Percival gets up and extends a hand to Aria. "Percival Blount. A pleasure to meet you."

Sylrie:

"Now, what are you doing here?" Dot will look down the incline, "This seems to go on, doesn't it? It might be best to guard this opening and possibly explore and see how far this goes down."

Sarge will walk up over with his bowl and wait patiently for the food to be done. "Where are ye from, Aria? Do you know Canto d'Vadalis? He's a magebreeder from your House, works with the orcs in the Marshes now, I reckon. I served with him against Cyrean forces. Mighty warhorses the size of wagons, healthy and strong...ae that was a battle I'll never forget."

((OOG Another hour and a half or so for the stew, I'd say.)) 

Aria shakes Percival's hand, giving him a nod. "Good to meet you too." She turns to Sarge. "I was born and grew up in Varna, but I've been in Delthorn for the last...seven, eight years? Balinor's bow, I didn't realize it'd been that long." She laughs for a moment before shaking her head. "Don't know a Canto, at least not that I can remember. I might've run across him in Varna during Test of Siberys gatherings or something similar, but I can't remember him off the top of my mind."

Sylrie nodded, "That's what I was thinking as well LT, there's airflow, felt it at the mouth of the cave. Could mean there is another entrance, which could lead to an ambush if we're not careful. I was going to scout a bit ahead here and then later when I set up the alarm I'll make sure to cordon off this area as well."

Kora nods to Aria as she enters the cave, but keeps her post.

Sylrie:

"No, do not go alone. Take Perci and Aria with you, It would be best to see what she's made of on our terms instead of someone else's. Wouldn't you agree?" 

With that Lt. Winehand walks up the incline and into the main chamber of the cave. 

Cave Camp:

"Perci, Aria. Sylrie is going down into the depths of this cave to make sure this is a safe position. I'd like the both of you to go down with him. If you run into any trouble, retreat and report back here immediately." She gives her orders and walks over to the fire, "Kash, that smells delightful! I didn't realize how hungry I was until that aroma..." She takes in a deep breath, "...mhmm, it seems like we are in for a treat tonight."

Kora:

As you stand in the mouth of the cave you can hear the voices coming from inside, introductions are being made, food being cooked. Greywind seems to be settling in nicely. Outside, you can see the copse of trees where the mounts are, hidden away from view and being quiet as they were trained to do. The sun is now setting, with the darkness of the Reaches starting to dance across the last vestiges of light. You walk back into the cave...

Please, give me a Wisdom saving throw. Because of your Dual Mind, you do have Advantage on this roll. 

Johnathan:

((OOG Bobo, what would you like to do at the encampment tonight. Whenever you get a chance, bud :) ))

Aria nods in response to the LT's command. "Yes ma'am." Without another word, she replaces her bowl into her pack and restrings her bow. "Sivi! Come!" she calls sharply, lifting the winged monkey onto her shoulder once he obeys the command and stops checking by the fire for the source of the spectacular smell. "Quiet," she commands Sivi as she rejoins the others, ready to go scouting.

Kora's Wisdom Save with Advantage: 19

Kash tries to feed some high quality Taleggio cheese to the winged monkey as it sniffs around the stew pot

Sylrie nodded, "Yes maam" he then waited for the others to catch up with him where he stood in the cave, "Let's take it slow, could be dangerous footing" he said to Percival and Aria before turning and continuing further into the cave slowly.

Sivi chews the cheese from Aria's shoulder, winking at Kash as the young woman follows Sylrie carefully into the cave, keeping her eyes and ears open. This is probably a test...which means I have to do well. Panic later, pay attention now.

Percival follows behind Sylrie and Aria.

((OOG What a cliffhanger for the weekend. What is Kora saving from? What will Sylrie Aria and Perci find inside the cave? Will Kash ever get done cooking that delicious smelling stew? Find out next time on Battle for the Reaches! )) 

((OOG: Gmoat, I would be upset if I wasn't spending all day tomorrow flying and Sunday doing...I dunno, something that will take me away from my computer :P))

Aria, Perci, Sylrie:

As you make your way down the incline in the chilled cave, slowly, you take the turn and see that it inclines even further down. Sixty feet or more, and there seems to be a faint light source coming from down the tunnel. 

Kora:

As you walk into the cave to join the others you are wracked by a forceful intrusion of your mind. 

The pain is overwhelming, but whatever it was you were able to put it out of your mind. Though you are now on the cave floor on your hands and knees. 

6 Psychic damage

Kash:

As the three of them delve deeper inside the cave system, you see Kora walk in and then you see her fall on all floors. A mask of pain on her face. 

Aria keeps an arrow nocked to her bow and makes sure her steps are light and careful as she follows the other two, Sivi quiet on her shoulder.

OOC > Is that 8 psychic damage before or after Kora's Resistance to Psychic damage? And, I assume no, but does she have any idea what direction the attack came from? I assume mental/psychic attacks are not all that unknown in a magic-for-everyday-use world, right? Does the army teach a protocol for handling mental attacks?

Kora falls to her knees, and the ghostly form of Shali erupts around her briefly, flickering in all it's horrific too-many-eyes, tentacles and spines. As Shali flickers away, Kora's head comes up, eyes blazing white. "Attack! In my mind!" she shouts. She stands, drawing her longsword, and wheeling to the cave mouth, looking for trouble.

Move: She stands up and moves to the cave entrance, taking partial cover
Action: She peers outside for any assailants. Are the horses still quiet? Perception: 18

(Assuming that Kora's shouting isn't loud enough to be heard where we are)

Percival keeps his hand on his rapier as the three of them advance.

Sylrie sends a Message to Aria and Percival, "Light ahead" in case they are not able to see it as well then continues moving toward it, anxiety building.