Necromancer's Delusion-Homebrew

Jinara- you feel a searing pain in your veins and grit your teeth as it fades a moment later.  The swirling angels quickly stab and skewer the last werewolf into the air just as Torq flies in to chop the creature in half at the torso.  The angels fling each half into the river where they are quickly swarmed and devoured by the semi-translucent fish.  Gaelin slows his breathing and slowly scans the horizon on each side of the river. All is still and quiet other than the sounds of the current combat and you assume all threats are visible for the moment.

Aryn draws her swords and slashes into the weretiger's flesh cutting its calf and stabbing into its abdomen.  It hisses and snarls in a primal fashion and clutches its side for a moment before preparing to lunge.  Valeera and the werewiger continue their brawl until Valeera catches the agile creature's tail in her grasp.  She smiles as it claws her cheek and rears back her head.  An intense heatwave bursts across the field causing Mucor and Aryn to blink rapidly as Valeera releases a jet of flame directly into the suspended weretiger's frame.  As the smoke clears all that remains is a small charred hunk of flesh dangling from the tail still in Valeera's grasp.

With only the single weretiger standing the sounds of nature begin to return to the forest on the west as Mucor prepares to act.

Mucor!

Mucor would point his frost covered staff towards the remaining weretiger and unleash a blast of cold as black and brown spores swirl around the edge of the icy cone like a snake before bursting around the enemy.

con 18 or take 18 cold and another con 18 or take 11 necrotic and another con 18 or take 8 necrotic.... half on successes

As the weretiger crouches back to lunge a thick cloud of spores surrounds the weretiger causing it to hunch as it coughs up blackened spotty blood.  The muscular creature writhes violently shaking its head slinging mucus and blood onto Aryn and Mucor.  It hisses and refocuses its body to leap as a cold wind swirls past Aryn's shoulder and impacts the weretiger's frame.  The face of the weretiger is immediately frozen and small black and red icicles form on its whiskers and mouth.  It stands eyes wide unmoving for a moment then collapses to the ground.  The forest is quiet but quickly the sounds of insects and birds return.  Rowan's voice enters your mind, "Return to the west side, quickly."  You all rush over the bridge and watch as beads of green arcane energy begin to swirl around Rowan's body.  She throws her hands out wide creating a t shape with her body and the beads of glowing energy disperse into the air and pulse brightly.  You watch as the ground, trees and river all begin to appear to tremble as their appearance changes. You watch the area around and in the distance as the forest shifts and now you stand amongst tall oak and pine trees.  You reach out and to touch them and they feel real.  Only the bridge remains untouched by the spell but shadowed by large overhanging branches with tangled vines that drape over it.  

Gaelin and Jinara finish their last incantation and join the group. You take a moment to mount on Valeera and fly up into the air.  After about 60 feet the bridge becomes nearly invisible obscured by the vast greenery surrounding it. Rowan breathes deeply with her eyes closed and opens them as a smile creeps along her face.  "It is done.  Thank you Lightbringers!  Now we must begin the tedious task of purifying our forest.  This you should not be burdened with.  Let us return to the village and rest for a moment. The people will be glad to receive a message of hope. I must also inform the city of Mithrendain.  They will surely join our effort now that we've cut off the lycan's supply route.  I only hope it will last as long as we need it to."  she pauses noticing the smile has faded from her face and renews it before saying cheerfully. "Come, let us celebrate.  We've earned it."   Rowan instructs Valeera to fly west for a mile.  As you fly up into the air you look down and see the river arc off in a slightly different direction than before.  The trees also seem to crowd around the river closer than what you witnessed by the real bridge then about a half-mile north you see an identical clearing and bridge despite you knowing that the true location lies a few hundred feet below you.  

