Despite Val's push to try and further explain his point, Devarus expression and stance seemed unchanged for the most part by the end. Mayhaps his expression had become a little more stony after the admission of a willingness to die to assure the end of an evil. But beyond that, he stayed respectfully quiet and allowed the elf to vent, rather than harrange the man with counterpoints again.

Such as how he hadn't so much tried to protect the vamp, so much as keep her from the others in tackling her to the ground. Only the whispered warning betrayed any thought to the contrary. But such had been the limit of magnamity and in keeping in line to his bargain before releasing her to run free of further interfence for him, potentially to her own demise anyways. But if Valwyrn had pushed things -- if he had given chase...

The very thought leads to him close his eyes, bow his head, and sighs just as the wood elf departed to stay true to finding a place to set up camp. In the meantime, Devarus gives up a few more bolts for the cause of expanding the groups current circle of sunshine in the meantime before redoubling efforts to check on the injury of others and treat them to the best of his ability. If Elsara and/or Runt however were determined instead to go after the wood elf, then quietly follow along, but keep his distance a bit more to give the man plenty of space.

OOC: I think, but I can't remember if he ultimately brought the carriage closer to the house. Not so close that they would be in danger of being burned or anything, but enough to where if giving chase was necessary, we could do double back to make use of them I think? Going to have to look back at that.

Quote from Mehmen >>

OOC: I think, but I can't remember if he ultimately brought the carriage closer to the house. Not so close that they would be in danger of being burned or anything, but enough to where if giving chase was necessary, we could do double back to make use of them I think? Going to have to look back at that.

 

It's been a hot minute so I am not at all sure about this but I don't think you brought the carriage closer? Again I am not sure even the slightest. I just feel like you didn't.

After a few minutes of walking around and putting a hand over a large tree Valwaryn says. 

"Despite my heart wants to be as far of that place as possible I must admit that in this thick forest our best chances are to remain at the clear created by the destruction of that cursed mansion. We should bring the carriage to it so you can have a more comfortable place to rest during the day. I wouldn't risk to rest under the canopy of the trees, not with that creature lurking nearby. " he doesn't look to the others or his voice carry any reproach. "Please, start making the camp there I will go and fetch the carriage. " he takes a few steps and then stops again. "On second thought, we shouldn't be alone. Anyone mind to come with me?" 

Runt has stayed silent. Her promise to the Vampire thrall is fulfilled. She does not feel like explaining her feelings of knowing what it's like being forced to do things you should do and being an outcast even umongst your own kind. She holds no judgment against Val, She knows he will probobly be correct in time.

She just heads to the clearing to begin making camp. 

(OOC: Ah hah! Found it. We did park our car not far from Vlad's house.)

"If they've managed to wander off in the exitement, they shouldn't have, uhm... hopefully have gotten too far." Devarus claims, yet cupped his chin thought afterwards. "At least... I-I hope." He cringes then looks to Valwyrn. "On second thought, I think I shall join you... If you truly don't mind." Once assured all was truly copasetic for at least the moment, Devarus bids Elsara and Runt a quick nod in goodbey before following after Val in hopes of returning swiftly with the carriage and mounts intact.

((Ah you're right.))

The carriage is where the party left it and unharmed. The lizards have wandered off to a clearing that is still within view of the carriage. The large lizards are basking in the sunlight. They are still cold-blooded creatures.

(OOC: Thought I posted days ago, but it appears it hadn't gone through. lame)

Seeing the lizards alive and well draws out a sigh of relief from the old half-drow. Although he'd leave the actual wrangling of the beasts to Valwyrn, Devarus would provide what quiet support he can of the elf, before then ultimately making his way over to carriage just to double check on it. He even takes a look at the insides for good measure, leery of some beast or otherwise having somehow snuck its way inside. 

With all of that eventually taken care over whoever knew how long, Devarus eventually join the effort of preparing camp in anticipation of only an hour's rest. But if others wished to push for longer, then he would not begrudge them. 

Once the cart is placed upon the clear and the camp is set, Lyndaran sits on top of the carriage, asking for the staff allegedly owned by a Witch, to inspect it while the others rest and he keeps watch. 

You all have an uninterrupted Short Rest for one hour. Feel free to recharge any relevant abilities and roll hit die for healing.

@Val. The vampire might have lied about many things but he was not lying about the staff. The craftsmanship of the staff and the small runes on its side did confirm it to have been made by a witch. Val wasn't as knowledgeable about the exact rank of witch this staff might have belonged to but Elsara did confirm it belonged to a Great Witch (Equivalent to an Arch Druid). An artifact like this would a prized item in druid circles that specialize in witch hunts. Using a witch's items is seen as a badge of honor among such druids.

If Val wishes, he can attune to it. Though it's going to take 8 hours.

Also Elsara gets Inspiration from saving the staff.

Val would definitely attune to it since Elsara confirms that there are druids that use that kind of Staffs.

(OOC: Adding more soon, but for now some hit dice just in case what sounds like an inevitable long rest so Val can fully attune goes awry.)

