"Eshe? Well it's good to see you up and around again." As Sim starts to turn away he stops mid turn and says "oh um you may want to put on some clothes though they may not fit, you seem to have changed a bit."  He tosses the clothes he took off of Eshe's corpse over to him.  Then turns to the group "Based upon the light outside and the time we spent here. I recommend we stay here and rest for the night. One thing we do need to discuss is what to do about that tunnel."

He looks to the bird "I hope it is ok that we stay here for the night." insight 19

Lafetha walks over to Eshe as he is putting his clothes on, "what happened to you? Did you fight that bear and the goblins outside? Do you remember anything that happened before?"

Eshe grabs the clothes that Sim tosses to him.  He begins to put them on, but finds them both too short, and too narrow to fit.  He blinks a few times, before looking at Lafetha.  "What do you..."

He then glances down at himself, especially his hands.  His eyes going wide as he runs his hands along his face, and hair.  The look of pure confusion coming over his eyes as he looks around at the others.  His breathing becomes staggered as he moves to take a knee.  His body crumpling in half.  

"What.... what happened.... this isn't my body...."  he looks between everyone, making eye contact.  But it's clear he isn't exactly with it; some kind of panic attack coming over your normally quiet companion.

What do you do?

Diadochi kneels down besides Eshe and puts his massive hand on dwarf Eshe's shoulder, "I'm sorry but you had a terrible encounter and died, we brought you back but in order to do so we had to get you this new body. Something similar happened to my cousin Nubla, she's a kenku now. Took a period of adjustment but she's as happy as she ever was now. "

Eshe nods a few times.  Taking in a few deep breaths as Diadochi talks and comforts him.  After a few minutes, he appears to have calmed down enough to be reasoned with.  

"I had heard stories of the magics that the Faith stamped out," he says after a minute.  "And while I don't think it's right for people to wield this kind of power..." there's a long pause as he runs his hands over his new face.  "...I supp'se I should thank you for it.  Better then dead."

Eshe does tell what he can remember during his conversation with Diadochi.  Being jumped by some goblins along a path, while he was investigating their movements.  Running into another group in front of this cave, but barely making it out alive as they were doing something with a dead bear.  When he heard the massive beast, he cut the bear open and went inside.  After hearing nothing for awhile, he crawled his way into the cave for better protection than sitting inside a dead animal.  He went to try and find a scroll he had on him, but, had dropped it.  The last thing he remembers was drifting off to sleep... which is the point you all believe he died and gave in to his wounds.  As for his legs, he has no idea, even if you bring it up.  However, knowing one of the Ogres pretended to dance outside, it could just be he was crushed in his sleep.  

At one point, while wearing the tattered clothing that used to be his, around his waist, he does look at the group.  "Where's the rest of my stuff...?"  (Sim; Deception / CHA check, or give it back)

The bird begins to caw a few more times, before hopping further up into the roots.  Towards what looked like a small nests that it sits in.  Placing his head under it's wing.  

Sim nods and says I carried it to honor you.  Here is your gun and ammo and swords as you don't really have pockets yet I can carry the rest for you if you would like.

Eshe nods, checking his sword and pistol.  When asked about the other one, he gives a small nod after hearing that it wasn't recovered in his belongings.  His lips pull thin in disapointment, but there's at least a small nod.  "Yeah, ok.  Carrying supplies would be hard right now."  He seems to find comfort at least knowing he's got something to arm himself, especially after hearing others talk about the tunnel with something in it still.

"So, are we going to set up camp in here and keep watch through the night?  Or did you all want to go down that tunnel and deal with it?"  He looks over at the tunnel, listening for a second.  "I don't really hear anything.  And, I've got a good sense about the beasts of the wild.  If they sting and bite, they'd probably eat the dead ogre in there.  And from what you're all describing, doesn't sound like carrion beetles that'll strip him clean fast enough that I'd worry about it."  

What do you all do; make camp for the night or go investigate the tunnel further.

Diadochi stands up and looks towards the bug tunnel, "I for one am a strong proponet of faceing things head on," he looks to Yaalin "but being well prepared. If Eshe says we'll be safe here from the insects I believe them. I say we make camp here but keep a guard for goblins, what say the rest of you?"

Abigail shrugs, "Find by me. I could use some sleep, now that that bird has stopped its noise."