Valeera takes off to the west and after a few minutes you land by a small pond.  Rowan taps a nearby tree opening a large portal that you quickly rush through and appear on the outskirts of the village of Mithrend Vale.  The villagers are in full swing by this point and walk along the suspended wooden walkways and overhanging branches.  You receive many glances but no one seems to bother you while being lead by Rowan and Valeera.  Rowan walks up to a large structure that surrounds a tree using a small stairway on the northern side.  From the ground you can't fully make out the structure's shape but as Rowan speaks you can tell the shape of the structure amplifies one's voice.  "People of Mithrend Vale.  I come with news.  Cease your work and gather round."  The villagers immediately respond by calmly setting down object they were carrying and quickly move closer to the centralized platform.  Rowan looks around making eye contact with every person to ensure no one is absent before continuing.  "I have wonderful news.  These fine strangers who you will hither to know as friends are the Lightbringers.  They have aided in severing the endless horde of lycans that overrun our forests.  It is now our time to act!  We must use this advantage and purge the evil from our lands.  I ask each of you to join me in this fight...  to take back what is ours...  Soon I will reach out to Mithrendain with the same call to action and together we will reclaim peace in our lands!" a general cheer of support rings out from the crowd as she speaks.  The crowd grows louder with cheers and murmurs of support until it calms as Rowan raises her hand. "We will begin on the morrow.  Make whatever preparations you need and then we begin the restoration!"  A louder cheer echoes from the crowd and Rowan descends to meet the people who are already among you hugging and shaking your hands in token of appreciation.  

Anyone that wants to: make an insight or perception check to gauge the crowd or Rowan.

Mucor perception! 31

Insight:  27

(No one can escape the eyes of Mucor and Gaelin.)

(OOC: lol my passive perception is 30. I am shocked at how well our rolls were :D)

Rowan speaks earnestly as she addresses the village.  You can tell the presence of the lycans seems to hurt emotionally as if she has been personally affected by their presence.  While the vast majority of the village of elves agrees with Rowan's speech there are two individuals who do not share the sentiment.  One, an elderly female standing amongst the crowd appears to be fighting back tears.  On the outskirts of the crowd a younger dark skinned elven male sneers and scoffs at Rowan's words.

(Assuming one of them shares this with the group...)

“I’ll follow him. “ she says then Aryn will slink off to the side and cast Hunters mark on the young male elf and keep an eye on him from a distance. 

stealth: 27

Torq looks over to the group and whispers, "So I can understand wanting to take care of your own business but do you really think they won't need our help?"

Aryn seems to disappear into the crowd as she nimbly moves between the bodies of people making her way slowly towards an outer edge of the cluster.  Her appearance aids in this, since both she and Mucor look quite similar to the villagers.  The sad female elf remains in the same spot her eyes glistening with tears while the male elf begins to move away, playing it off as if he must return to his duties.  He walks over to a bucket, half full of some kind of fruit, and picks it up before slowly meandering away from the crowded platform.  A few others also begin to leave the area and return to their tasks while the majority stay and wait patiently for their chance to greet and thank the group of individuals that aided them so greatly.  Aryn hides behind a nearby tree and quickly moves between the trunks never losing sight of the individual for more than a second.

Back in the center of the crowd, you shake hands and receive hugs from many an individual.  The faces and words of thanks of each person begin to blend together as more and more greet you.  Children affectionately hug you then playfully reach for your weapons despite the warnings of their parents.  Some give a thankful nod while others openly weep as they embrace you.  

Aryn- you are about 30 feet from the male elf.  Now that you're outside of the crowd you get a good look at his appearance.  He wears a simple looking dark green cloak with a long sleeve black shirt and brown trousers.  His skin is much darker than any wood elf you've encountered and appears almost dark grey.  Make a perception check!

Everyone else- The male elf is now 80 feet from the edge of the crowd and 120 feet from the group.  What do you do?

Mucor would walk straight towards the old elf, noticing her watery eyes he would pull a small piece of cloth from his pocket. "is something wrong? We are here to help after all... is there anything I can help you with?" The elf would say as he offers her the cloth. 

(OOC: So is the mini button physically attached to Mucor? Like in total recall with the buy with the baby head growing out of his chest? Or was the mini button just living under his jacket and is hanging out?)

Aryn will tap her ear using the earring and whisper to the group, "He's heading out.  I'll tail him until he stops.  Gaelin send me a message in 15 minutes to get my location."

Perception:   26

Jinara continues shaking hands and presenting his political prowess to the crowd "Thank you. Thank you." he says to some people, while others he says "We are just happy that we were able to help" who ask more probing questions. (Jinara will stay here with Rowan until Rowan is ready to leave or he hears from a team member that its time to do something else)

"Will do.  Be careful." Gaelin replies and mirrors Jinara in playing the calm and stoic hero.  He'll look to Rowan and try to motion with his eyes that the group would like to move.

