Eldon, the half elf mage clad in scholarly robes, climbs down and calmly surveys the situation with the broken wagon. “I am sorry for the loss of this guard. I am no healer, I am afraid. But If we have some tools, I might be able to help fix the wagon- get it going. And while I’m working, I’ll see what I can remember of the Mere of Dead Men. I did read about it once, and I can guess some of the wildlife in this area we might expect, aside from the obvious more of these. (here gesturing with his staff at the dead crocodile). “I think we should get away from the meat in the body of that thing, or get it away from us. It might lure in its fellows, or worse.”
Thune tends to Lady Othmor and Master Gideon with his magic, healing their minor wounds and helping them to be at peace in the unsettling predicament as the sun sinks on the horizon.
Eldon's work in crafting as well as his studies mentioning mechanical advantage guide him in directing the efforts to upright the wagon.
While unsettled by the crocodile, he is unsure of how to better protect the group from other predators.
He does remember having read something about the Mere in his studies and from word of mouth:
The Mere of Dead Men is a vast expanse of marshland, characterized by treacherous terrain and a labyrinthine network of waterways. Navigating through its muddy and often impassable paths presents numerous challenges, making it an inhospitable environment for the unwary.
Local folklore speaks of restless spirits and vengeful specters that are said to haunt the Mere. These tales tell of lost souls, driven to madness and despair by tragic events of the past, eternally trapped within the murky marshes. The whispers of these spectral apparitions can send shivers down the spines of even the bravest adventurers.
Beyond the ethereal presence, the Mere of Dead Men is home to various dangerous creatures, including aggressive beasts, venomous serpents, and carnivorous plants. Eldon would have heard accounts of encounters with dire wolves, giant spiders, and other predatory creatures that inhabit the marshland, adding to its reputation as a perilous place.
The Mere of Dead Men holds a dark history of past calamities and conflicts. Tales of battles fought within its boundaries, lost civilizations, and the remnants of ancient ruins have been whispered throughout the years. Eldon might have come across references to forgotten wars, fallen kingdoms, and the tragedies that befell those who dared to venture into the marsh.
The Mere of Dead Men is believed to possess a lingering aura of arcane energy. Legends suggest that ancient magics and artifacts may still lie hidden within its depths, attracting adventurers, scholars, and seekers of power despite the risks involved.
He contemplates this as he helps to set up a temporary camp while others further fix the wagon and reload, preparing to continue on despite night fast approaching.
Eldon shares what he knows about the Mere with the guards and fellow adventurers, quietly, trying not to frighten Lady Othmar or others in the caravan who may be not accustomed to such dangers. (Feel free to read the spoiler!)
As he waits for the repairs to be completed, from a custom —made carrier on the top of his pack, a small falcon flits out. Putting on a falconer’s glove, he sends the falcon for a circling flight over the camp and vicinity and then spends some time alone in a wagon quietly conferring with it, quiet enough so that it is not obvious that the bird is actually talking in common…
(Familiar abilities: (3). flight, speaks common, and extra cantrip master ability).
As most were distracted either tending to the wounded or trying to get organized, Narrakas plops down on top of the croc, and with only just enough care to be facing away from everyone, took a breather to lick his hands clean and let the fury die down in his heart. Afterwards, he'd absentmindedly clawed at the hide, seeming mostly lost in thought, but just attentive enough to catch at least a few things. How much any of it actually mattered to the goblin however is hard to say, as any looks he give others or the condition of the wagons is with a relatively placid expression.
At least until someone inevitably takes notice of the lazing goblin. At which point, even before the yelling can start, he'd be quick to bark out, "I keep watch. Eyes sharper than yours even in coming gloom."Then, he'd hop of his perch sooner or later, retrieves his great club, and start up a proper patrol/sort out a perimeter until called to task elsewhere.