>>Spending 3 for now: 30. (16)

>>Ouch! Gonna spend one more: 7. 

Devarus is not nearly at 100% percent after the hour, but neither were the few aches and pains loud enough to keep him from getting up and looking about ready to pack up camp. In, however, looking to Elsara and Valwyrn...

"I.. take it that a more a prolonged rest is, uh... in order? 'fraid I'm not all too knowledgeable in the requirements to use more powerful scripts -- n-not but, at least. But, uh, safe to presume you want a bit more time?" He asked before looking about their surroundings. "We would be set back a bit more. But after everything we've endure so far, it would do us little good to show up on Vlad's new doorstep half-dead from our petty vandalism." He smirks a bit then looks again to the group. "But if such to be the case, then I suppose I and Miss Ruu -- I-if you're up for it, of course -- could see about further securing this area. Maybe make a few traps in case nightly visitors have a way past that, uh.. magical security of Elsara here."

(Will spend 4 HD rolled on the game log 33+8 = 41 HP so he is full ) 

“I would need more time to recover the strength necessary to cast spells yes” replies Val to the half-elf “And I doubt we will be able to get to a ñ other clearing before sunset. So yes, it is safer to satu here for the night. I am not sure if it will be too late already for the noble or Vlad would have turned or killed him. But I wanted to talk to you all. Let’s put ourselves in a difficult situation before hand, so we do not repeat our… mistakes. Let’s assume that the noble has been turned in another vampire. I suggest we put him out of his misery and tell the family what happened once, and if, we return. No matter the pleas for mercy or that he had no choice in the matter for being magically subdued to do Vlad’s will. If a best hints down a deer and breaks his back… the wolves put it out of his misery. The deer doesn’t want to die despite he can no longer move or eat but is the sensitive thing to do. “ 

he makes a pause looking to the others 

“I need your word. Of all of you. We will hunt down and kill Vlad. No promises to him. The same for any other vampire we may find under his service. I am not asking any of you to make reckless decisions. Just to compromise to destroy this creatures and not giving your word to them.” 

Runt looks Val in the eyes. Despite her short stature, her stare is intimidating.

For Vlad, there will be no mercy. His neck will meet my axe. And any who choose to follow him will share his fate. 

But for thralls, I can't be so sure. That is the most I can promise. 

She extends her surprisingly small hand out to seal her pact and promise with Val.

Devarus, much to his later chargin, appeared hesitant and thoughtful. But if allowed a little time to sort out his thoughts and feelings, the half-drow lets out a tired sigh. "If he truly has been turned, then I feel we would be duty bound to see to his end. For his family sake, as well as his own, as I doubt any consent there was truly given free of thought." Devarus gives a pained grinned.

"Not that his willful agreement to such damning would warrant a spared blade... But if he has not, I will admit to worrying that he'll be used as bargaining chip." He looks to Elsara. "If you have yet the means, notify the guild of our... progress." Devarus requests, stalling for that bit more of time before needing to confront Valwyrn. "...But if those are your terms then... very well. Come what may, Vlad and any of his minions dies. But Valwyrn. IF he escapes again and beyond our reach, we cannot pursuit further still. Time isn't exactly ours as there is the greater and more pressing threat we must yet attend to once again."

Valwaryn shakes Runt's hand. Then nods at Devarus 

"I do agree. We cannot linger much more with this creature and his petty schemes. I do hope that we get in time to save the young man we are trying to. Let's rest and recover for we are need all our strength. "

Monsoon 14
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Vlad's Mansion

The party manages to rest for 8 hours without any issue at a place near the burnt remains of Vlad's mansion. Since it was still very early in the day when they set up camp, there was still day light when they were all rested up.

Also the party gets: 3,775 XP each.  (Already added. Everyone leveled up. Will add Val's new staff to his sheet soon.)

What does the party do now?

Although he needed to stop every now and then to stretch and relieve lingering aches and pains from the previous days adventure, Devarus did his level best to keep at a decent pace in cleaning up the camp, as well as making sure the carriage itself was good ready for the no doubt rough trip ahead of the party. Once all of that is out of the way, he fully intended to ride shotgun in the driver's bench with scattershot in his lap. "While the wheel tracks won't be the freshest, we should follow the ones Valwryn here found yesterday. With any luck, Vlad isn't the over cautious type, or at least too overconfident as to not bother with weaving a false trail to follow."  He says to the others on his way up. 

I would like this time to remind everyone that Long Rests only end the day if you're inside a Dungeon. When camping outside, it takes 8 hours to long rest and then you can carry on. Multiple long rests can be taken on the same day. Saying this because "The last day's fight" was actually on the same day but in the morning. You guys stopped fighting the vampire at 8 AM. It is now 4 PM on the same day,

Also do you want to Survival to follow tracks or do you wish to follow the directions the Vampire Maid gave you to Alisfield?

(OOC: Oh geeze. Thought we pretty much killed the day with between vamp business and more thorough general camp activities. But I see now. Uh... wait do we have to re-roll? Or was the original survival just to find the tracks in the first place? And is it not going in the roughly same direction as her vamp's maid?)