As his humming ceases, Glyp watches the ghost fade into nothing, and although his limbs are returning to their normal stature he feels as if he is still standing just a bit taller, having helped this ghostly child to find peace. This was not exactly how he imagined he'd be making his mark on the world, but damnit if it didn't feel good to do something. Is this what it has always felt like?
He is also feeling acutely on-edge with the seemingly endless barrage of danger they've been facing. And tired. So very tired, in a way he didn't know was even possible. They've been going non-stop since waking in the cart, and it was starting to show.
"I'm starting to hate it out here.. at every turn it seems like there's a brand new nightmare. Are we close to this village? Do you all think... this could be a safe place to take a break? Just for a bit? I'm... pretty tired. I can carry on if we need to of course.. just thought I'd ask..." He trails off saying the last part, feeling immediately self-conscious that he is maybe the only one who is feeling tired from this level of exertion at all. Maybe this is a light day for these people... "Or not! Really, I'm fine either way. I'm good. It's all good"
Juno places a hand on top of Glyp's shell. "It's not been a long journey yet, but we've fought for our lives every step of the way. What's worse is these strange creatures and the cursed undead. Just being around them drains us of our will and life force. Let me see if I can bring a little warmth and light back to our hearts."
And she will take the next 10 minutes to say a prayer.
Leftenant watches and listens to Lucan as he finds his peace. “Rest well little one. May I find the same strength and dignity as you displayed when Lamb comes for me.” He looks to see what happens to Rust as Lucan fades away.
To the group, “Should we lay these souls to rest as well? Burn them in a funeral pyre?”
Listening to Glyptemis, “I’m fine to push on. However, we have been through a lot, haven’t we? If you need to rest, any of you, we can. Though I’d rather find somewhere more civilized for that. These lands seem to be working against us. But where to? Do we continue on to Vinande or see what became of Restat?”
"I don't know if we have time to bury them, or rest."Kalamin says, torn between a desire to do right by the victims and the reality that they were vulnerable out here. "A funeral pyre should suffice, I wish we could do more...But there are still things lurking out there. I fear if we stall for too long we'll find ourselves under assault again."
"I think we should continue on to Vinande, to see if it can at least provide some sanctuary for rest. From there, we can plan a visit to Restat."
While Juno begins her [Tooltip Not Found], Kalamin works to gather the bodies and some kindling for the fire. As her spell is completed and he feels relief in his wounds he nods a thanks.
Lyra watches Lucan until the ghost child has disappeared entirely. She remains gazing at the spot for several moments more, quiet for once.
Eventually, she begins to play her harmonica once more, a quiet progression of minor chords, serving as a backdrop to Juno's prayer. "I can benefit with a rest of an hour to regain some of my... powers, yet the inspiring magic with which I can lace my music is lost to me until a full night's sleep."
(Short Rest would give LyraHexblade's Curse and one pact slot back, but no Bardic Inspiration or other abilities... she can also use Song of Rest to further heal any who need it during a Short Rest).
As she watches Kalamin ready the pyre and suggest moving on (agreeing with LT), she considers, then sighs.
"No rest for the weary, nor the wicked in this benighted place. Perhaps we should indeed move on. Only... will you be all right, Glyp? We all saw how you fight. I have heard tales of bladesingers but never witnessed one in the flesh until tonight. If you truly require the rest, do not be so self-effacing. All of us, brought together in this strange battleground of a land, caught between scions of the gods and implacable, otherworldly undead, scarcely knowing one another... yet we will all need to rely on each other's strengths if we wish to avert a premature meeting with Lucan's Lady Lamb."
"I mean, sure, taking a break would be nice... I don't think I have another song in me at the moment.. But I don't want to hold us up! It's not getting any safer out here, and if we can get to a village soon I'd much rather do that. Really, I'll be okay. Either way, I hope I'm giving you a good impression of bladesinging."
(Deception check for fun was a Natural 1. Nobody is buying this, Glyp is clearly exhausted, nearly out of spell slots, and completely out of bladesongs)
Leftenant spends several minutes during Juno’s prayer collecting the scattered items from the wagon into a pile while Kalamin positions the bodies. If Rust was left behind by Lucan, the scout will gently place it on top. He thinks of salvaging it in memory of the boy they met, (holding it in his hands for a solid minute, memorizing its details) but decides against it.
