Rose wakes up a bit groggily. Just five more minutes...okay okay I'm up I'm up. Blessing? Oh yes yes one second. Rose would give both Cirrus and Burgee and then start looking for whatever was causing the commotion. What's wrong? Did you hear something?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As all of this is happening, another howl is heard in a different direction. Then another. Cirrus eventually gains better vision in the dark, as well as Burgee though despite this, nothing can be sen, even by Cirrus enhanced vision. But Cirrus can tell that they're getting closer by the sound of the howling, and its clear it isn't Yue, unless she's gained the ability to be in multiple places at once. Eventually a chorus of howling can be heard in various directions, each time sounding ever closer.
So you are all aware that an attack is coming I will give you all 1 prep-round meaning you can take or ready an action, Unfortunately, While Rose can take an action, she cannot ready one as she is caught by surprise by the attack itself when it happens. So Rose may take a pre-action, but may not ready one, and loses her first, actual turn.
Cirrus manages to point out where he hears a rustling in the bush where he hears the attackers coming from though he hears them from multiple sides.. everyone else seems to hear some, but not all, and everyone is turning their heads, trying to figure out exactly where the attack is really coming from except Cirrus himself, while Rose just hears noise everywhere.
Gwen looking around see's where most of the noise is coming from and says They're coming from two sides! Prepare yourself! Humming a magical tune, not feelign she has time for more, she passes inspiration to Burgee, whole readying her blade and shield, and after Paavu's demise.. as uncomfortable as it was, she had chosen to sleep in her armor. She readies herself for an attack, and should one appear, she will strike at the creature with her blade.
----
Make your prep-turns now, and then I will resolve the enemies turn.
I'm going to try something stupid: I'm gonna cast Speak with Animals and shout to whatever is closing in on us "We do not have to be your enemies! Attacking us is a fool's errand! We are armed and very dangerous! If you attack us it will be the last mistake you ever make! If you value your life, LEAVE US BE!"
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(8 - 3 - 18 - 8)
As all the motion is going on, Cirrus shouts into the night, though to everyone else it would sound like a mix of howls, growls, and other bestial noises. One of the creatures stops in it's tracks, just at the edge of vision. If a fire was lit, the eyes of the beast would be visible as it stared with hunger into the camp.
Another set of eyes next to yet another, all glowing a pale yellow. Though quietly lumbering behind the single pair of eyes, is a larger pair of eyes that seemed to bleed a frigidity the group had never before seen. And the eyes were above even where Paavu's would be at full height. An additional set of eerie glowing could be seen where it could be assumed the feet of the beast was. Surrounding the party.. sort of, was a wolf pack, led by a Winter Wolf. And Cirrus' words seemed to give even it pause. Confused whining and yipping could be heard from the regulars, however, in 'decent' common, the larger wolf spoke. As can I see. But we are knowing this before we choose our prey. All prey is armed. All prey is dangerous. We hunt anyway, for we are pride. it seemed less confident than it should but it was clearly less shaken than the others. You trespass in my land. But can see you are.. better clawed than many before you. But my pack is hungry. Feed us and we shall leave. We demand tribute for trespass. the words come out more tenative than commanding, as the larger wolf looks over the group, as if reconsidering.
Genome sighs, but seems to be sizing the wolves up, nodding, and ultimately settling into a ready-to-fight-if-need-be stance, as unlike with the surges, Genome couldn't just wait to see what would happen, if the party lost, they would not be spared. Gwen looks around at everyone else saying I.. don't know how much food we have to spare.....
A faint shimmer can be seen around Burgee as he taps the staff on the ground and mumbles a few words. He grips tight and listens intently as he waits to see what may come next.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Though not currently a member, seeking admission to the really long and important signature club. Please consider this as a current CV.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rose tucks behind her sheild and grabs her hammer, looking around at the wolves. When she hears the demand for food she looks over to her meaver rations and back to Gwen. I don't have much...****y a little to keep us going...certainly not enough to spare otherwise I would. Paavu had whatever was left over that I couldn't carry. Rose looks over to the lead wolf, quickly asking Selune for guidance. Unless the others have food to spare then I'm afraid your out of luck. But know this, we nearly killed a dragon to get here, and we can't turn back. We have no wish to harm any of you but if you attack us your pack will suffer in blood. Back the way we came is another wolf companion of ours, Yue. Her pack attacked us one night and died for it. We healed her, took her in so she wouldn't be alone. She's with a fallen friend of ours now...he has food on him...you can go there for food. And take her in you'll have her, she needs a new pack and you'll find her to be a strong addition.
The larger wolfs eyes narrow at Rose's implication but it can sense no lies in her words. Hearing Gwens words only seemed to make it angry, however it seemed the wolf was wiser than even it looked. its pawpads digging at the ground followed by a growl, a series of huffs, before finally somewhat lowering its head. Then we shall go there. And we shall feast. No point in losing blood over hunger when risk is too much. Between Cirrus and Rose.... The pack pads off in the direction pointed by Rose. They all start heading off, though they keep their eyes on the group until they are well out of sight. The party has a voided a fight this night, and all without interrupting their rest.