Rowan slowly makes her way through the crowd towards the group trying to be as polite as possible then once she reaches you she whispers, "We can leave momentarily.  I believe the fervor is already dying down."  A few minutes pass as Rowan guides you slowly across the path while still shaking hands with the crowd that follows along but is dispersing quickly.  At the expiration of 5 minutes all that is left are a group of 14 children and a couple parents who politely bow and usher the kids away leaving you a bout 40 yards from Rowan's house.  You calmly make your way there and enter having a seat on the sprouting furniture while Rowan makes more tea.  "Well that went a little bit better than I'd hoped.  It seems the village is quite ready to fight to defend their families."  She says as her hands grab a pot, cups and various herbs and vials.  A small flame appears in her hand and she tosses it into the iron stove that doubles as a fireplace before setting the now filled pot atop the top.  A couple minutes pass as the contents of the pot warms and Rowan tends to it for a moment then passes out warm cups of tea.  "I have to leave for an hour or two to discuss plans with the lord of Mithrendain.  I would say you could tag along but some of you may not be as openly welcomed as others." she says looking to Torq, Jinara and Gaelin.  "The people there are quite keen on preserving a... particular purity of the city and frown upon outsiders.  Traditions are hard to break when the majority follows and believes in them.  So perhaps it would be best for me to go alone.  If all goes well I may be back in a matter of minutes, but I tend to think realistically.  Is there anything you require of me before my absence?"  

Aryn- As you watch the individual closely you get a much better look as he stops to peer around him.  Lying beneath his black shirt is a bronze cuirass and his forearms appear to bulge out slightly as if he were wearing bracers.  As he turns to look you make out the distinct facial features of a drow.  Along his hip you make out the shape of a hilt nearly perfectly concealed behind his cape.  This appears to be no ordinary villager, at least not from this village.  You watch as the drow carefully avoids the large sections of sunlight that pierce through the forest canopy along his route.  He wanders with his bucket a few hundred feet beyond the village outskirts entering the forest and walks behind a large tree.  You shift your position expecting to see him emerge beyond the tree trunk but he doesn't appear.                                                        You are about 30 feet away from the front of the tree. The drow disappeared behind the back of the tree. What do you do?

Mucor- The lady looks up to you with tear filled eyes and hugs you tightly.  "I'm okay.  I lost my husband and son to those beasts.  I only have my little Arajyn left... I know he wants to fight but I can't bear to think of losing him as well.  Will you promise to protect him?" she says pointing to an athletic young male elf who stands near the front of the crowd.   (Sorry had to jump on a call)

Did the lady say anything to Mucor?

Gaelin will cast Sending on Aryn as they sit and drink tea. "How's the tracking going?  We're back at Rowan's now."

"Any news from Aryn?" Torq asks after observing Gaelin cast his spell.  "Rowan, are there any people here who may not want to get rid of the werewolves and weretigers?" 

"He just hid behind a tree...I'm going after him.  Ask her if she knows of any drow living here.  Contact me again in five minutes."  Aryn replies in her mind to Gaelin.  She knew he and the others may not approve of her going solo but she was well trained and confident in her abilities.  If she had to run back she could easily out distance him and hide... or at least she hoped so.

Perception:   29 

She'd draw the hilt of Torq's Sun Blade and her Dagger of venom then take a second to look around her to make sure she wasn't followed. Then she'd quietly angle around to the other side of the tree reducing the distance from the tree to 10 feet as she moves. 

(Retcon with Mucor- Didn't know if you saw the update I did yesterday to my post in case you wanted to RP.)

Mucor- The lady looks up to you with tear filled eyes and hugs you tightly. "I'm okay. I lost my husband and son to those beasts. I only have my little Arajyn left... I know he wants to fight but I can't bear to think of losing him as well. Will you promise to protect him?" she says pointing to an athletic young male elf who stands near the front of the crowd. (Sorry had to jump on a call)

Aryn- You quietly and cautiously maneuver laterally between the tree trunks shifting your angle of vision and see nothing on the opposite side of the tree. Your ears twitch as they hear footsteps to your left.  The same individual you've been tracking has suddenly reappeared 60ft away and is rapidly running away.       

Everyone Roll Initiative!   (On the off chance that you all get involved.)

Drow Initiative:  18