Once Juno’s prayer is finished, particularly with the group almost evenly split on the decision to rest now or leave (for Vinande), he adds in the following. “We only owe each other that which we have already given. No debts are owed in my opinion, not yet anyways. While Lyra’s comments are true (we must work together) we each must make our own decision.”
“I’ll not leave any behind, I’ll lead you to Vinande if we want. But I’d personally rather that be soon than later. I can’t guarantee we won’t have another…obstacle. But I also can’t promise we would be better prepared in an hour or that we would make it that long trying to rest here.”
Kalamin shifts, aware of the front the bladesinger is putting on. He was eager to get to somewhere more...Defensible. Four walls. A barricade. Something. But he didn't want to push anyone beyond their limits.
"LT, can we perhaps give a look around the area? Maybe we can get an idea of how active this place is. If it looks like something is going to wander into us, we'll keep going. If not...We can try taking a rest."
"Does that sound agreeable?" He asks, looking at the others, particularly Glyp.
If that's agreeable, Kal will do what he can to help Leftenant search the area for signs (tracks?) that could indicate danger.
Lyra smiles warmly at Glyptemis, giving no sign that everyone sees through the tortle'sDeception.
"The loss of song is no small thing, as I can attest. I do think we should push on, but if forced to fight again tonight, perhaps hang back with LT and Juno and use that crossbow instead of up close with your shadowy mind blade? Kalamin and I will try to engage in melee if need be. In the meantime, to check on our surroundings first, a bit of scouting would be lovely if you are both game, Kal and LT."
She continues to play a very quiet, quavering melody on her dark harmonica (Song of Rest), while sitting back to begin a Short Rest (in case there is time).
Glyp thinks to himself "Some of the others are talking about taking a rest also.. they must be tired too. I'm glad I'm not the only one", not realizing that everyone else has fully seen through his facade.
Responding to Lyra's suggestion, he says "Yeah, I suppose I can do that.. stay back with the crossbow.." he hesitates here, it doesn't feel like this is what he trained for. Or what the others before him would have done. He continues "But don't you worry about me, my shell's pretty tough! I assure you, I can hold my own whether I'm singing or not! And really, I'll be okay if we press on now. Whatever LT thinks is best."
Leftenant nods in agreement with Kalamin. “I appreciate the backup, thank you.”
”If I were fleeing from something terrible in Restat, and was waylaid here…then from here we should see if anything else was pursuing them from that direction.” He indicates back towards the village Lucan and his parents came. “We should be able to follow the wagon tracks well enough…and see if other…creatures…came from that way.”
To the other three he says, “Best to put up among those boulders. Rest if you can, but stay alert. When we return, you’ll tell it’s us cause I’ll make the following sound” (imitates a cooing of a dove). “We won’t be long, just a short jaunt down the trail, then a sweeping arc to each side looking for signs left by anything.” He pauses a moment before wondering, “Unless they float like these did…”
The scout douses the torch but keeps it handy should it be needed quickly. He stows his bow and withdraws a hand ax. “Ready Kal?”
As he stumbles through the dark, looking for signs he can’t seem to see
Various rolls as needed: Nature: 7 Survival: 19 Perception: 3 Investigation: 18
OoC: With Kal helping, these rolls would be at advantage. So roll Nature/Survival/Investigation again and take the highest. For the Perception check, whichever number was rolled first.
Over the next 5 minutes you survey the immediate area. Almost immediately upon hitting the top of the ridge, Kalpoints out some disturbance in the snow/dirt that LTis able to identify as tracks. They come from the same direction as the wagon trail, and seem to belong to some large cat-like predator. You're reminded of the shadowy beasts which ambushed you not too long ago.
As you look around some more, you find similar tracks all over the place, clearly made at different times and by different wandering groups. You find hints of other creatures having moved through here, two legged humanoids of some kind...Their tracks indicate that they're barefoot, and their feet large and elongated. You can't think of anything that might leave such a track.
What's odd is how little evidence you find of local wildlife stalking the area. You see no hint of wolves, foxes, or even small rodents.
By the time you return to the group, you've found more than enough evidence to convince you: it's only a matter of time before something comes wandering into you. There's a chance you could get lucky and make it through the entire hour unmolested, but it isn't a good one.