Unless the party chooses to pursue.....
The night goes on relatively peacefully, Rose and Cirrus both feeling (DM) Inspired by the events, and somewhat heartened. Everyone gains an additional 213 exp.
Somewhere in a cave in the middle of the night, a man stumbles across a corpse, guarded by a wolf.
Rose sighed in relief as the wolves left. She hoped there would be enough food for them, and if not and they had to eat Paavus corpse she would be disheartened but would understand, afterall that was nature. When the wolves were out of sight she would put away her weapons and walk over to Cirrus. Good call...that could have been bad. You get some rest. I'm awake now so I'll go on watch. I need to pray anyway. Once the party went back to resting Rose looked up at Selûne in all her glory among the night sky. She prayed the wolves would get enough food, and that they would accept Yue into their ranks, and if they did not that at least they did not harm her. She prayed that the rest of the party would come through this alright, and promised that If they did she would return to Silverymoon to pay her homage to her beloved god before going on whatever pilgrimage she wanted Rose to go on next. And she prayed that she made the right decisions thus far. It seemed every choice she made has hurt them more than it has helped, and Rose was starting to doubt herself. She kept reminding herself to trust in Selûnes guidance, that the path ahead may not be easy, but it's the path she needed to take.
Rose looked over to Cirrus tent, and prayed that Selûne would help guide his soul to a place of comfort. That he may not judge himself so harshly. She also reminded herself that she needed to talk to him about Selûne, as he requested, and promised her god she would do just that. She looked over to Burgees tent and prayed that Selúne would help guide him to his goal. His soul was kind and a more true friend would be hard to come by. She prayed he remaind strong and brave and no harm would come to him. She thought of Paavu, and prayed that Selûne would guide his soul to whatever afterlife his people sought. She prayed for her to pass along a message as well, to tell him shes sorry for failing him, and for always threatening to break his knees. Lastly she looked to where Gwen slept. She prayed she would be safe. There was nothing more in the world Rose wanted more than that right now. She promised that if they got out of this in one piece, when all was said and done, she'd make an honest woman out of her if Gwen would have her. When her prayers ended Rose would sit close to the fire, and finish her watch until relieved. When morning came she helped pack things up silently and, feeling mildly better, followed Genome down the path, this time backing off from Gwen, still staying close but not as to be overbearing or uncomfortable.
But it was just a man. In fact, it was no man at all, but a dwarf, dark of skin, white in the beard, and bearing a mix of hides and cloth to cover himself from head to toe. He taps the butt of a staff -- a gnarled length of wood who from its top end grew into several long branches sprouting greenery -- several times. Enough to catch Yue's attention at least, however momentarily, but also cast a Speak with Animals.
"Hello, Pup." He states, earning Yue's full attention. Malman puts a hand to his chest, and with a smile said, "Malman. Malman Mosshammer. Might-" She interrupted him with a "Yue.", startling the druid, and getting him to blink owlishly. "Yue... Understood... Unusual, but understood. And the body?" Yue replied honestly, and after a briefest further exchange, allowed Malman to at least approach the body; scattering what few insectoid bodies had vaguely remain intact from the fight.
She went on to watch him like a hawk, still wary of the druid despite the calming scents and presence the taciturn dwarf exuded somehow. At the sight of the tears that blossomed as recognition sets in, her wariness waned to the point of laying back down again, and watching the druid kneel silently shedding tears as recognition dawned upon him. New scents flooded the air. Scents all too familiar to her as the sort of genuine sadness a pack mate might express regarding their fallen.
In spite of wanting nothing more than spend the next few hours standing vigil, weeping and reminiscing of what to him felt but a few days ago, the dwarf gathered the resolve to do what needed to be next. Before he could, he would turn to Yue, asking her to recall her time with him, and prepare the body for 'the returning'. A concept she only vaguely understood without clarification, and even then seemed somewhat reluctant to let more be done to Paavu. Yet, after some consoling words and knowing Paavu would need little now, Malman was at least allowed to begin stripping the body and possessions and setting things aside respectfully. The whole while he hmm'd something of a solemn tune.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Drozo - [Hobgoblin]Cleric - Blood Domain (Call of the Netherdeep)
When Rose turns to try and see Cirrus, she sees him off in the distance, appearing to also be praying.
