Gesturing towards the shopkeeper Thurimar whispers a thanks. "After Ixa we should head towards the Spine, remember we are low on time."

The sun now at the top of the sky, you start your journey. Slowly walking out of the city, through the East District and into the North, you feel a sense of dread. In this place that you know so well, you feel safe. And it's not like you haven't left here before, but you feel different from other times. 

Passing the great walls that ring Dracor, the cramped city slowly disperses into small villages, farms, and flat plains. Until about sundown, there are still remnants of civilization. But looking ahead at the forests and mountains that await you, you know that they won't stay for long. 

Just as the sun dips under the horizon, you enter the forest. Under the moon, the twisted trees, many without foliage as fall turns into winter, cast wicked shadows across the path, almost like people writhing in pain. And you can't shake the feeling that you're being watched, either. 

Eventually, you reach the place Freya told you of, just before a steep incline marks the ascent into the mountains. A small, hard-to-find path hides behind multiple layers of bush, leading off into the dark forest. Birds call and wolves howl as you look down the trail, knowing - hoping - that this place of Ixa's will give you refuge. 

What will you do?

I say we go on the spooky path. I think that Ixa person will help us.

Thorne indicates the path to Ixa’s. “She could be of use on our journey through the spine”

(OOC: Can I have Stealth from anybody going down the path?)

You slowly creep through the undergrowth. Walking is difficult, as thorns and briars stab your clothes and pull you back. It's almost like the forest doesn't want you here. 

The sense of someone following you continues, even as you leave the road. Constantly, you turn around, expecting to see someone creeping through the trees behind you. Eventually, you begin to see lights in the distance- those of a secret party, perhaps, or those of a cottage. 

As you get closer and closer, the forest falls away, and you are in a mile-wide clearing full of pens holding all kinds of flora and fauna. But ahead of you, you see a figure creeping around on four legs. It hasn't noticed you yet, but you can tell that it will soon. 

Thorne stealth: Nat 20 + 6=26

(OOC: Don't want it to be like last time. Tomorrow will be my last day on DDB for about two weeks. See you all in the new year)

Thorne, staring at the ground, nimbly avoids twigs and rocks, both of which would alert the beast to your presence. He treads a path for his companions, hoping that their thoughts are on stealth. 

I tell them to walk where I walk (help action hopefully)

I follow Thorne through the foliage, gesturing the others to follow Thorne.

OOC: Do you want a stealth check from me too?

Quote from LeoIsBad >>

I follow Thorne through the foliage, gesturing the others to follow Thorne.

OOC: Do you want a stealth check from me too?

(OOC: Yep, Stealth from everybody.)

23

Tristan follows his comrades trying his best to be quite, but from his attempts it is clear this is not his forte.

OOC:
Stealth w/ Disadvantage rolled in game log: 4 (nat 1 +3)
The dice hated me on this cause the first roll was a 22 (19+3).

(This campaign still going?)

(OOC: Super sorry, all!) 

Thorne and Ozymandias slip silently through the brush towards the house, praying that the creature doesn't notice them. However, Tristan has a bit more trouble with staying quiet. A loud snap sounds out from around the clearing as some small twig falls under a boot. The four-legged beast growls, than barks as it runs towards you, mouth wide open to reveal a large set of teeth. 

(OOC: Initiative time! Someone roll one die for the group. Beast initiative: 17)

Thorne: 19+4 initiative 

(OOC: Ok, you four are up first.)

OOC: How far away is the "beast"?

OOC: Does it see us, or only hear the snapping of branches underfoot?

Thorne will focus his attention on the beast and mark him. Then he'll draw his longbow back and fire.
15 to hit, 12dmg + 2 hunter's mark

(assuming since it's running at us that it actually sees us; if this isn't the case I will withdraw this action)

(OOC: It's staring right at you while running and is about 30 ft away.)

Thorne nocks an arrow, aiming at the creature who would have him and his friends harmed. His rage and a little magic support the strike, and the bolt crashes into one of the beast's legs.