(Midjourney AI art generator apparently doesn’t know quite what a falcon looks like, but thought it was close to what I had in mind for Eldon. If anyone wants any art happy to use my subscription for you)
Eldon's eyes scan the skies, awaiting the return of his feathered ally, whose keen senses and aerial vantage point offer invaluable surveillance for the camp.
Perched atop the slain crocodile, Narrakas assumes a vigilant watch position. His imposing figure silhouetted against the fading light, he keeps a watchful eye on the surroundings, his senses attuned to any potential threats lurking within the encroaching darkness. The hilt of his gnarled club glints faintly in the diminishing light, serving as a steadfast reminder of the dangers they face.
Meanwhile, the drivers and guards mobilize, working together to prepare the wagons for the journey ahead. Their efforts are marked by a sense of urgency and determination, their collective strength and experience evident in their coordinated movements. The clattering of harnesses, the rumble of wheels, and the shouts of instructions fill the air as they rally to ensure the caravan's readiness to resume its course.
As the setting sun dips below the trees of the marsh, twilight descends upon the camp, casting elongated shadows and enveloping the surroundings in an eerie gloom. The group relies on the flickering light of wagon lanterns to push back the encroaching darkness, their warm glow providing a small respite from the blackened expanse of the Mere. A sense of anticipation lingers, as the fading light ushers in a night fraught with unknown perils and the weight of their precarious situation.
From his position, Narrakas is the first to see a green glow rising to the south, spreading out and rapidilly approaching the caravan.
The falcon's keen vision detects luminescent patches of a haunting green glow, scattered approximately 200 feet from the caravan. These patches of ethereal radiance seem to emanate from the very heart of the Mere, where the marsh's treacherous waters meld with the ghostly aura that pervades the area. Gradually, the scattered patches coalesce together, transforming into a thin, elongated mass that stretches about 50 feet wide and 10 feet deep.
The assembled mass, resembling the formation of soldiers aligning in ranks, begins to stir with an otherworldly energy. Though composed of spectral forms, their collective motion possesses an eerie synchrony as they commence a haunting march. Gradually, the mass gains momentum, propelled by an unseen force, and starts to advance steadily toward the unsuspecting caravan.
((Please describe if and how the falcon relays this information to Eldon))
Narrakas growled under his breathe before barking out over a shoulder, "Head's up and eyes open boys and girls. Looks like we got company on approach from the south." With the warning given, the goblin stood up, cracked his neck a couple of times, and then with great club gripped tightly in hand stood ready to put the hefty thing to work smashing skulls should the need arise. "Might want to get a few torch bearers ready too." He further warns the group.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(Eldon first senses the falcon’s fear, a sense of foreboding coming from the south. He calls mentally to the falcon, who flies back to the wagon and lands on Eldon’s shoulder, whispering in his ear).
“It’s something unnatural- it appears like a green glowing group of spirits, perhaps the spirits of soldiers, moving this way from the south. Brace yourselves to fight, and flee. How much time do we need to get moving?”. Eldon says. His voice seems calm, in spite of the serious nature of his warning. He stands up in the wagon, says a few words of magic and with a swirl of a hand, causes the head of his staff to glow brightly. (Light Cantrip)
(The object glows, casting bright light in a 20-foot radius (and dim light for the next 20 feet) like a torch. If you cast this spell again on a second object, the light spell on the first object ends)
Upon hearing Narrakas's warning, Master Garret Stonebridge, the Wagon Master, immediately springs into action, his voice ringing with authority as he addresses the caravan.
"To arms! Prepare for imminent danger! We have an incoming threat from the south, an unnatural horde of glowing spirits. Torch bearers, take your positions and keep those lights high! We must get moving quickly!"
Master Garret's voice carries a sense of urgency, commanding the attention of the caravan members. The guards swiftly grab torches, their flames casting flickering shadows amidst the encroaching darkness. They position themselves strategically, creating a ring of light around the caravan, illuminating the surroundings and serving as a deterrent to the approaching spirits.
