While everyone struggles to comprehend the gravity of the situation, Robyn swoops down and wakes Darion seconds before the stampede hits and he is able to roll out of the way. taking shelter against the trunk of a tree he watches as the large creatures crash through the jungle and camp. Rawk instinctively attempts to fly into the air but slams into the body of a hadrosaur and is knocked into the side of a tree and falls to the ground. Erro is lifted into the air and tossed like a ragdoll from the tail of a stegosaur, narrowly avoiding the long sharp spikes that protrude from its tail. Ellis and Elia get to their feet but are knocked about between the large beasts before falling to the ground and curling into a fetal position. The air around is filled with the sounds of chaos as sporadic screams clangs of metal and snapping of small trees and branches pierce through the thunderous footsteps of the herds. The whole ordeal feels like a lifetime but in actuality takes only 30 seconds.
The distant sounds of the herd continuing into the jungle continues for another minute as you pick yourselves up off the ground and catch your breath. You look out into the plains and see the tower still standing and two figures stand backlight peering into the jungle. Beyond the tower you see a large shadow that appears too close for comfort due to its size but as your eyes adjust you realize how far away the figure actually is and how large it must be. The figure lowers its head onto another shadow and pulls up a large hunk of flesh. You turn back to the jungle and see the scattered campfires have begun to catch some of the ransacked tents on fire. At the same time the dull ringing in your ears seems to fade and you can make out orders being shouted by officers and timid groans from injured soldiers. You spring into action and are able to save the camp from turning into a blaze. Ellis and Elia move to assist the wounded while Darion, Erro and Rawk gather the trampled supplies. At the expiration of 30 minutes the camp returns to relative form and you discover 14 soldiers have died and an additional 14 are badly injured but stable. Arion and Faelar address the camp calming emotions and instructing everyone to return to sleep.
A few soldiers murmur quietly but the general exhaustion from the days march and pain from the stampede quickly silence all protests. You each struggle internally with the idea of sleep but you too find rest within a few minutes. A horn blowing stirs you awake and you rouse to Elia and most of the army group getting prepared for the march. Elia is aiding in the makeshift triage tent for the 14 wounded and deceased. There's a small group of soldiers cooking breakfast while another collection of soldiers has retrofitted the tower to serve as a large funeral pyre. You gather your things and eat breakfast, your wounds from the stampede healing and prepare for what the day holds. You watch as the bodies of the 14 soldiers are brought out individually wrapped in a linen cloth and placed within the pyre. Simultaneously the rest of the camp consolidates the supplies and prepares for the march ahead. After every soldier is placed within, additional sticks are added in and a woven door is placed in the entrance. Faelar gathers the soldiers carrying a torch. "For those who made the ultimate sacrifice we honor your service and commit your bodies to the earth." He walks forward towards the pyre and lights each corner of the pyre. The flames quickly engulf the structure and you stand in silence for a minute or two.
Rawk stares at the pyre and remembers just how close she came to the same fate. She'll turn back to the group and whisper, "Is everyone okay? That was a rough night to say the least."
Erro rubs his ribs and holds his aching head, looking pensively at the funeral pyre. While looking on at the flames he remarks, "Some of those men were building their own funeral pyre and didn't even know it. Tomorrow is no guarantee." Erro turns to Rawk, "I'm a bit shaken, but I am happy to find all of you okay. I was nearly skewered that time." "Our numbers are dwindling. I certainly hope that we get on with this."
Ellis looks at the pyre, feeling horrible that they have lost so many people already and they haven't even started to fight the Yuan-ti. Can they all make it back without losing too many more again? He then hears the others, nodding back in agreement as he rubbed his wounds. "I-I'm fine, though that did hurt a lot. If any of you need healing, I can help." Ellis said back, thinking of his friends' health first.
Darion is appalled by the loss of life, and when he gathers with the others mutters "By Mystera, I hate this damn jungle. I know that in war, it is not uncommon for more soldiers to die out of battle than within, but luck has not been with us. And it is hard to think that many more will die before this thing is done."
Darion sleeps restlessly for the remains of the night, dreams filled with people being crushed by shadowy creatures, Fenthasa looking on and looming over it all laughing.
The next day he is subdued again, lost in his own thoughts.
While the pyre continues to burn you hear the horn signaling the army group to roll out. The scouts move ahead but stay a bit closer to the group than before as they branch out into the plains. You march in three main columns of soldiers standing 40 wide and 5 deep with roughly 30 feet between each column. Between the second and third column, a small collection of soldiers and five oxen pull the carts carrying the supplies and injured soldiers. About 5 minutes in you cross by the now decomposing carcass of a large hadrosaur that had been killed earlier in the night. Small chunks of flesh hang from the jagged broken ribcage that lies exposed. You see the large bite wounds from the giant creature as well as many smaller bite wounds from scavengers. You move quickly by the carcass and continue out into the vast plains.