Foraging Rolls

5 Food

9 Water

The group begins to make camp.  Checking on their supplies, and cooking up what was gathered between bear meat, berries and others.  Lafetha had found quite a few areas during the original trek up to this cave that provided everyone with enough water to fill their waterskins and food for the night.  Sim, while providing some bear meat from the cave itself, had been more focused on the travel than supplies. (Missed the DC)

While setting up camp, a rock falls into one of the two remaining pools of water.  Yaalin notices that the rock, instead of sinking down, is crushed into a fine powder.  Whatever is in the pools is clearly not water, but some other creature that seems content in not being disturbed.  Eshe, with little clothing, has difficulty sleeping through the night.  He wears whatever extra blankets folks give him.  The bear skin he was originally buried in still too wet to actually be of use in the cave.   But while you all hear the bugs sometimes buzzing in the distance, the group makes it through the night without issue. (Long Rest)

Daybreak comes.  And with it, those who are up early and on the early watch see a figure approaching the cave.  Small mountain goats scurry about him.  Beside him, pulling a small cart, is one of the biggest mountain goats you've ever seen.  Nearly the size of a horse.  The figure, who rivals Diadochi in size stops as he notices you all in the cave.  Probably just as surprised as some of you to see a wandering humanoid in tattered clothing and old robes.  The figure pulls the hood back to get a better look.  While his face is orc by build, he is clearly not.  Bright red eyes, white hair, and lavender skin with streaks of white running down the sides of his neck.  A Noctis, Soul-Born.  His free hand moves to place his palm on a sickle, as he steps closer to the cave.

Diadochi will make a point to be the first to greet this stranger (( but really he wants to put himself between the stranger and the party)) and doesn't even seem to notice  "Hello there, My name is Diadochi. These are my associates form the Blackmire Company. Is this your cave? if it is we didn't mean to intrude, there were some terrible Ogres living here and regretfully things came to blows, it took a lot out of us so we used the natural shelter of the cave for a much needed respite. Just let us get set up and we'll be out of your hair in..." Diadochi looks at the state of the camp "a moderate amount of time."

If the  stranger is up to talking Diadochi will ask about the red Raven, and The Shepard. The goblins would probably come up as there are corpse piles. If he asks where they are going he would tell the stranger about the plans for the goblins and the temple.

If the stranger attacks 

Quote from seanodonnelloneword >>

Diadochi will make a point to be the first to greet this stranger (( but really he wants to put himself between the stranger and the party)) and doesn't even seem to notice  "Hello there, My name is Diadochi. These are my associates form the Blackmire Company. Is this your cave? if it is we didn't mean to intrude, there were some terrible Ogres living here and regretfully things came to blows, it took a lot out of us so we used the natural shelter of the cave for a much needed respite. Just let us get set up and we'll be out of your hair in..." Diadochi looks at the state of the camp "a moderate amount of time."

If the  stranger is up to talking Diadochi will ask about the red Raven, and The Shepard. The goblins would probably come up as there are corpse piles. If he asks where they are going he would tell the stranger about the plans for the goblins and the temple.

If the stranger attacks 

initiative 6

 

 The figure stops, listening to Diadochi.  He listens with his head tilted to the side a bit.  

"You killed Gur and Dancer?" he raises a brow.  "Sad."  You don't really believe him.  The way he says sad, and his body language seem sad the way someone would be if it was raining.  "You know, they loved shiny coins.  Next time bribe ogres."  

He shrugs as he makes a few sounds with his lips.  The sheep around him heading across the flowers before the direct opening to the cave.  From a certain angle, he does resemble the Mayor.  He doesn't actually ask many questions.  He seems to be a man of very few words.  Still, he begins to continue coming closer to the cave.  The cart pulled by the large goat carrying a few supplies, as well what seemed to be a body covered by cloth.

"Not my cave," he states.  "And if bird did not kill you, I assume you won't fight me."  When he hears him ask about the bird, he kind of shrugs.  "It's the birds cave.  And Yeth's cave.  If technical."  But once Diadochi asks about a Shepherd, he just shoots him a look.  "I am Shepherd."

"Hello Shephard, It is nice to meet you." Sim says as he steps forward with his hand extended.  "My name is Sim and I am a ranger.  You look a great deal like your brother except well he is an orc.  Who is this Yeth you speak of?  I don't think the name is familiar but..." Sim thinks back to see if it rings any bells. History 10

Quote from Saarkin >>

"Hello Shephard, It is nice to meet you." Sim says as he steps forward with his hand extended.  "My name is Sim and I am a ranger.  You look a great deal like your brother except well he is an orc.  Who is this Yeth you speak of?  I don't think the name is familiar but..." Sim thinks back to see if it rings any bells. History 15

 His hand moves off of his sickle, as he shakes Sim's hand with a affirming nod.  Sim, you don't recall anything from a history book with the name Yeth, or any stories you overheard over time.