With Eldon's warning corroborating the imminent danger, Master Garret swiftly organizes the caravan's response, calling out orders to expedite the preparations for a hasty departure.
"Drivers, secure the harnesses and ready the horses! Guards, form a defensive perimeter around the wagons! We must be ready to move at a moment's notice! Time is of the essence!"
The caravan members respond to Master Garret's commands with a sense of urgency and determination. They work swiftly, focused on their tasks, their movements synchronized and efficient. The camp bustles with activity as wagons are readied, supplies are hastily loaded, and the horses are harnessed.
The glow of Eldon's staff provides an additional source of illumination, casting a reassuring radiance amidst the encroaching darkness.
As the spectral band, now about 100 feet away, steadily gains speed, Master Garret's command to get the caravan moving becomes even more urgent. The group heeds his order, preparing to depart when suddenly, a cry pierces the air. It emanates from one of the passengers who had been sitting alongside the fallen guard's wagon. All eyes turn towards the source of the sound, their gazes drawn to the wagon where the guard's lifeless body was placed.
From the very spot where the guard's corpse rests, an eerie green glow emerges, mirroring the luminescence of the approaching spectral army. The ethereal light takes on a shifting form, vaguely resembling the features of the deceased guard. The image twists and contorts in confusion, as if trapped in a perpetual state of bewilderment.
The emergence of the glowing spectral figure acts as a chilling omen, triggering a sudden acceleration within the ethereal army. The spirits, driven by an insatiable hunger, begin to chase the caravan with relentless fervor. As they draw closer, those within the wagons catch glimpses of distinct shapes forming within the rolling green fog.
Faces of humans, elves, paladins, fighters, rangers, and their loyal mounts become discernible, their forms shifting and warping hungrily within the mist. The intensity of their presence sends a shiver down the spines of the onlookers, as the spectral army closes in rapidly on the caravan.
Despite the caravan's desperate efforts to maintain speed, the relentless pursuit of the spectral army proves overpowering. The ethereal figures swiftly overtake the wagons, their spectral forms passing through solid matter with ghostly ease. However, their focus appears to be singular, fixated on the wagon that carries the fallen guard.
Two figures materialize more fully from the swirling fog, reaching out with misty arms to grasp the ethereal form of the deceased guard. With a spectral grip, they pull the guard's essence into the rolling green glow, dragging it back into the ranks of the spectral army. The event unfolds in silence, but the contorted faces within the fog convey the echoes of silent screams, a haunting sight etched into the memories of the witnesses.
Before the caravan can fully comprehend the shocking scene that has transpired, the fog passes over them, its ethereal essence dispersing back into the depths of the Mere. Another soul has been conscripted into the spectral army's ranks, adding to their chilling collection of lost spirits.
Master Garret, though deeply disturbed, understands that the caravan's survival depends on swift action. With a heavy heart, he steels himself and addresses the shaken caravan members, his voice carrying a tone of determination and urgency:
"Gather your strength, my friends! We have witnessed the grim reality of this forsaken place, but we cannot let fear consume us. Our path lies ahead, to the safety of the Weeping Willow Inn!"
Lady Othmor, maintaining her composure, responds to Lord Foppington's attempt with a touch of gentle diplomacy.
"Lord Foppington, your willingness to serve is commendable. I appreciate your enthusiasm, however, at this moment, the logistics of the caravan's operation take precedence. If you wish to contribute, I suggest you remain by the side of the lead wagon, ready to assist in any way possible."
Eldon, the half elf mage clad in scholarly robes, climbs down and calmly surveys the situation with the broken wagon. “I am sorry for the loss of this guard. I am no healer, I am afraid. But If we have some tools, I might be able to help fix the wagon- get it going. And while I’m working, I’ll see what I can remember of the Mere of Dead Men. I did read about it once, and I can guess some of the wildlife in this area we might expect, aside from the obvious more of these. (here gesturing with his staff at the dead crocodile). “I think we should get away from the meat in the body of that thing, or get it away from us. It might lure in its fellows, or worse.”