The pair of fighters return in short order having gained enough information to make a better informed decision. Leftenant coo’s quietly about 60’ out, then again at 30’ hoping to only attract the attention of the group and not any shadow felines. As he and Kalamin rejoin the group he speaks in hushed tones as if the boulders themselves had ears. “The signs aren’t great I am afraid. Un-natural creatures have been all over this place. I think it maters not whether we stay or push on. I’d expect to be waylaid regardless. Better to be on the move towards expected safety than hunkering down hoping for it.”
If there is more discussion, the scout will spend that time orienting himself and working to determine the shortest, safest path to Vinande.
Setting another funeral pyre, you move on - back into the woods Leftenanthas promised to lead you through. The land is still eerily silent as you continue, though thankfully the next 40 minutes pass uneventfully. The terrain changes beneath your feet, sloping upwards more and more.
Eventually you come out of the treeline. Atop the hill sits the small village of Vinande, though its buildings are currently obscured by two layers of palisade walls. You can see guard towers rising up above the walls at regular intervals. For a mere village, its defense seem...Extreme.
Every tree has been cleared off the hill within a hundred feet of the wall, leaving the area bare of cover. And so it's trivial for you to spot the gate - broken as it is - and the small group of people fighting tooth and nail to defend it. You watch as two of the defenders that had pushed out of the gate are felled by a pair of shadowy creaturessimilar to those you just fought (albeit these are smaller and even more amorphous). Further within between the two gates, you can see another defender barely hanging on as they fend off two of the Shadowsyou were just engaged with in the clearing.
Beyond that you see the shadow stalker animal that ambushed you shortly after you escaped, flanked by another two of the smaller shadowsas they face down a young woman with golden hair.
Do you flee? Do you watch? Or do you fight?
OoC: Obviously if you choose to fight, roll initiative.
Kalamin admires the settlements walls, drawing his glaive as his gaze moves to the battle at its gates. "One more fight Glyp, then it looks like we'll have a reprieve."
Glyptemis sighs to himself and slings the crossbow from over his shoulder. "I'll try to stay back this time... but if things look rough I may not be able to stop myself from running in"
Initiative: 21
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As his humming ceases, Glyp watches the ghost fade into nothing, and although his limbs are returning to their normal stature he feels as if he is still standing just a bit taller, having helped this ghostly child to find peace. This was not exactly how he imagined he'd be making his mark on the world, but damnit if it didn't feel good to do something. Is this what it has always felt like?
He is also feeling acutely on-edge with the seemingly endless barrage of danger they've been facing. And tired. So very tired, in a way he didn't know was even possible. They've been going non-stop since waking in the cart, and it was starting to show.
"I'm starting to hate it out here.. at every turn it seems like there's a brand new nightmare. Are we close to this village? Do you all think... this could be a safe place to take a break? Just for a bit? I'm... pretty tired. I can carry on if we need to of course.. just thought I'd ask..." He trails off saying the last part, feeling immediately self-conscious that he is maybe the only one who is feeling tired from this level of exertion at all. Maybe this is a light day for these people... "Or not! Really, I'm fine either way. I'm good. It's all good"
Juno places a hand on top of Glyp's shell. "It's not been a long journey yet, but we've fought for our lives every step of the way. What's worse is these strange creatures and the cursed undead. Just being around them drains us of our will and life force. Let me see if I can bring a little warmth and light back to our hearts."
And she will take the next 10 minutes to say a prayer.
Prayer of Healing: 8 HP to everyone.
When done, she gives a steady sigh. "It isn't much, but it will see us through." And she'll give Glyp a friendly but tired smile.
Leftenant watches and listens to Lucan as he finds his peace. “Rest well little one. May I find the same strength and dignity as you displayed when Lamb comes for me.” He looks to see what happens to Rust as Lucan fades away.
To the group, “Should we lay these souls to rest as well? Burn them in a funeral pyre?”
Listening to Glyptemis, “I’m fine to push on. However, we have been through a lot, haven’t we? If you need to rest, any of you, we can. Though I’d rather find somewhere more civilized for that. These lands seem to be working against us. But where to? Do we continue on to Vinande or see what became of Restat?”
"I don't know if we have time to bury them, or rest." Kalamin says, torn between a desire to do right by the victims and the reality that they were vulnerable out here. "A funeral pyre should suffice, I wish we could do more...But there are still things lurking out there. I fear if we stall for too long we'll find ourselves under assault again."
"I think we should continue on to Vinande, to see if it can at least provide some sanctuary for rest. From there, we can plan a visit to Restat."
While Juno begins her [Tooltip Not Found], Kalamin works to gather the bodies and some kindling for the fire. As her spell is completed and he feels relief in his wounds he nods a thanks.
Lyra watches Lucan until the ghost child has disappeared entirely. She remains gazing at the spot for several moments more, quiet for once.
Eventually, she begins to play her harmonica once more, a quiet progression of minor chords, serving as a backdrop to Juno's prayer. "I can benefit with a rest of an hour to regain some of my... powers, yet the inspiring magic with which I can lace my music is lost to me until a full night's sleep."
(Short Rest would give Lyra Hexblade's Curse and one pact slot back, but no Bardic Inspiration or other abilities... she can also use Song of Rest to further heal any who need it during a Short Rest).
As she watches Kalamin ready the pyre and suggest moving on (agreeing with LT), she considers, then sighs.
"No rest for the weary, nor the wicked in this benighted place. Perhaps we should indeed move on. Only... will you be all right, Glyp? We all saw how you fight. I have heard tales of bladesingers but never witnessed one in the flesh until tonight. If you truly require the rest, do not be so self-effacing. All of us, brought together in this strange battleground of a land, caught between scions of the gods and implacable, otherworldly undead, scarcely knowing one another... yet we will all need to rely on each other's strengths if we wish to avert a premature meeting with Lucan's Lady Lamb."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"I mean, sure, taking a break would be nice... I don't think I have another song in me at the moment.. But I don't want to hold us up! It's not getting any safer out here, and if we can get to a village soon I'd much rather do that. Really, I'll be okay. Either way, I hope I'm giving you a good impression of bladesinging."
(Deception check for fun was a Natural 1. Nobody is buying this, Glyp is clearly exhausted, nearly out of spell slots, and completely out of bladesongs)
Leftenant spends several minutes during Juno’s prayer collecting the scattered items from the wagon into a pile while Kalamin positions the bodies. If Rust was left behind by Lucan, the scout will gently place it on top. He thinks of salvaging it in memory of the boy they met, (holding it in his hands for a solid minute, memorizing its details) but decides against it.
Once Juno’s prayer is finished, particularly with the group almost evenly split on the decision to rest now or leave (for Vinande), he adds in the following. “We only owe each other that which we have already given. No debts are owed in my opinion, not yet anyways. While Lyra’s comments are true (we must work together) we each must make our own decision.”
“I’ll not leave any behind, I’ll lead you to Vinande if we want. But I’d personally rather that be soon than later. I can’t guarantee we won’t have another…obstacle. But I also can’t promise we would be better prepared in an hour or that we would make it that long trying to rest here.”
Kalamin shifts, aware of the front the bladesinger is putting on. He was eager to get to somewhere more...Defensible. Four walls. A barricade. Something. But he didn't want to push anyone beyond their limits.
"LT, can we perhaps give a look around the area? Maybe we can get an idea of how active this place is. If it looks like something is going to wander into us, we'll keep going. If not...We can try taking a rest."
"Does that sound agreeable?" He asks, looking at the others, particularly Glyp.
If that's agreeable, Kal will do what he can to help Leftenant search the area for signs (tracks?) that could indicate danger.
Lyra smiles warmly at Glyptemis, giving no sign that everyone sees through the tortle's Deception.
"The loss of song is no small thing, as I can attest. I do think we should push on, but if forced to fight again tonight, perhaps hang back with LT and Juno and use that crossbow instead of up close with your shadowy mind blade? Kalamin and I will try to engage in melee if need be. In the meantime, to check on our surroundings first, a bit of scouting would be lovely if you are both game, Kal and LT."
She continues to play a very quiet, quavering melody on her dark harmonica (Song of Rest), while sitting back to begin a Short Rest (in case there is time).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Glyp thinks to himself "Some of the others are talking about taking a rest also.. they must be tired too. I'm glad I'm not the only one", not realizing that everyone else has fully seen through his facade.
Responding to Lyra's suggestion, he says "Yeah, I suppose I can do that.. stay back with the crossbow.." he hesitates here, it doesn't feel like this is what he trained for. Or what the others before him would have done. He continues "But don't you worry about me, my shell's pretty tough! I assure you, I can hold my own whether I'm singing or not! And really, I'll be okay if we press on now. Whatever LT thinks is best."
Leftenant nods in agreement with Kalamin. “I appreciate the backup, thank you.”
”If I were fleeing from something terrible in Restat, and was waylaid here…then from here we should see if anything else was pursuing them from that direction.” He indicates back towards the village Lucan and his parents came. “We should be able to follow the wagon tracks well enough…and see if other…creatures…came from that way.”
To the other three he says, “Best to put up among those boulders. Rest if you can, but stay alert. When we return, you’ll tell it’s us cause I’ll make the following sound” (imitates a cooing of a dove). “We won’t be long, just a short jaunt down the trail, then a sweeping arc to each side looking for signs left by anything.” He pauses a moment before wondering, “Unless they float like these did…”
The scout douses the torch but keeps it handy should it be needed quickly. He stows his bow and withdraws a hand ax. “Ready Kal?”
As he stumbles through the dark, looking for signs he can’t seem to see
Various rolls as needed:
Nature: 7
Survival: 19
Perception: 3
Investigation: 18
OoC: With Kal helping, these rolls would be at advantage. So roll Nature/Survival/Investigation again and take the highest. For the Perception check, whichever number was rolled first.
Leftenant and Kalamin
Over the next 5 minutes you survey the immediate area. Almost immediately upon hitting the top of the ridge, Kal points out some disturbance in the snow/dirt that LT is able to identify as tracks. They come from the same direction as the wagon trail, and seem to belong to some large cat-like predator. You're reminded of the shadowy beasts which ambushed you not too long ago.
As you look around some more, you find similar tracks all over the place, clearly made at different times and by different wandering groups. You find hints of other creatures having moved through here, two legged humanoids of some kind...Their tracks indicate that they're barefoot, and their feet large and elongated. You can't think of anything that might leave such a track.
What's odd is how little evidence you find of local wildlife stalking the area. You see no hint of wolves, foxes, or even small rodents.
By the time you return to the group, you've found more than enough evidence to convince you: it's only a matter of time before something comes wandering into you. There's a chance you could get lucky and make it through the entire hour unmolested, but it isn't a good one.
The pair of fighters return in short order having gained enough information to make a better informed decision.
Leftenant coo’s quietly about 60’ out, then again at 30’ hoping to only attract the attention of the group and not any shadow felines. As he and Kalamin rejoin the group he speaks in hushed tones as if the boulders themselves had ears.
“The signs aren’t great I am afraid. Un-natural creatures have been all over this place. I think it maters not whether we stay or push on. I’d expect to be waylaid regardless. Better to be on the move towards expected safety than hunkering down hoping for it.”
If there is more discussion, the scout will spend that time orienting himself and working to determine the shortest, safest path to Vinande.
Lyra nods and stands up, finishing her soulful tune with a soft flourish.
"Well scouted, warriors. I suppose it is as I feared when earlier I said, 'no rest for the weary, nor the wicked.' Onward we venture, then."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Setting another funeral pyre, you move on - back into the woods Leftenant has promised to lead you through. The land is still eerily silent as you continue, though thankfully the next 40 minutes pass uneventfully. The terrain changes beneath your feet, sloping upwards more and more.
Eventually you come out of the treeline. Atop the hill sits the small village of Vinande, though its buildings are currently obscured by two layers of palisade walls. You can see guard towers rising up above the walls at regular intervals. For a mere village, its defense seem...Extreme.
Every tree has been cleared off the hill within a hundred feet of the wall, leaving the area bare of cover. And so it's trivial for you to spot the gate - broken as it is - and the small group of people fighting tooth and nail to defend it. You watch as two of the defenders that had pushed out of the gate are felled by a pair of shadowy creatures similar to those you just fought (albeit these are smaller and even more amorphous). Further within between the two gates, you can see another defender barely hanging on as they fend off two of the Shadows you were just engaged with in the clearing.
Beyond that you see the shadow stalker animal that ambushed you shortly after you escaped, flanked by another two of the smaller shadows as they face down a young woman with golden hair.
Do you flee? Do you watch? Or do you fight?
OoC: Obviously if you choose to fight, roll initiative.
”It appears not, my poetic participant.”
“Into the fray again my friends.” The veteran says as he stows his ax and grabs his bow.
Initiative: 10
Kalamin admires the settlements walls, drawing his glaive as his gaze moves to the battle at its gates. "One more fight Glyp, then it looks like we'll have a reprieve."
Initiative: 10
Ilya - 17
Glyptemis sighs to himself and slings the crossbow from over his shoulder. "I'll try to stay back this time... but if things look rough I may not be able to stop myself from running in"
Initiative: 21