(OOC:  This is all happening pretty fast.  Leave the story as is, wait for Breena to make her contribution, then we'll see what happens...)

(OOC: Okay, will do. Soar's about to get all murder smashy-smashy on the guy who threatened to slit the woman's throat. But I'll wait for Breena.)

She'll move right behind him while keeping an eye on all of them, trying to keep them to the back of the group and away from the refugees. She says back to Elspeth, in infernal, still in her scary voice from before, "the plan was to scare them off, and now the plan's to make sure they... leave us... before our destination, voluntarily or involuntarily. I think I can handle it but help's welcome."

The group's traveling in pitch blackness now, right? I assume holding hands in a chain as Breena leads everyone with nightvision? I don't think we said anything about torches. So the guards can't see at all along the riverbank? Is the river deep and fast, or shallow and calm?

Good point on the darkness; one or two of the clerics has cast Light, but is doing a good job of keeping it relatively hidden; it's enough to light the way for the townsfolk, but so far hasn't attracted attention from the raiders.  The raiders at the temple are too far to see you easily now, though there's always a chance you could run into another random raider group.  The river is fairly slow, but deep; impossible to cross on foot, but swimmable.

Breena is going to use her gnomish ability to speak with small beasts through chitters and little gestures and see if she can get any of the local critters (ducks, squirrels, whatever's around) to try and aid the group at the back in separating the raiders from the refugees. If there's a goose or a skunk, those would be ideal -- geese are mean and will 100% charge anyone who gets near their nest so, maybe they could charge a raider and get them a bit further from the group? Or a skunk could spray them? but I'll take whatever you think might be around. 

Animal Handling: 13 

Breena, you are able to speak to some rats who are scurrying around nearby, looking for food in the riverbank.  These particular rats are not very nice, but that works in your favour; they are entertained by the idea of causing trouble for the large raiders.  Then the night becomes very confusing for said raiders, as they find themselves constantly tripping over rats and other small creatures, having to dodge out of their way, stumbling and, ultimately, losing their footing.

11

After some time, they get frustrated and stop, letting you escort the townsfolk safely on. 

Together, you reach the tunnel that leads back to the keep.  The raiders are some hundred feet behind and unable to see you in the darkness.  The terrified, and in some cases exhausted townsfolk, have little energy or courage yet, but no more is needed; you open the metal gate and, with the help of the clerics of Chauntea, you usher the people through.   You have made it, and successfully got all of the people out of the cathedral.  Though the building itself may not survive the night, this is a major victory for the town and its future.  Brother Eadyan comes over, once you are all safely several dozens of feet up the tunnel and away from the relocked gate.  Thank you.  For all these people, thank you.  Come, we must go and speak to the Governor, and take our wounded and frail for rest and healing.  He takes responsibility for ushering the townspeople up the tunnel and into the keep.  Your party take a moment to catch your breaths, and if you wish, to talk over what has just happened.

(This might be a nice time for some character interaction, but when you're ready, just let me know that you are heading to the governor, the healer, or anywhere else you wish.)

Jalt drops to a knee and lets the three children down that he was carrying. May Bahamut bless you children. He walks over to Breena and places a hand on her head. I heard you speaking to the night, to the nature. You continue to surprise me, little one. You all have pleased the gods Chauntea and the Great Bahamut tonight. He turns to the rest of the party. You have all fought bravely and have shown great courage and fortitude. I am proud to be here with you. Who but the gods could have seen us having this night. I hope that maybe this will be all for tonight... Jalt sits down and slumps in the corner and lets out a sigh

Breena smiles at Jalt, patting his shoulder once he's sitting down and she can reach it. "They don't call me Badger for nothing, Jalt! I wasn't sure it'd work, but I figured the little guys probably weren't super happy about what was going on either." 

Jalt smiles. The children giggled at that sight of them. How innocent. Even in the face of danger, to find humor in a situation. But, a little on the heavy side.