16 crafting (trained) to fix the wagon, and use leverage to help tip it upright.
17 knowledge academia for history of the area
9 nature for dangerous creatures and how to protect the group
15 survival (to help find and set up a secure campsite).
Thune tends to Lady Othmor and Master Gideon with his magic, healing their minor wounds and helping them to be at peace in the unsettling predicament as the sun sinks on the horizon.
Eldon's work in crafting as well as his studies mentioning mechanical advantage guide him in directing the efforts to upright the wagon.
While unsettled by the crocodile, he is unsure of how to better protect the group from other predators.
He does remember having read something about the Mere in his studies and from word of mouth:
The Mere of Dead Men is a vast expanse of marshland, characterized by treacherous terrain and a labyrinthine network of waterways. Navigating through its muddy and often impassable paths presents numerous challenges, making it an inhospitable environment for the unwary.
Local folklore speaks of restless spirits and vengeful specters that are said to haunt the Mere. These tales tell of lost souls, driven to madness and despair by tragic events of the past, eternally trapped within the murky marshes. The whispers of these spectral apparitions can send shivers down the spines of even the bravest adventurers.
Beyond the ethereal presence, the Mere of Dead Men is home to various dangerous creatures, including aggressive beasts, venomous serpents, and carnivorous plants. Eldon would have heard accounts of encounters with dire wolves, giant spiders, and other predatory creatures that inhabit the marshland, adding to its reputation as a perilous place.
The Mere of Dead Men holds a dark history of past calamities and conflicts. Tales of battles fought within its boundaries, lost civilizations, and the remnants of ancient ruins have been whispered throughout the years. Eldon might have come across references to forgotten wars, fallen kingdoms, and the tragedies that befell those who dared to venture into the marsh.
The Mere of Dead Men is believed to possess a lingering aura of arcane energy. Legends suggest that ancient magics and artifacts may still lie hidden within its depths, attracting adventurers, scholars, and seekers of power despite the risks involved.
He contemplates this as he helps to set up a temporary camp while others further fix the wagon and reload, preparing to continue on despite night fast approaching.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Eldon shares what he knows about the Mere with the guards and fellow adventurers, quietly, trying not to frighten Lady Othmar or others in the caravan who may be not accustomed to such dangers. (Feel free to read the spoiler!)
As he waits for the repairs to be completed, from a custom —made carrier on the top of his pack, a small falcon flits out. Putting on a falconer’s glove, he sends the falcon for a circling flight over the camp and vicinity and then spends some time alone in a wagon quietly conferring with it, quiet enough so that it is not obvious that the bird is actually talking in common…
(Familiar abilities: (3). flight, speaks common, and extra cantrip master ability).
((nice))
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
As most were distracted either tending to the wounded or trying to get organized, Narrakas plops down on top of the croc, and with only just enough care to be facing away from everyone, took a breather to lick his hands clean and let the fury die down in his heart. Afterwards, he'd absentmindedly clawed at the hide, seeming mostly lost in thought, but just attentive enough to catch at least a few things. How much any of it actually mattered to the goblin however is hard to say, as any looks he give others or the condition of the wagons is with a relatively placid expression.
At least until someone inevitably takes notice of the lazing goblin. At which point, even before the yelling can start, he'd be quick to bark out, "I keep watch. Eyes sharper than yours even in coming gloom." Then, he'd hop of his perch sooner or later, retrieves his great club, and start up a proper patrol/sort out a perimeter until called to task elsewhere.
-Perception: 25.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(Midjourney AI art generator apparently doesn’t know quite what a falcon looks like, but thought it was close to what I had in mind for Eldon. If anyone wants any art happy to use my subscription for you)
Eldon's eyes scan the skies, awaiting the return of his feathered ally, whose keen senses and aerial vantage point offer invaluable surveillance for the camp.