"Half-brother," he corrects.  "Yeth," he begins as he gets his cart to stop.  "is the Druid of the Mountain."  He pulls back the sheets covering the body, as you see a old half-elf woman.  Some kind of burn marks on her torso and face, while other slashes and cuts remain over her body.  From first glance, she did not go peacefully.  "But she's dead."  You hear the caw of the crow.  Shepherd looks over at it, then down at the basket with a sigh, "...and stay dead this time."  He shrugs, as the bird caws once more.  He says something to the bird.

In Druidic

Finally seeing a route toward completing their objective, Abigail pipes up, "So, you are the Shepard? I do not suppose you know where we can find an ancient temple up around these parts? Not sure if we can get into it, but we have been looking for it. We are also trying to find a nomadic tribe of folk that wander around up here as well. We were told you might know where to locate them, and the temple."

After a brief pause, she continue, "Oh, and if you might know the location of a group of goblins... We have been hired by your half-brother to make them pay for a violent night raid they committed a few nights back on the village. Not sure if coin is of any interest to you, but perhaps we could find a way to compensate you for some of this information?"
 

One thing is for sure, Shepherd would be a terrible poker player.  Or maybe a fantastic one to play against.  His face does little to hide whatever he's thinking.  "Coin is always useful," he states.  While looking over at the near naked dwarf.  "And I've got clothes for him. If you pay."

Shepherd takes Yeth's body, and heads out to the clearing.  Apparently beginning some kind of burial ritual.  Walking back and forth from his cart to take some supplies.  Every so often looking at the bird and either shaking his head or nodding in agreement.  (Arcana / Medicine / Investigate to notice anything about Yeth's injuries.  1 roll per character, not per skill or I'll go with your lowest roll)

"There's a old temple," he begins.  Pointing off in a direction that coincides with the information given by the Mayor.  He does say it's a path he normally does not take, as his flock does not do well at those altitudes.  Nothing to eat, and the air is thin.  

He perks up a bit at the mention of the tribe.  "The Hn'ti?"  He notices the blank expression.  "They the only tribe I've worked with.  Good people. Simple people. Hunters that work on fairness and trade.  No use for coins, beyond making trinkets."  There's a bit of a smile, clearly the Shepherd seems to value them.  He mentions the route that you seem to be on is a good way to go, even if you're a little bit further.  He also mentions that he knows shortcuts that he can lead you all through.  But, you'd have to first pay him, and second... he's heading down the mountain.  As his flock needs to get to Rest before leading anyone back up.  (He will take Eshe down towards Rest and your camp, for 6 silver.  Persuade DC 15 to knock it down to 4)

When he and Abigail discuss Goblins, his attitude changes.  He becomes a bit angrier, only responding with single, short, answers.  Apparently not knowing where they are.  Least anymore, as some new leader has unified them.  But he doesn't know who, or why.

After discussing this with you all, he does hold out his hand expecting some amount of coin.  But not suggesting how much.

Sim sees Yeth as she is uncovered and quickly takes in all of the cuts, burns, slashes and scars and figure out what type of creature may have done this to her. Investigation 24.  I am sorry for the loss of your friend Yeth.  May I assist you in caring for her? 

Shepherd gives a nod, as Sim helps carrying some of the materials over.  He seems to be burying her with some items that were her's in life.  Favorite flowers.  Giving her scented oils.  You're not able to tell if he's just making it up as he does, or if this is something she wanted.  

Her injures are easy for you to figure out.  The wounds look like blades and arrows.  Multiple sources, and probably multiple attackers.  They're goblin made.  Looking a bit closer, you don't think this happened that long ago.  Possibly the same day that the goblins raided Rest.  However one thing is for sure, it wasn't fire or acid that caused the burn marks on her.  

(someone can make a Arcana Check to identify that part)

Yaalin Has stayed back as the other took the lead but refreshed after the rest steps forward observing Yeths body. Pressing a Gold piece into Shepard's hand, "would that cover clothing and escort for our friend back to Rest and our company?" 

As she gets closer to the body a sadness seems to linger behind her eyes, shadows of the Raven's mental touch, "Do you mind if I examine her?  I can also perform a ceremony of last rites if you think she would appreciate that?"

Assuming I get permission for these acts, if either (or both) is refused I will defer to their judgment.

They work in silence for a while as Sim helps Shephard care for the body of his friend.  Finally he says "A goblin horde is no easy task to deal with.  He nods as Shephard looks up possibly a little in surprise. "Yes I now what did most of the damage to her but the burns perplex me.  I know they are not fire or acid made.  Was it some type of magic? Or another creature I am unfamiliar with off the top of my head? I know that if my friend was hurt I would want revenge. Our friend Eshe is skilled in many ways maybe he could guide your flock down the mountain and you could come with us to get your revenge on the monstrous little beasts who did this."  insight 9