"You were carrying three... that's a lot. I would have tried, but most of them were about my size so I figured I'd just leave it to you bigger folks," she says with a good-natured shrug. 

We do what we can. Jalt says. What do you think else needs to be done?

Breena looks back toward the church, her expression faintly wistful. Though she's not particularly religious herself, she's seen how much comfort it can provide to those who are and the true power it offers to those who dedicate their lives to it. "I wish we could do more to protect the temple. I mean, we did the right thing -- people are more important than a building. But do you think there's a way to keep the structure from burning or collapsing or whatever they were trying to do to it?" 

Don't be sad, little one. He points to the holy symbol on his scapular. Cathedrals and churches can be rebuilt. Religion can be practiced anywhere you believe. He now points to where they are at this moment. All we have are is our faith. Our symbols can be replaced. Belief is power. 

As they're walking along, and the raider makes his threat to slit the woman's throat, Soar's about to raise up her hammer to put it in the back of his head. Just then, she notices a giant rat jump out of cover, run up the guy's leg, and take a nibble. She thinks that must be zero fun in the pitch black, and lowers her hammer as he stops to have a minor freakout amid the squeaks and scurries.

She catches up to the woman and as the raiders begin to fall behind, cursing and swatting in the dark, she says quietly, "My, Greenest's rodents sure are helpful, aren't they?" taking the woman by the arm and quietly patting her hand. She notices her two little ones are having trouble in the dark and picks each of them up in both arms. She glances over at Jalt, carrying three, and says to herself, "a kid-carrying competition? My favorite! I had one earlier, so we're tied, Rhogar."

As they get closer to the tunnel, and people slow down and stop as the key turns in the lock, she sets the kids down next to their mother and says, "now you go inside with mama and the rest, I'll be right behind you. You might even get to have midnight snacks before me! I'm Soar, by the way! Thanks so much for escorting me back to the keep. You're very, very brave and I felt much safer with you there." She smiles and turns back into the night as the villagers run inside. She pauses and looks to make sure no one's following them still, her hammer again in readied. She was just very close to sending some raiders to meet Kelemvor. Once she's satisfied, she walks backward into the tunnel, turning to see Breena with the key and she helps quietly lock the gate again. "Those are some very friendly rodents, did you see, Breena?"

She follows the crowd back into the tunnel, stopping to clasp forearms with Brother Eadyan, replying, "thanks to you, for keeping your cool and keeping your people safe! Chauntea must be proud. One question: were Yosa and Sumya and the rest of Jasa's family in this flock? We'd really like to know her family is safe. We'll catch up, right behind you." 

She steps forward, where she sees Jalt sitting on the ground. "Three-three, Rhogar, we're tied. Kid-carrying contests are my favorite!" She squats down next to the group and realizes Jalt and Breena had been talking and listens to the conversation about perhaps saving the temple. "I have faith that Chauntea won't let the building fall. Once they realize no one's there, they'll move on. And Jalt's right, even if the building falls, it's no big loss to Chauntea. The people are what's important. I really thought that was going to get a lot more ugly, if I'm being honest. Thanks for picking me up there when I missed catching the bundle! Jalt you were so strong, and Elspeth, I really didn't know if that idea for the bonfire signal would work, but you pulled it off perfectly! Breena -- I just knew you'd be able to lead us back with no worries at all. Each of you were amazing."

She puts her arm around Elspeth when she joins them, and gives her a smile and a glance, saying without words that she's very proud of her, and thankful for her friendship.

When the conversation winds down after a couple minutes, she stands up, trying to hide her aches and pains. "Well, I for one would love to sit in a chair for a bit, or pass out on something comfortable. This tunnel's not rich in either so let's follow Eadyan up to the Governor, find out what's happened, and see if anyone's ever going to sleep again?"

It’s only when the bandits drop off into the darkness, one by one, that Elspeth relaxes, almost unconsciously walking faster in response. Every now and then, she stops, glancing back to ensure that they had not garnered any more unwanted attention.

At the gate to the castle, Elspeth finally stops, leaning against on the wall for support as she watches the villagers trudge into the castle past her, then enters with the last of the refugees. As she joins her companions, she manages a strained smile.

“You’re overvaluing my contribution – and underestimating yours, Soar. Careful, or I’ll grow conceited.” She answers, mock-serious, in answer to Soar’s praise, then lets her smile drop.

“You’re right, we shouldn't dawdle. It’s been a long night, and as much as I would like to rest, there’s still so much to do.” She stops, rubbing her eyes. "We're doing good work, here. I just wish it wasn't necessary in the first place."

Jalt stands after that brief respite and conversation. To the governor then. It's clear our help is needed and we will continue to do our best. He cracks his neck, lets out another audible sigh and starts to walk towards where he remembers the Governor being. As he walks by Soar he whispers Three to two. Mine were all in one shot. And for what seems like forever in his mind, he visibly lets out a huge smile. He is starting to feel comfortable with his new 'friends.' Come Badger!

"S'pose it's unreasonable to think we'd have time for a drink... Alright, let's go."

Soar, Brother Eadyan shakes his head.  No, I'm afraid not.  I know who you speak of, and they are goodly folk and fine neighbours, but they are not devotees of Chauntea and would not have thought to take shelter in her house.  If they are not in their keep, then most likely they are in their houses.  There will be much accounting for missing folk when this attack is done; for now we must pray to the Gods and take action in our own defense.  Thank you for everything.  He leaves, intent upon getting the townsfolk settled and cared for, as much as it possible.  

After your conversations, Jalt leads the way as you return to the governor.  Passing through the ward, you see people hugging each other and weeping, and others looking around in despair.  In bringing the people from the temple to the keep, you have reunited many families, but many more are still desperately fearful for their families still beyond the safety of the keep.  The relative safety of the keep.

Once again, you mount the parapets and stand upon the wall, looking out over the city.  It is now midnight or later, you reckon.  Governor Nighthill, it is clear, has had no rest and allowed no further tending of his wounds; he seems tired but his determination is unwavering.  Looking out over the town, the starlight is just bright enough to give a very dim view of the church of Chauntea, which still stands.  There seem to be fewer specks moving around outside it; perhaps the raiders have broken in (or found the rear door open) and realised that their prey has escaped.  

The Governor looks as you enter.  Three dozen souls, saved.  My friends, you bring us all hope.  By my honour, you will be rewarded when this night is done, but...

He is interrupted by a cry from a guard on the other side of the keep.  The dragon!  The dragon returns!  Glancing up into the night sky, you can see nothing, but the governor grabs you and pulls you into cover behind a wall.  His men ready their arrows, and take cover too.  There's silence.  Nothing happens.  It's almost comical, to see everyone crouching, eyes on the sky.  You consider standing up, but the grim expressions on the faces of the guards deters you.  And then...

Whoosh.  A massive shape passes overhead;  though your darkvision (those of you who have it) shows no colour, there is sufficient light from torches in the keep to light this area and show the blue dragon's colour.  It seemed to make no attack as it swooped over the keep, but as soon as it has passed, the Governor cries:  Stand and loose!  As one, the guards stand, aim their bows at the dragon, and fire.  The arrows arc through the night, and you think one or two may have hit the massive creature.  You hear for the first time a loud shriek, and the dragon wheel in the sky. 

Finally, we have its attention, the Governor says.  We need to drive that monster away.  I know I can count on your aid, but you must be careful; the dragon has only really attacked once or twice, and each time, its breath was enough to kill, or nearly kill, anyone that it touched.  You see the serious wounds on his body, and the evidence of hasty first aid, and he nods as you look.  I will not survive a second hit, and I doubt that many here would survive a first.  I got lucky, and luck is in short supply tonight.  But you seem to have your share.  

The dragon is coming in for another attack.  Roll initiative please.

Soar initiative: 11

7Initiative: 

Initiative: 10