Perched atop the slain crocodile, Narrakas assumes a vigilant watch position. His imposing figure silhouetted against the fading light, he keeps a watchful eye on the surroundings, his senses attuned to any potential threats lurking within the encroaching darkness. The hilt of his gnarled club glints faintly in the diminishing light, serving as a steadfast reminder of the dangers they face.
Meanwhile, the drivers and guards mobilize, working together to prepare the wagons for the journey ahead. Their efforts are marked by a sense of urgency and determination, their collective strength and experience evident in their coordinated movements. The clattering of harnesses, the rumble of wheels, and the shouts of instructions fill the air as they rally to ensure the caravan's readiness to resume its course.
As the setting sun dips below the trees of the marsh, twilight descends upon the camp, casting elongated shadows and enveloping the surroundings in an eerie gloom. The group relies on the flickering light of wagon lanterns to push back the encroaching darkness, their warm glow providing a small respite from the blackened expanse of the Mere. A sense of anticipation lingers, as the fading light ushers in a night fraught with unknown perils and the weight of their precarious situation.
From his position, Narrakas is the first to see a green glow rising to the south, spreading out and rapidilly approaching the caravan.
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
What Eldon's falcon sees:
The falcon's keen vision detects luminescent patches of a haunting green glow, scattered approximately 200 feet from the caravan. These patches of ethereal radiance seem to emanate from the very heart of the Mere, where the marsh's treacherous waters meld with the ghostly aura that pervades the area. Gradually, the scattered patches coalesce together, transforming into a thin, elongated mass that stretches about 50 feet wide and 10 feet deep.
The assembled mass, resembling the formation of soldiers aligning in ranks, begins to stir with an otherworldly energy. Though composed of spectral forms, their collective motion possesses an eerie synchrony as they commence a haunting march. Gradually, the mass gains momentum, propelled by an unseen force, and starts to advance steadily toward the unsuspecting caravan.
((Please describe if and how the falcon relays this information to Eldon))
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Narrakas growled under his breathe before barking out over a shoulder, "Head's up and eyes open boys and girls. Looks like we got company on approach from the south." With the warning given, the goblin stood up, cracked his neck a couple of times, and then with great club gripped tightly in hand stood ready to put the hefty thing to work smashing skulls should the need arise. "Might want to get a few torch bearers ready too." He further warns the group.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(Eldon first senses the falcon’s fear, a sense of foreboding coming from the south. He calls mentally to the falcon, who flies back to the wagon and lands on Eldon’s shoulder, whispering in his ear).
“It’s something unnatural- it appears like a green glowing group of spirits, perhaps the spirits of soldiers, moving this way from the south. Brace yourselves to fight, and flee. How much time do we need to get moving?”. Eldon says. His voice seems calm, in spite of the serious nature of his warning. He stands up in the wagon, says a few words of magic and with a swirl of a hand, causes the head of his staff to glow brightly. (Light Cantrip)
(The object glows, casting bright light in a 20-foot radius (and dim light for the next 20 feet) like a torch. If you cast this spell again on a second object, the light spell on the first object ends)
(Eldon’s familiar can speak common and fly- the usual familiar abilities he invests)
Foppington will move towards the south side of the caravan, drawing his rapier and preparing for battle.
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Upon hearing Narrakas's warning, Master Garret Stonebridge, the Wagon Master, immediately springs into action, his voice ringing with authority as he addresses the caravan.
"To arms! Prepare for imminent danger! We have an incoming threat from the south, an unnatural horde of glowing spirits. Torch bearers, take your positions and keep those lights high! We must get moving quickly!"
Master Garret's voice carries a sense of urgency, commanding the attention of the caravan members. The guards swiftly grab torches, their flames casting flickering shadows amidst the encroaching darkness. They position themselves strategically, creating a ring of light around the caravan, illuminating the surroundings and serving as a deterrent to the approaching spirits.
