Genevieve stood there quietly as Derrikoth and Astra said their final words, her eyes staring down sadly at Alus’s grave. As they had began preparing to lay him to rest, she took the time to gather any surrounding flowers and fashioned a bouquet to lay on top.

When it came to her to say her part, she remained quiet all but for a soft “I’m sorry.”

Loss wasn’t something she was used to processing, having only dealt with one true loss before. All she knew was that she didn’t like this emotion and how awful it made her feel, though she couldn’t imagine what the others truly felt. She almost wished she could cry.

When Derrikoth turned and walked away, Genny gave one more look to Alus’ grave before following a few paces behind.

[MANY HOURS AGO]

In the northern foothills of the Star Mounts, smoke rises from within a dense cluster of trees. Bright embers can be seen deep within the shade of the forest. They crack and smolder with intense heat as a figure looms over them, watching intently.

The voice of another is heard a few feet in the distance. "Mi amor, you have bee at this all morning. Come--the children wish to see you." A lithe Aarakocra woman appears from behind a nearby tree and approaches the figure in front of the fire. She is a beautiful bird with the pure white feathers of a dove, adorned in earth-toned robes of cotton and leather.

The figure--a broad-shoulder Aarakocra man--responds with a kind smile. "Mi pajarita, but my work is only just beginning." The man gestures to the flames, which burn slightly brighter as he extends his hand towards them.

"More blight-growths, then?"

"Si, they choke these noble trees."

"Will the fires not harm the trees as well."

"Un poco, yes. But from fire comes rebirth--they will come back stronger still."

"Ah yes, as you've said bef--" the woman is interrupted as the man raises his finger to his beak, gesturing for her silence as he hears a distant voice manifest in his head--a message he receives via the Sending spell.

~~"Ah'brasar, Caretaker of the Star Mounts, the Enclave requires your services. One of our agents will fall. Report to Noaner's Hold. More details to follow."~~

The man lowers his head and closes his eyes. "Understood."

"What is it Rasa."

"I...must go."

"Rasa please don't..."

"Leilani I must go. I am needed by the Enclave. It is my sworn duty."

Leilani sighs and shakes her head. She knows the passion that burns within her husband--and knows how stubborn he can be when he is decided on something--especially when it comes to his duties with the Emerald Enclave. A tear rolls down her beak as Rasa embraces her.

"Mi amor, do not cry." He kisses her. "As the burning sun rises each morning, I will return to you again, I promise you this."

Zeek’s first find in the keep is what appears to be a secret door. It is just on the other side of the large locked chest, at the back of the room. A dank breeze is wafting from under a section of the wall.

As the sun’s last rays die down behind the hills to the west, the sounds of the forest nightlife begin to pick up. Frogs, insects, and a distant wolf howl break up the silence of your graveside ceremony.

Then, you hear them. Horse hoofs falling fast and heavy on the ground just a bit further into the forest, on the other side of the river.

Astra wipes away the last of her tears and conjures up her sword as the hooves approach. "Who's out there?!"

Hearing the sound of hoof beats and fearing the worst, Wickerman picks up the pace in his fluttering along to land on Derrikoth's shoulder, hissing and burbling at the sound. His tiny little salamander hands even rising up to claw at the air.

Emerging from the woods are three white-haired, pale individuals riding skeletal, armored horses. One of them has a bow drawn, and the others simply glare at you with empty eyes. Their faces are desiccated—Derrikoth recognizes them right away. These are the undead hunt lords, and this is their domain.

// Map is updated on roll20 //

Initiative: 9

Astra: 15

Genny: 9

Initiative: 10

// Alright you guys can do stuff :) map is there, the hunt lords have just emerged from the woods and are looking plenty menacing //

"Uuuuuuugh, can we grieve in ******* PEACE?!" Genevieve groans loudly, raising a hand as she charges a blast. "We were JUST about to leave can you guys **** OFF for like TEN MINUTES!?"

On the dude bro in front of her:
Attack: 16 Damage: 14
Attack: 17 Damage: 10

Derrikoth lets out a piercing whistle, and as Josephus comes running over he tosses on his shield and draws his lance. He stares levelly at the Hunt Lords, waiting eagerly for them to move closer.

Genevieve's blasts strike the Hunt Lord in the chest, seeming to do some hefty damage, but the undead rider looks more or less unfazed by the injury. "You are unwise to stand against us!" His voice is shrill.

Astra curses the one that Genevieve just shot. "Get the **** out of here!"

Attack: 26 Damage: 16

Attack: 24 Damage: 10

Wickerman(& Nirz?) Initiative: 17(Rolled in discord)

Wickerman, ever the brave little toaster, flies off Derrikoth's shoulder and hovers in the most direct course between the dragonborn and huntsman. He burbles angrily at them and bravely makes 'come on! Come at me bro' gestures at the closest one. Though tears of liquid fire still bubble out the corner of his eyes. That, and the whole bobbing and weaving in the air.

Wickerman's Action: Wickerman takes up Defensive Manuvers.

Astra and Genny’s one-two combo blasts the undead Hunt Lord back and off his saddle, the force of the attacks nearly tearing him apart and taking him to the ground. His skeletal steed, however, is still driven by an unholy impetus, and gallops across a fallen log to attack the closest target, Derrikoth. 

Hoof Attack: 23 Damage: 16 bludgeoning 

The remaining two wight-lords, meanwhile, focus their ranged attacks at Astra...

Longbow Attack: 10 Damage: 6 piercing
Longbow Attack: 5 Damage: 5 piercing 

...and Genny... 

Grave Bolt Attack: 7 Damage: 8 necrotic 
Grave Bolt Attack: 23 Damage: 8 necrotic 

...while their skeletal horses pace up and down, dodging any incoming attack. 

// Players up! //

Reaction! Hellish Rebuke on the ***** that shot me! Dex save 15 or take 17 fire damage!

Action: Genny, annoyed that her armor was penetrated, shoots off two blasts at the same guy she just attacked!

Attack: 11 Damage: 7
Attack: 24 Damage: 10

Bonus action: Mantle of Inspiration to give Astra and Derrikoth 5 temp hp!  And Wickerman!! I forgot!! I’m sorry Oreo!!

Astra fires at the wight that just attacked Genevieve!

Attack: 23 Damage: 13

Attack: 17 Damage: 5

Movement in Discord.

Astride Josephus, Derrikoth strikes out at the skeletal horse twice. If it is felled by the first blow, Josephus will take him across the river to attack the nearest hunt lord.

Attack: 22 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.

Attack: 7 Damage: 10