If she approaches and talks to him
he will say "I was just trying to not intrude upon your own prayer. I'm trying to get some kind of guidance on whatever mission she has brought me to this world for. I'm honestly a little unsure of what exactly one asks of a moon goddess. Praying to Ilira was pretty straightforward: bless everyone I know with happiness for all their days, amen. But what kind of blessing does one pray for from Selune? A full moon so we can see better in the dark next time we get ambushed in the dead of night? ... Maybe I should also pray for us to stop getting accosted while we're trying to sleep? Nighttime is her domain, right? Maybe she can do something about that? ... I just can't help but wonder why she chose me of all people. But I know she must have, or I wouldn't have found this," He says in reference to his staff of life. After a moment of silence he will look Rose in the eyes and say, "We're both blaming ourselves for his death, aren't we?" Assuming she says yes in some way, he then stands up and outstretches his hand for a handshake, "well if neither of us can agree which of us is to blame, then maybe it's neither of our faults? Maybe we tried our best, and it may not have been enough that time, but there's still a chance that we can honor him by sinking Hew deep into the Black Spider's skull. Then of course we will go back and say some proper words pay respect to his life. Whaddya say?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
When Rose finished praying she did indeed walk over to Cirrus and tale a seat next to him, listening to all he had to say and considering her response carefully. She pauses for a long moment before looking back up to Selûne and finally responding. There are many things you can pray to her for though you really can pray for anything. Still, Selûne is a guide, a light in the dark. She helps protect us from our enemies who lurk in the dark. She can't protect us indefinitely however, or else we would simply not live our lives. But pray for protection, guidance, warmth and light in the cold dark. As for why she chose you...I cannot say. It's possible she will reveal it to you in time, if she deems it neccessary that is. But if she chose you it was for a good purpose, and you glow with her Aura, just like Burgee and myself. Though yours was...different...but it's still her aura nonetheless. Just have faith that whatever happens happens for a reason. Not everyone can live...Paavus time was simply up...but yes I still blame myself even though I know I couldn't prevent it. But as you say...we can still get some measure of vengeance..just make sure you don't let revenge cloud your vision. Rose pauses again for another long moment. On nights like this I like to bask in the night sky. Rose looked as the moon had finally shifted in the sky to be next to the formation of stars known as Selûnes tears. Even she mourns for the fallen, but her path is clear, we must forge on. Rose went silent, with little more to add. She simply just stared into the night sky until slept took her but would respond if Cirrus had anything else to ask.
The stirring in camp roused Burgee. He heard some voices in the distance and listened closely for a moment before he recognizes Cirrus' and Rose's voices. He walks towards them but slows as he realizes the conversation is private and intimate. Still, he's heard a few words about Selûne and it moved him. He'd been pulled by the stormy forces of Umberlee for so long, the warm guidance and light when things were dark sounded comforting. Thoughts filled his mind of a village, in peaceful times. Children laughing and playing. Streets full of life with people of all kinds enjoying the comfort of each other.
But... That was not his life. He'd been born upon the sea and the squalls and turbulence of the real world were more like that of a sailor. Calm and joy one moment. And the next fighting for your very survival.
Selûne sounded wonderful. And he was glad that she watched over Rose. That precious flower who saw the good in all around her. It gave him hope.
But he knew that not his journey, it would be the powers of that tumultuous queen of the depths that would help him survive. And just the thought of her increased his pulse, and there wind rustled a bit.
He breathed deeply. He looked at Rose and thought of her God and it calmed him. Perhaps there was room for both he thought as he made his way back to his perch.
Cirrus will sit in silence with Rose for a moment longer, and then say “...thank you. I appreciate your words. You’ve given me much to think about, but I’m afraid I must retire for the night. Goodnight, Rose.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
Good night Cirrus. Rose sat around a bit longer until Brugee took up final watch, then all the stuff about packing etc etc from earlier once daytime halls arrived.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gwen had been listening in as Rose and Cirrus spoke, and to a degree, it warmed her lukewarm heart. She was glad the group .. for once.. hadn't had to fight, and that one wolf, looked.. dangerous. I'm starting to get tired of fighting...... It was fun for a while but bad things keep happening... she thinks to herself, and sighs. The rest of the night goes on, unperturbed, everyone more or less getting great rest, aside from being a little stiff of back from the ground. Packing things up and eating more rations, and noting that between you all, you have roughly twenty remaining between the four of you. Likely enough to get there but getting back may be more difficult, especially if you dally too much once there.
Genome once more sets about leading the ragtag group.
Rituals and prayers are said in the cave where Yue and the Dwarf were, Paavu's corpse buried or not, not long after. His possessions collected or left. And the dwarf sets out not overly much longer after all was said and done.
About mid-way through the day,just after high-sun, Genome and those following them would see a band of orcs marching towards them. And it seems they had already seen the party.... Starting to charge as they raised their weapons. A warhorn sounding across the mountains.It was clear though that this was a wandering warband, as their attire was entirely different than the ones the other goblinoids had worn.
Party is up first. The orcs are roughly 60 feet away. They seem to be holding javelins in hand. They are standing in a <> formation .. sort of like bowling pins.
