges, there are bushes and various flora that has been recently trampled, but there are no tree stumps, and neither is this road cobbled or stone. This road is old, and seems almost to be a part of the forest, though its recent use has been a sudden change.
Tesfaye is not moving quickly at all, although it is clear that they are trying. While they cross the road, they stumble for a moment, and their hammer knocks loudly against their shield. They push themself forward, scampering across the road. By the time they get across, you can all hear the group approaching, still 300 yards away.
Muro moves dextrously and swiftly, appearing to take naturally to darting between dark places. He looks slightly taller than we has a moment ago, although that's probably just your imagination.
The approaching group are talking loudly amongst themselves - a group of at least a dozen on foot, with pack animals and heavy gear in tow. They do not seem to have been alerted to your presence.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Hemlock quietly moves away from the road, turning back to try and see how everyone else was getting on just as Tesfaye knocks his shield. He winces and his eyes dart towards the approaching convoy, and he breathes a sigh of relief as he can't see or hear any response.
Seeing the turtle struggle, he regrets not giving him more of the goodberries.
Looking about, he can see Muro, Saoirse, Lam and Saffi moving as stealthily as they can, but can't see Sha-gravis. He hoped that meant he was just good at moving unseen.
Making sure a large tree trunk is between himself and the direction of the convoy, he tries to gain Tesfaye's attention, calling him over discreetly so he can help him hide.
When Saoirse sees Tesfaye struggling, she approaches them and grabs their staff to allow them to travel little lighter (and sthealthier). Then grabs their arm and passes it over her shoulder, so they can lean on her. This may perhaps slow them both, but the fire genasi hopes Tesfaye will suffer a little less from their injuries by not needing to carry their full weight by themselves.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"Thank you. I am sorry - sneaking and fighting are not my strengths." Tesfaye leans on Saoirse for support, and tries to walk with her up towards Hemlock. "I am in all of your debt."
DM: Heavy is the Head
Hemlock holds out the last two goodberries for Tesfaye.
"Let's wait for them to pass", he whispers.
Saoirse replies to Tesfaye lowering her voice:
- Strength comes in many forms. You helped me a while back with your healing, remember? - the fire genasi presses the tortle's arm a little as she's saying this, so as to give him confidence. Then she adds - ... we'll manage, all together.
Then she nods at Hemlock, and keeps silent and hidden, hoping the group that is about to pass by do not notice any of them.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra