You all head out of the cave, Alaine still with a torch in her hand as she walks out into the light, and Liarona leaning on Draíocht (You would have had to turn back into elf form to get through the cave comfortably).

As you get outside, Alaine looks to you and asks Valar and Thelanis "Which way b-b-back to Erithon? West correct?", just as Liarona says to Draíocht "I must head east, over the Slopes to Kholias. I am on an important mission." 

Draíovht speaks to Liarona in Elvish, "Prithee grant us the pleasure of thy company for a while longer. In some ways I find myself unsure of this world like an ant plucked away from its nest, yearning to find a familiar trail."

[[ Having a hard time coming with IC words, but he'd be curious to ask her about why his kin are conducting raids, curious if there was some inciting incident, and possibly what her mission might be and if the party might be able to aid in some way. (Though the mission stuff is a lower priority on the list of questions, respecting it could well be confidential.]] 

DC 16 Survival check to remember the right way.

Roll a Persuasion check to have Liarona come with you Draíocht, as well as to tell you her mission.

As to the raids, she looks at you disgusted, "You've been among the humans too long I think cousin. The area that we range is all land that was once all part of the Great Wild, elven territory. We have simply began to defend it again, as The Scarecrow has taught us. It is not us intruding on this land but the humans on ours"

Amiz shakes his head at the letter and folds it up and stashes it within his pack. He then leaves with the others and not knowing much about elves he leaves the conversation to Droicht. 

He walks purposefully back to town. 

Survival if needed - 8

Perception - 22

Amiz is a bit lost and is thankful someone else knows the way back. 

Valar will help to recall the way: Perception (Their Tracks):  13     Survival:   9      

[[ Is The Scarecrow something Draíocht know of? Or is that part of new developments? ]]

[[I can't imagine a 16 fails for basic directions.]]

Thelanis gets her bearings and leads the group back to town.

Valar will keep alert to their surroundings as they move-Perception: 17

Everyone would know that The Scarecrow was the leader of the elves in their war against the Republic. You are all of course free to return to town. Liarona wishes to head east however, and will do so on her own if she has to.

"Truth be told I haven't met this Scarecrow. I entered my hermitage before his rise. Though," he says this somewhat sighing with regret, "a hundred years ago and I'd probably be halway to Kholias right now." 

Switching back to Common he says, "Blessings of the gods upon you for a safe journey. From what little I've already seen, goblins are the least of your worries."

He refrains from asking her stay longer. Between her determination and hostility towards the others, he fears it would lead to abundant conflict. Yet at the same time there's a sense of dread that the next time he might see her is as a corpse.

He turns to Thelanis, "Thank you for taking the lead." He'll walk side by side with Amiz, seeking the company of another he feels walks between two worlds. Though he doesn't find the courage to say much he asks, "So are there many of your kind?"

Liarona puts her hand to her chest, fingers spread, and heads off into the forrest. Stumbling slightly as she goes, but certainly determined.

It's evening now, so you'll have time to engage in some campfire talks once you're a save distance from the cave. Amiz can absolutely respond to Draíocht's question, and i'd welcome everyone else to share their current thoughts on the current situation or memories from their past.

I'd love for someone to roll a d12 for a random encounter for the evening as well. With a 1 resulting in a hard encounter, and a 2 in a regular one.

5

Thelanis says, "I know these villagers are far from grateful, but these goblins are far from alone.  There is a leader out there, and I think we should find them. I have to start redeeming myself somewhere."

You make off back towards Erithon, but find you'll need to make camp quite quickly after leaving the cave. Alaine collapses as you make make camp and only stirs once offered food. While eating she turns to Valar, "It is s-s-so comforting to have a noble knight here. May i ask what oath you have sworn that has brought you here?"

Y'all can take this chance to participate in campfire tales if you wish. Otherwise i'll continue the adventure when i get a chance tomorrow.

Valar nods. "I am a Pandion Knight, one of the militant church orders. My oath is to defend the weak and rid the world of darkness and evil forces. I will aid those in need, through my devotion and strength in arms."  

"I am bound to the darkness in my sword, an inheritance from my father, not by choice. I use it's power reluctantly, trying to walk a path of good."

"A noble goal," says Draíocht to Valar. "If I may ask, what prompted you into the order? Repaying a kindness they showed you?"

He says to Thelanis, "Aye, trying to do good is all we can ask." There's a bit of a sigh in his voice, tinged with personal regrets, "But an inheritance? Why would your ancestors saddle you with such a burden?"

For himself he says, "For me I was comfortable in my hermitage. It made a better elf and when all is done I hope to return. But in the meantime," he fights against the hint of a smile, "you're good companions."

Valar thinks upon the question. "A calling I guess, a destiny perhaps. I wanted to do more, after what I have seen when I was younger, when the Orc and Goblin warbands came through, burning and looting. I wanted to help those who were displaced and could not defend themselves. So here I am." 

"I probably shouldn't have started talking... the blade.. or the entity that powers it... demands to be passed on. I don't like to speak of it much, and maybe not out here in the spooky woods."