Meanwhile, with the Dwarf, having eventually made his way out, with Yue, he stumbles upon a grisly scene of blood. A single Ogre is eating what remains of a single, massive wolf, though it is clear by certain bloodstains and bones that atleast 3 smaller wolves used to exist here as well. The ogre seems intent on its meal.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As powerful as his grief the rituals is kept to a minimum. For in at incidental word from Yue reminding him of others, so too did the urgency of the mission; reinforced by recent events. Still, the process is yet a lengthy one, if only due to the sheer amount of goods that Goliath had on his person. Eventually but with exception, most of his old friend's belongings are buried, leaving him in but his under cloth. It took reaching deep into his memories, but eventually he recalled a tradition of the golaiths. A hope his friend had, even though the sad reality of his life would ensure he never return to the home mountains. A tradition he upheld in finding a nice size boulder just outside the cavern; and with Yue's help, Paavu would be propped outside, hands on grol's morningstar, and head positioned so that the cold would eventually freeze the body in place for the 'Final Vigil'.
The dwarf stepped back to take in the sight one last time, burning the image in mind alongside Yue. "Be at peace, my wayward Brothah. And now that I will see this mission of ours through to its end, as you had done the same. And if you should find yourself in Hephaestus hall or some great fields of valor, may we yet meet again." At that, he turned intending to take his leave, but then stopped, remembering a hope. A legend. Wordlessly, he stepped up to the corpse and using Paavu's old hunting dagger, took a finger and carefully wrapped it up before setting it into his pack. Later he would see about treating it with some old dwarven preservatives. But for now, there was yet another hope to seek out someday.
With all preparations completed, the dwarf sets out with Yue at his side after some coaxing and explaining of his divering from 'The Returning' to the 'Final Vigel' and its meaning. He appealed to her the needs of the remaining 'pack'. This more than anything put some fire back in her eyes, as the wish to not lose another, even if albeit her current one played a hand in it, spurred her on. Once they were well and good on their way, he invoked another enchantment to erase their passing, leery of any other enemies or seekers of the cave yet unknown to the Rockseeker.
Let them think there was one less dwarf and wolf involved...
Later on...
'Ogre.. a lucky one judging by the wolves..' Malman thought while combing a hand through his beard. In wiser man might've thought to avoid the creature, seeing it sated from a successful hunt, if not counter ambush. But seeing it at least injured and upon the most direct course to the others... "Stay back. Stay out of sight." He whispers to Yue, knowing her sharp ears would catch it. Even if the meaning had been lost to her, seeing three far larger wolves dead about the Ogre was more than enough warning.
So, as she ducked back and found herself a snow drift to hide within, the dwarf's form disintegrated into a flurry of snow and wind that gathered up the snow into a terrifyingly creature. He had become an arachnid easily as large if not largely than the Ogre, and uniquely bore two heads along with a silver and black body to accommodate them; each lightly dripping venom. Thus 'prepared', as much as the druid could be, he tried to stalk closer, intending to get the jump on it once within 30ft of it.
"Unfortunately this doesn't seem like a situation we can talk our way out of. Here's my plan: we start walking backwards away from them and keep attacking them at the safest distance we can manage. I know better than anyone how lethal a javelin can be, so it's not a perfect plan, but I'm willing to bet that they have much more dangerous weapons they intend to cut us with if we get any closer to them." Cirrus will then cast Faerie Fire, aiming the cube of effect to catch as many of the orcs as possible, even willing to move maybe 5 or 10 ft closer to do so. The orcs must make a DC 13 DEX save or be outlined in violet light. If any of them fail, attack rolls against them have advantage if the attacker can see it, and they can't benefit from being invisible. Cirrus will then remember the explosive nature of the ice spell Burgee cast on the stirges, and he will say "Burgee, ice these fools."Giving Burgee Bardic Inspiration (d6 for one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw in the next 10 minutes). Then he will use all of his remaining movement to move in the opposite direction of the orcs.
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
As the dwarf transforms, it creates such a spectacle that it draws the Ogre's attention, the dwarf seeing that its eyes were locked to him during the entire thing, staring at it as if it is the greatest oddity it has ever seen in its entire life.... still crunching down on a leg, its mouth bloody and covered in fur.... grabs its massive, spiked club, full of gore and starts to rise.. Unfortunately for it, Mal is faster on the uptake..... Dropping the bloody leg into the snow as it prepares for whatever the spider had in store.
(19 - 13 - 9 - 7 - 11 - 8)
The fairy Fire explodes in near ineffectiveness, only one of the orcs, in the back getting effected in the slightest, the rest ignoring the effects, and the one never even noticing it happened. Then cirrus flees.
Rose wakes up a bit groggily. Just five more minutes...okay okay I'm up I'm up. Blessing? Oh yes yes one second. Rose would give both Cirrus and Burgee and then start looking for whatever was causing the commotion. What's wrong? Did you hear something?
Perception: 7
As all of this is happening, another howl is heard in a different direction. Then another. Cirrus eventually gains better vision in the dark, as well as Burgee though despite this, nothing can be sen, even by Cirrus enhanced vision. But Cirrus can tell that they're getting closer by the sound of the howling, and its clear it isn't Yue, unless she's gained the ability to be in multiple places at once. Eventually a chorus of howling can be heard in various directions, each time sounding ever closer.
Initiatives: Burgee - 6 Cirrus - 14 Paavu 17 Rose 4 Gwen 24
(3+1)
(7 - 19 - 21 - 5)
Enemy is up first.... Resolving surprise next.
5 - 6 - 23 - 13 - - - 16 - - - 9
So you are all aware that an attack is coming I will give you all 1 prep-round meaning you can take or ready an action, Unfortunately, While Rose can take an action, she cannot ready one as she is caught by surprise by the attack itself when it happens. So Rose may take a pre-action, but may not ready one, and loses her first, actual turn.
Cirrus manages to point out where he hears a rustling in the bush where he hears the attackers coming from though he hears them from multiple sides.. everyone else seems to hear some, but not all, and everyone is turning their heads, trying to figure out exactly where the attack is really coming from except Cirrus himself, while Rose just hears noise everywhere.
Gwen looking around see's where most of the noise is coming from and says They're coming from two sides! Prepare yourself! Humming a magical tune, not feelign she has time for more, she passes inspiration to Burgee, whole readying her blade and shield, and after Paavu's demise.. as uncomfortable as it was, she had chosen to sleep in her armor. She readies herself for an attack, and should one appear, she will strike at the creature with her blade.
----
Make your prep-turns now, and then I will resolve the enemies turn.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
I'm going to try something stupid: I'm gonna cast Speak with Animals and shout to whatever is closing in on us "We do not have to be your enemies! Attacking us is a fool's errand! We are armed and very dangerous! If you attack us it will be the last mistake you ever make! If you value your life, LEAVE US BE!"
(Intimidation: 19)
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
(ok, since no one else as posted... I'll post as soon as I deal with my roomate)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
(8 - 3 - 18 - 8)
As all the motion is going on, Cirrus shouts into the night, though to everyone else it would sound like a mix of howls, growls, and other bestial noises. One of the creatures stops in it's tracks, just at the edge of vision. If a fire was lit, the eyes of the beast would be visible as it stared with hunger into the camp.
Another set of eyes next to yet another, all glowing a pale yellow. Though quietly lumbering behind the single pair of eyes, is a larger pair of eyes that seemed to bleed a frigidity the group had never before seen. And the eyes were above even where Paavu's would be at full height. An additional set of eerie glowing could be seen where it could be assumed the feet of the beast was. Surrounding the party.. sort of, was a wolf pack, led by a Winter Wolf. And Cirrus' words seemed to give even it pause. Confused whining and yipping could be heard from the regulars, however, in 'decent' common, the larger wolf spoke. As can I see. But we are knowing this before we choose our prey. All prey is armed. All prey is dangerous. We hunt anyway, for we are pride. it seemed less confident than it should but it was clearly less shaken than the others. You trespass in my land. But can see you are.. better clawed than many before you. But my pack is hungry. Feed us and we shall leave. We demand tribute for trespass. the words come out more tenative than commanding, as the larger wolf looks over the group, as if reconsidering.
Genome sighs, but seems to be sizing the wolves up, nodding, and ultimately settling into a ready-to-fight-if-need-be stance, as unlike with the surges, Genome couldn't just wait to see what would happen, if the party lost, they would not be spared. Gwen looks around at everyone else saying I.. don't know how much food we have to spare.....
Occassional Dungeon Master.
A faint shimmer can be seen around Burgee as he taps the staff on the ground and mumbles a few words. He grips tight and listens intently as he waits to see what may come next.
Though not currently a member, seeking admission to the really long and important signature club. Please consider this as a current CV.
Other personalities... Burgee , The Colorless Knight, Fiorello, RW Goodbarrel, Dred, Evrik - Out of the Abyss & Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Site Rules & Guidelines || Tooltips || Homebrew FAQ || Snippet Codes || Syllvva's Guides
Rose tucks behind her sheild and grabs her hammer, looking around at the wolves. When she hears the demand for food she looks over to her meaver rations and back to Gwen. I don't have much...****y a little to keep us going...certainly not enough to spare otherwise I would. Paavu had whatever was left over that I couldn't carry. Rose looks over to the lead wolf, quickly asking Selune for guidance. Unless the others have food to spare then I'm afraid your out of luck. But know this, we nearly killed a dragon to get here, and we can't turn back. We have no wish to harm any of you but if you attack us your pack will suffer in blood. Back the way we came is another wolf companion of ours, Yue. Her pack attacked us one night and died for it. We healed her, took her in so she wouldn't be alone. She's with a fallen friend of ours now...he has food on him...you can go there for food. And take her in you'll have her, she needs a new pack and you'll find her to be a strong addition.
Persuasion: 5 plus 3
The larger wolfs eyes narrow at Rose's implication but it can sense no lies in her words. Hearing Gwens words only seemed to make it angry, however it seemed the wolf was wiser than even it looked. its pawpads digging at the ground followed by a growl, a series of huffs, before finally somewhat lowering its head. Then we shall go there. And we shall feast. No point in losing blood over hunger when risk is too much. Between Cirrus and Rose.... The pack pads off in the direction pointed by Rose. They all start heading off, though they keep their eyes on the group until they are well out of sight. The party has a voided a fight this night, and all without interrupting their rest.