With Eldon's warning corroborating the imminent danger, Master Garret swiftly organizes the caravan's response, calling out orders to expedite the preparations for a hasty departure.
"Drivers, secure the harnesses and ready the horses! Guards, form a defensive perimeter around the wagons! We must be ready to move at a moment's notice! Time is of the essence!"
The caravan members respond to Master Garret's commands with a sense of urgency and determination. They work swiftly, focused on their tasks, their movements synchronized and efficient. The camp bustles with activity as wagons are readied, supplies are hastily loaded, and the horses are harnessed.
The glow of Eldon's staff provides an additional source of illumination, casting a reassuring radiance amidst the encroaching darkness.
As the spectral band, now about 100 feet away, steadily gains speed, Master Garret's command to get the caravan moving becomes even more urgent. The group heeds his order, preparing to depart when suddenly, a cry pierces the air. It emanates from one of the passengers who had been sitting alongside the fallen guard's wagon. All eyes turn towards the source of the sound, their gazes drawn to the wagon where the guard's lifeless body was placed.
From the very spot where the guard's corpse rests, an eerie green glow emerges, mirroring the luminescence of the approaching spectral army. The ethereal light takes on a shifting form, vaguely resembling the features of the deceased guard. The image twists and contorts in confusion, as if trapped in a perpetual state of bewilderment.
The emergence of the glowing spectral figure acts as a chilling omen, triggering a sudden acceleration within the ethereal army. The spirits, driven by an insatiable hunger, begin to chase the caravan with relentless fervor. As they draw closer, those within the wagons catch glimpses of distinct shapes forming within the rolling green fog.
Faces of humans, elves, paladins, fighters, rangers, and their loyal mounts become discernible, their forms shifting and warping hungrily within the mist. The intensity of their presence sends a shiver down the spines of the onlookers, as the spectral army closes in rapidly on the caravan.
Despite the caravan's desperate efforts to maintain speed, the relentless pursuit of the spectral army proves overpowering. The ethereal figures swiftly overtake the wagons, their spectral forms passing through solid matter with ghostly ease. However, their focus appears to be singular, fixated on the wagon that carries the fallen guard.
Two figures materialize more fully from the swirling fog, reaching out with misty arms to grasp the ethereal form of the deceased guard. With a spectral grip, they pull the guard's essence into the rolling green glow, dragging it back into the ranks of the spectral army. The event unfolds in silence, but the contorted faces within the fog convey the echoes of silent screams, a haunting sight etched into the memories of the witnesses.
Before the caravan can fully comprehend the shocking scene that has transpired, the fog passes over them, its ethereal essence dispersing back into the depths of the Mere. Another soul has been conscripted into the spectral army's ranks, adding to their chilling collection of lost spirits.
Master Garret, though deeply disturbed, understands that the caravan's survival depends on swift action. With a heavy heart, he steels himself and addresses the shaken caravan members, his voice carrying a tone of determination and urgency:
"Gather your strength, my friends! We have witnessed the grim reality of this forsaken place, but we cannot let fear consume us. Our path lies ahead, to the safety of the Weeping Willow Inn!"
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
((Will the heros walk alongside the caravan or ride in a wagon?))
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Eldon will continue to ride, holding his staff-light high, watching with concern for the return of the spirit army or worse..
Lord Fop will try to talk his way into the lead wagon to try schmoozing with Lady Othmor.
Diplomacy 18
Coriana - Company of the Grey Chain
Wagner - Dragon Heist: Bards.
DM - The Old Keep
Thune would walk alongside
D&D since 1984
Lady Othmor, maintaining her composure, responds to Lord Foppington's attempt with a touch of gentle diplomacy.
"Lord Foppington, your willingness to serve is commendable. I appreciate your enthusiasm, however, at this moment, the logistics of the caravan's operation take precedence. If you wish to contribute, I suggest you remain by the side of the lead wagon, ready to assist in any way possible."
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms