Dev walks in the middle of the group, looking up to Quinn from time to time for reassurance. The big, steady genasi lends a sense of security to the teenager. He also looks at Progo with curiosity. In this situation, having along the wily merchant could only be a help. Dev tries to stay out of Normont’s and Lokilia’s way. He knows they can manage what they’re doing far better than he could. 

Quote from Culuril >>

Lokilia starts to follow the path of boot prints she discovered, mentioning the other strange semi-canine/feline ones as well. "Seems to be heading in the same direction. I'm not real familiar with anything like that though..."  She ponders the thought, trying to recall of anything those strange prints might match. (Survival for the prints: 10; Survival to continue following the trail if needed: 14) 

 Lokilia can't identify the prints and has some difficulty following the trail...

Quote from VolcanoLair >>

"Excellent", Normont exclaims when Lokilia finds some boot prints.

When she points out the strange print, he wanders across to take a closer look before continuing.

With a direction now set, Amber is able to go and scout a little from the sky.

He also instructs Maggie to move ahead of the group, slightly to one side of the tracks.

"We should be cautious. They might have a lookout or traps set", he warns the others, deciding to equip his rifle in readiness. He still thinks there might be markings along the trail, so he will keep an eye out for any on the trees they pass as well as for any danger.

---

Nature: 8+3=11 (he will use guidance only if detect magic has faded: +1)
Amber Perception: 12+4=16
Normont Perception: 19+4=23

.....but with Ambers chittering assistance from above she manages to stay on it.

Normonts keen senses back her up as he keeps an eye on the trees as they move......

Quote from Engineered_Beard >>

Progo follows along with the others, he has found that he has always been quick to join up with others in most places he's been. He did miss having a large community to help and get supported by like what he grew up in with the tribe, of only he had the itch to explore and see the world. Previously he had pushed his way to always being in charge and leading, those hadn't ended well. He had tried to just be in the background and not inputting to discussions, those also had ended with Progo all on his own. He was still trying to find the right combination to work with other and find a long term community to be involved with. He purposely held back from taking the lead on finding clues, he still did his part looking about, just not directing the effort. Normont was looking for any situations they may wonder into, trap or ambush, Progo would be prepare to deal with any trap or suprises. "Progo has a bit of experience undoing tricks and triggers if anyone finds something. Progo thinks these tracks don't show much for signs of covering up so either the owner of these prints doesn't care to be followed or not suave enough to know how."

Progo walks near the Genasi as they continue, there was something about them that suggested to Progo that they knew more or could see more then the rest of them, Progo planned to figure out what that could be.  He found the silent and knowing type slightly unsettling. 

Quote from DandDSince1973 >>

Dev walks in the middle of the group, looking up to Quinn from time to time for reassurance. The big, steady genasi lends a sense of security to the teenager. He also looks at Progo with curiosity. In this situation, having along the wily merchant could only be a help. Dev tries to stay out of Normont’s and Lokilia’s way. He knows they can manage what they’re doing far better than he could. 

Dev, Progo and Quinn followed the others keeping their own counsel as they did....

.........................

Normont swept the trees as they walked, Lokilia noted a strange regularity in the leaf litter and Progo immediately identified it as a hatch....

And then Normont caught sight of something above them........no...somethings.........

Two small purplish brains on four clawed legs were crouched in the branches.

Roll Initiative- 

If you beat 12 you may act.

https://www.dndbeyond.com/games/4422838

Progo init 16

(Lokilia Initiative: 5) 

"Illithids!" Lokilia exclaims. "Well, not illithids exactly. But those things are associated with them. I was thinking they were what happened to that grocer." 

Progo sees the clear signs of entrance. "Progo sees some edges, most likely part of a door, just need to find... WHAT ARE THOSE?" What unholy abomination ate those things? Literally walking brains with great big paws.  Is this what these Illithids wanted with victims brains for? Progo backs up slightly and pulls out his bow, dropping his shield. He knocks and draws an arrow pointing it towards the brains. "What's the play?" Progo readies an action to shoot if one of them acts aggressive.