Unless the party chooses to pursue.....
The night goes on relatively peacefully, Rose and Cirrus both feeling (DM) Inspired by the events, and somewhat heartened. Everyone gains an additional 213 exp.
Somewhere in a cave in the middle of the night, a man stumbles across a corpse, guarded by a wolf.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Rose sighed in relief as the wolves left. She hoped there would be enough food for them, and if not and they had to eat Paavus corpse she would be disheartened but would understand, afterall that was nature. When the wolves were out of sight she would put away her weapons and walk over to Cirrus. Good call...that could have been bad. You get some rest. I'm awake now so I'll go on watch. I need to pray anyway. Once the party went back to resting Rose looked up at Selûne in all her glory among the night sky. She prayed the wolves would get enough food, and that they would accept Yue into their ranks, and if they did not that at least they did not harm her. She prayed that the rest of the party would come through this alright, and promised that If they did she would return to Silverymoon to pay her homage to her beloved god before going on whatever pilgrimage she wanted Rose to go on next. And she prayed that she made the right decisions thus far. It seemed every choice she made has hurt them more than it has helped, and Rose was starting to doubt herself. She kept reminding herself to trust in Selûnes guidance, that the path ahead may not be easy, but it's the path she needed to take.
Rose looked over to Cirrus tent, and prayed that Selûne would help guide his soul to a place of comfort. That he may not judge himself so harshly. She also reminded herself that she needed to talk to him about Selûne, as he requested, and promised her god she would do just that. She looked over to Burgees tent and prayed that Selúne would help guide him to his goal. His soul was kind and a more true friend would be hard to come by. She prayed he remaind strong and brave and no harm would come to him. She thought of Paavu, and prayed that Selûne would guide his soul to whatever afterlife his people sought. She prayed for her to pass along a message as well, to tell him shes sorry for failing him, and for always threatening to break his knees. Lastly she looked to where Gwen slept. She prayed she would be safe. There was nothing more in the world Rose wanted more than that right now. She promised that if they got out of this in one piece, when all was said and done, she'd make an honest woman out of her if Gwen would have her. When her prayers ended Rose would sit close to the fire, and finish her watch until relieved. When morning came she helped pack things up silently and, feeling mildly better, followed Genome down the path, this time backing off from Gwen, still staying close but not as to be overbearing or uncomfortable.
But it was just a man. In fact, it was no man at all, but a dwarf, dark of skin, white in the beard, and bearing a mix of hides and cloth to cover himself from head to toe. He taps the butt of a staff -- a gnarled length of wood who from its top end grew into several long branches sprouting greenery -- several times. Enough to catch Yue's attention at least, however momentarily, but also cast a Speak with Animals.
"Hello, Pup." He states, earning Yue's full attention. Malman puts a hand to his chest, and with a smile said, "Malman. Malman Mosshammer. Might-" She interrupted him with a "Yue.", startling the druid, and getting him to blink owlishly. "Yue... Understood... Unusual, but understood. And the body?" Yue replied honestly, and after a briefest further exchange, allowed Malman to at least approach the body; scattering what few insectoid bodies had vaguely remain intact from the fight.
She went on to watch him like a hawk, still wary of the druid despite the calming scents and presence the taciturn dwarf exuded somehow. At the sight of the tears that blossomed as recognition sets in, her wariness waned to the point of laying back down again, and watching the druid kneel silently shedding tears as recognition dawned upon him. New scents flooded the air. Scents all too familiar to her as the sort of genuine sadness a pack mate might express regarding their fallen.
In spite of wanting nothing more than spend the next few hours standing vigil, weeping and reminiscing of what to him felt but a few days ago, the dwarf gathered the resolve to do what needed to be next. Before he could, he would turn to Yue, asking her to recall her time with him, and prepare the body for 'the returning'. A concept she only vaguely understood without clarification, and even then seemed somewhat reluctant to let more be done to Paavu. Yet, after some consoling words and knowing Paavu would need little now, Malman was at least allowed to begin stripping the body and possessions and setting things aside respectfully. The whole while he hmm'd something of a solemn tune.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Drozo - [Hobgoblin]Cleric - Blood Domain (Call of the Netherdeep)
When Rose turns to try and see Cirrus, she sees him off in the distance, appearing to also be praying.
If she approaches and talks to him
he will say "I was just trying to not intrude upon your own prayer. I'm trying to get some kind of guidance on whatever mission she has brought me to this world for. I'm honestly a little unsure of what exactly one asks of a moon goddess. Praying to Ilira was pretty straightforward: bless everyone I know with happiness for all their days, amen. But what kind of blessing does one pray for from Selune? A full moon so we can see better in the dark next time we get ambushed in the dead of night? ... Maybe I should also pray for us to stop getting accosted while we're trying to sleep? Nighttime is her domain, right? Maybe she can do something about that? ... I just can't help but wonder why she chose me of all people. But I know she must have, or I wouldn't have found this," He says in reference to his staff of life. After a moment of silence he will look Rose in the eyes and say, "We're both blaming ourselves for his death, aren't we?" Assuming she says yes in some way, he then stands up and outstretches his hand for a handshake, "well if neither of us can agree which of us is to blame, then maybe it's neither of our faults? Maybe we tried our best, and it may not have been enough that time, but there's still a chance that we can honor him by sinking Hew deep into the Black Spider's skull. Then of course we will go back and say some proper words pay respect to his life. Whaddya say?"