When Dev (Initiative: 19) sees the brain creatures, a fearful groan escapes him that transitions into an arcane screech when he brings his pan pipes to his lips. A crashing percussive music begins (Minor Illusion: https://share.google/OBuDkCSoie5LFAVQj), that lends a funky spunkiness to the others. (Mantle of Inspiration [bonus action]—Progo, Lokilia & Normont gain 5 temporary hit points & can immediately use your reaction to move up to your speed, without provoking opportunity attacks.)

Normont spots the brain dogs, but is left a little flat footed as he marvels at the fact that they do exist.

Maggie stands dutifully by his side, and Amber still flies a little above him.

"They are the Brain dogs!", he manages to mutter, even as the beat laid down by his Tiefling friend buoys him.

Initiative: 9+2=11

(OOC: Not sure whether to use the reaction movement because I don't know how far away the Brain dogs are? Also, I don't think you can use a reaction before your first turn in a combat)

( Hmm, maps is still being useless for pbp...I'll try to post a screenshot.)

Link to map- https://photos.app.goo.gl/gQ3uuHP5BWGLH7ho8

( They are definitely tensing for an attack so Progo can take his shot.)

Lokilia will use her reaction when Dev starts his song to move back towards Quinn and Progo. (Move full 30 ft to put a little more distance between her and the intellect devourers.) 

(OOC: Thanks for the map. Normont will stay put and draw fire, so no reaction move)

(Progo will use the reaction movement given by Dev to retreat behind rocks for cover since that happened before his turn, as to still prepare and now use his readied action from his turn)

Eyes darting back and forth between the two footed brain creatures, arrow knocked and ready to release. Seeing the other reactions suggested to Progo that they too see these creatures as a threat and not something of importance like evidence or clues or illusions. Seeing the brains twitch like they are about to pounce tells Progo they are intact more then an image or some inanimate object stitched together. "Sorry grocer if that was you." Progo looses an arrow at the one to the south.

To hit: 22 for 8 piercing (plus 4 sneak if applicable but I don't think it is)

(Dev will have moonwalked behind Quinn knowing the big genasi would want to keep his shield between Dev and the creature.)

Devs music bolsters his fellows as Progos shaft flies true and sticks into the weird creature menacing Normont.  Dev ducks behind Quinn quickly....

The creature to the north leaps down from the tree and springs impossibly fast across the ground closing the gap and clawing at Quinn who stands between it and Dev.

Claw vs Quinn- 7 (Miss)

Devour Intellect vs Quinn- 19 on Int Saving Throw. Saves.

The creature to the south leaps down from the tree moving wide around Maggie it targets the person who just injured it, leaping at Progos face.

Claw vs Progo- 8 ( Miss)

Devour Intellect vs Progo-   DC 12 Int Save or take 6 Psychic Damage and be Stunned until the end of the IDs next turn.

Quinn slashes at his attacker with his blade.

Attack: 20 Damage: 11

BA- Shield of Faith on Dev. ( +2 AC)

( Lokilia and Normont are up.  If you can't see the Map- the Intellect Devourers are between you and Quinn/Progo.)

Quinns blade carved a large gash out of the freakish thing....

Progo int save: 9...

(OOC - Question on positioning. Lokilia used her Reaction to move immediately on Dev's turn as a result of his spell. She should not be next to Normont, but rather a bit past Quinn to the right side of the map. If I understood correctly.  And... not that this makes a great deal of difference yet!) 

Lokilia grabs 3 stones out of her pouch, speaking over them for a moment to enchant them. (Casting Magic Stone.) She then lifts one and propels it at the nearest Intellect Devourer with a stream of wind.
(Spell Attack: 10, Damage: 9) 

She then backs around to try to get more behind Quinn and Progo. (Moving towards the top of the map more, assuming she had moved as above.) 

( Lokilia moved

https://www.dndbeyond.com/games/4422838 )