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
When Rose finished praying she did indeed walk over to Cirrus and tale a seat next to him, listening to all he had to say and considering her response carefully. She pauses for a long moment before looking back up to Selûne and finally responding. There are many things you can pray to her for though you really can pray for anything. Still, Selûne is a guide, a light in the dark. She helps protect us from our enemies who lurk in the dark. She can't protect us indefinitely however, or else we would simply not live our lives. But pray for protection, guidance, warmth and light in the cold dark. As for why she chose you...I cannot say. It's possible she will reveal it to you in time, if she deems it neccessary that is. But if she chose you it was for a good purpose, and you glow with her Aura, just like Burgee and myself. Though yours was...different...but it's still her aura nonetheless. Just have faith that whatever happens happens for a reason. Not everyone can live...Paavus time was simply up...but yes I still blame myself even though I know I couldn't prevent it. But as you say...we can still get some measure of vengeance..just make sure you don't let revenge cloud your vision. Rose pauses again for another long moment. On nights like this I like to bask in the night sky. Rose looked as the moon had finally shifted in the sky to be next to the formation of stars known as Selûnes tears. Even she mourns for the fallen, but her path is clear, we must forge on. Rose went silent, with little more to add. She simply just stared into the night sky until slept took her but would respond if Cirrus had anything else to ask.
Allowing RP to continue.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
The stirring in camp roused Burgee. He heard some voices in the distance and listened closely for a moment before he recognizes Cirrus' and Rose's voices. He walks towards them but slows as he realizes the conversation is private and intimate. Still, he's heard a few words about Selûne and it moved him. He'd been pulled by the stormy forces of Umberlee for so long, the warm guidance and light when things were dark sounded comforting. Thoughts filled his mind of a village, in peaceful times. Children laughing and playing. Streets full of life with people of all kinds enjoying the comfort of each other.
But... That was not his life. He'd been born upon the sea and the squalls and turbulence of the real world were more like that of a sailor. Calm and joy one moment. And the next fighting for your very survival.
Selûne sounded wonderful. And he was glad that she watched over Rose. That precious flower who saw the good in all around her. It gave him hope.
But he knew that not his journey, it would be the powers of that tumultuous queen of the depths that would help him survive. And just the thought of her increased his pulse, and there wind rustled a bit.
He breathed deeply. He looked at Rose and thought of her God and it calmed him. Perhaps there was room for both he thought as he made his way back to his perch.
Though not currently a member, seeking admission to the really long and important signature club. Please consider this as a current CV.
Other personalities... Burgee , The Colorless Knight, Fiorello, RW Goodbarrel, Dred, Evrik - Out of the Abyss & Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Site Rules & Guidelines || Tooltips || Homebrew FAQ || Snippet Codes || Syllvva's Guides
Cirrus will sit in silence with Rose for a moment longer, and then say “...thank you. I appreciate your words. You’ve given me much to think about, but I’m afraid I must retire for the night. Goodnight, Rose.”
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
Good night Cirrus. Rose sat around a bit longer until Brugee took up final watch, then all the stuff about packing etc etc from earlier once daytime halls arrived.
Gwen had been listening in as Rose and Cirrus spoke, and to a degree, it warmed her lukewarm heart. She was glad the group .. for once.. hadn't had to fight, and that one wolf, looked.. dangerous. I'm starting to get tired of fighting...... It was fun for a while but bad things keep happening... she thinks to herself, and sighs. The rest of the night goes on, unperturbed, everyone more or less getting great rest, aside from being a little stiff of back from the ground. Packing things up and eating more rations, and noting that between you all, you have roughly twenty remaining between the four of you. Likely enough to get there but getting back may be more difficult, especially if you dally too much once there.
Genome once more sets about leading the ragtag group.
Rituals and prayers are said in the cave where Yue and the Dwarf were, Paavu's corpse buried or not, not long after. His possessions collected or left. And the dwarf sets out not overly much longer after all was said and done.
About mid-way through the day,just after high-sun, Genome and those following them would see a band of orcs marching towards them. And it seems they had already seen the party.... Starting to charge as they raised their weapons. A warhorn sounding across the mountains.It was clear though that this was a wandering warband, as their attire was entirely different than the ones the other goblinoids had worn.
(Initiatives: Burgee - 2 Cirrus - 7 Rose 10 Gwen 14)
(3 - 13 - 21 - 7 - 4 - 16)
Party is up first. The orcs are roughly 60 feet away. They seem to be holding javelins in hand. They are standing in a <> formation .. sort of like bowling pins.
Meanwhile, with the Dwarf, having eventually made his way out, with Yue, he stumbles upon a grisly scene of blood. A single Ogre is eating what remains of a single, massive wolf, though it is clear by certain bloodstains and bones that atleast 3 smaller wolves used to exist here as well. The ogre seems intent on its meal.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
As powerful as his grief the rituals is kept to a minimum. For in at incidental word from Yue reminding him of others, so too did the urgency of the mission; reinforced by recent events. Still, the process is yet a lengthy one, if only due to the sheer amount of goods that Goliath had on his person. Eventually but with exception, most of his old friend's belongings are buried, leaving him in but his under cloth. It took reaching deep into his memories, but eventually he recalled a tradition of the golaiths. A hope his friend had, even though the sad reality of his life would ensure he never return to the home mountains. A tradition he upheld in finding a nice size boulder just outside the cavern; and with Yue's help, Paavu would be propped outside, hands on grol's morningstar, and head positioned so that the cold would eventually freeze the body in place for the 'Final Vigil'.
The dwarf stepped back to take in the sight one last time, burning the image in mind alongside Yue. "Be at peace, my wayward Brothah. And now that I will see this mission of ours through to its end, as you had done the same. And if you should find yourself in Hephaestus hall or some great fields of valor, may we yet meet again." At that, he turned intending to take his leave, but then stopped, remembering a hope. A legend. Wordlessly, he stepped up to the corpse and using Paavu's old hunting dagger, took a finger and carefully wrapped it up before setting it into his pack. Later he would see about treating it with some old dwarven preservatives. But for now, there was yet another hope to seek out someday.
With all preparations completed, the dwarf sets out with Yue at his side after some coaxing and explaining of his divering from 'The Returning' to the 'Final Vigel' and its meaning. He appealed to her the needs of the remaining 'pack'. This more than anything put some fire back in her eyes, as the wish to not lose another, even if albeit her current one played a hand in it, spurred her on. Once they were well and good on their way, he invoked another enchantment to erase their passing, leery of any other enemies or seekers of the cave yet unknown to the Rockseeker.
Let them think there was one less dwarf and wolf involved...
Later on...
'Ogre.. a lucky one judging by the wolves..' Malman thought while combing a hand through his beard. In wiser man might've thought to avoid the creature, seeing it sated from a successful hunt, if not counter ambush. But seeing it at least injured and upon the most direct course to the others... "Stay back. Stay out of sight." He whispers to Yue, knowing her sharp ears would catch it. Even if the meaning had been lost to her, seeing three far larger wolves dead about the Ogre was more than enough warning.
So, as she ducked back and found herself a snow drift to hide within, the dwarf's form disintegrated into a flurry of snow and wind that gathered up the snow into a terrifyingly creature. He had become an arachnid easily as large if not largely than the Ogre, and uniquely bore two heads along with a silver and black body to accommodate them; each lightly dripping venom. Thus 'prepared', as much as the druid could be, he tried to stalk closer, intending to get the jump on it once within 30ft of it.
Bonus Action: Wild Shape into MalMal the Maleficent.
Stealth: 18.
Initiative: 11.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Drozo - [Hobgoblin]Cleric - Blood Domain (Call of the Netherdeep)
"Unfortunately this doesn't seem like a situation we can talk our way out of. Here's my plan: we start walking backwards away from them and keep attacking them at the safest distance we can manage. I know better than anyone how lethal a javelin can be, so it's not a perfect plan, but I'm willing to bet that they have much more dangerous weapons they intend to cut us with if we get any closer to them." Cirrus will then cast Faerie Fire, aiming the cube of effect to catch as many of the orcs as possible, even willing to move maybe 5 or 10 ft closer to do so. The orcs must make a DC 13 DEX save or be outlined in violet light. If any of them fail, attack rolls against them have advantage if the attacker can see it, and they can't benefit from being invisible. Cirrus will then remember the explosive nature of the ice spell Burgee cast on the stirges, and he will say "Burgee, ice these fools." Giving Burgee Bardic Inspiration (d6 for one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw in the next 10 minutes). Then he will use all of his remaining movement to move in the opposite direction of the orcs.
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
(13)
As the dwarf transforms, it creates such a spectacle that it draws the Ogre's attention, the dwarf seeing that its eyes were locked to him during the entire thing, staring at it as if it is the greatest oddity it has ever seen in its entire life.... still crunching down on a leg, its mouth bloody and covered in fur.... grabs its massive, spiked club, full of gore and starts to rise.. Unfortunately for it, Mal is faster on the uptake..... Dropping the bloody leg into the snow as it prepares for whatever the spider had in store.
(19 - 13 - 9 - 7 - 11 - 8)
The fairy Fire explodes in near ineffectiveness, only one of the orcs, in the back getting effected in the slightest, the rest ignoring the effects, and the one never even noticing it happened. Then cirrus flees.
Occassional Dungeon Master.