Despite the gloomy events of the night, your morning stroll across the plains passes relatively well. There are a few clouds in the sky and a gentle but steady breeze that aid in reducing the heat from the baking sun above. The river, while still high, has receded back within its banks and continues to provide a constant flowing sound across the plain. You make a stop by a large rock outcrop that you recognize and take a short rest while Erro and Ellis climb to the top of the rock and examine the surrounding area.
Ellis- You see some animals by the river and a lot of grass. The jungle seems to be miles away on both sides and you assume you're near the halfway point.
Erro- While you can see both edges of the jungle you can tell you're a bit past the halfway point. To the northwest you spot the familiar shapes of a pack of 12 rippers gliding slowly through a section of tall grass. They pause and periodically poke their heads above the top of the grass and slink back down as they move forward. You can tell from the direction of movement that they're heading in front of the army group and should pass perpendicular to your current route. Unsure of how soon you'll resume marching the two paths could intercept or pass harmlessly by.
Erro’s eyes narrow as he sees the rippers. He did not want to encounter any more dino misfortune. He didn’t care if he ever saw one again at this point! Erro promptly informs Faelar and the others about the rippers. A small delay and they ought to pass harmlessly by.
Darion will also tense when Erro informs them about the Rippers, but will just keep his eye on them rather than doing anything, and asks Robyn to keep an eye on what they are doing.
Faelar agree with you assessment and as the minutes tick by you finally see the pack emerge from the tall grass and rush towards a small pod of Galimimus. The pack of rippers sprint rapidly across the open plain towards their prey triggering a small stampede. The army group braces and watches pensively as the rippers coordinate their attack on an apparently sick or already injured galimimmus that falls behind the rest of the pod. Attacking in swift glancing blows the rippers slowly lacerate their victim's legs until it collapses to the ground. The whole attack and chase takes only about a minute and another reminder of your harsh surroundings sinks in. You gather your things and make an effort to put as much ground between the feeding carnivores and yourselves as you can.
The sun continues to bake away at your skin but the cool breeze coming off the river grants you an occasional respite. Still, your clothes and armor are beginning to soak through with sweat as you near the jungle edge. Roughly 6 hours into your march you reach the jungle on the western edge of the plains. You glance back and all you can see of the funeral pyre is a column of white and grey smoke rising into the air. The group takes a moment to take inventory of the soldiers and supplies before continuing into the jungle. Rawk and the scouts are able to locate a trail used by the wildlife. Your formation condenses as you enter the jungle and you continue deeper and deeper. An hour into the jungle Rawk takes flight in search of a suitable camp grounds and finds a patch of balsa trees. The large trunks and exposed twisting root provide partial cover while still providing ample floor space for multiple tents. Leading the group to the designated camp ground you begin to settle in and happily take off your armor and gear. Sweat drips from your brow as the once cool breeze is blocked by the dense foliage of the jungle.
Elia and a few of the shamans gather and discuss strategy then spread out and begin casting the same spell. You watch as the ground around the camp suddenly opens and sprout vines and shrubs rapidly in a large twisting hedge. Within a minute the entire camp is encircled by the 15 foot thick 5 foot tall hedge with the exception of two spots. On the east and west edges of the camp the hedge has a 15ft gap. The soldiers begin building small platforms as lookout posts at the edge of these openings while Faelar and Arion approach the group and commend Rawk for her idea. "This should protect us against most threats. Elia mentioned there is similar magic used to protect the entire village of Dom-Gar. She said it was much more intensive but this is a very wise use of their ability." Arion says. Faelar looks surprised but also skeptical. "From what she says this is permanent. She also said this same ability can be channeled over an extended time to promote the harvest within a mile of the magic user. Perhaps we could arrange a trade for the use of one of your shamans after this war is settled in Dom-Ryn. We are much more skilled at hunting and fishing than farming." As you converse, the last rays of sunlight begin to disappear from the sky and the flickers torch and campfire light soon become the only source of illumination.
(Feel free to converse amongst one another. It is roughly 8pm in the world. I need a d8 for the night d12 for the day, 2 perception checks and a survival checks)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As night closes in, Darion will walk over to Rawk, Robyn perching on his arm "I think Robyn is quite curious about you, Rawk," he holds out his arm and if Rawk is okay with it, Robyn will fly onto her shoulder, and give a soft 'aark' into her ear "She seems to be liking her form, enjoying flying in our world. I could change her form if needed, but in truth I think she would hate that."
Robyn glared at Darion for even suggesting such a thing, and nuzzles Rawk's feathers to show who she thinks her real friends are.
Darion laughs and continues "I think in her own way, she sees you two as quite similar - both of you like birds, but not really, both something so much more if you don't mind me saying so." he looks pensive for a moment, worrying if he has offended Rawk "can I ask a favour? When convenient, could Robyn fly with you - I think she would enjoy that, perhaps learn from it as well?"
Otherwise, Darion will spend the evening studying his spell book, making sure he has got his newer spells truly memorised.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Survival: 13
Rawk allow it and cocks her head to nuzzle Robyn back. "She is quite the flier already. Yes, that is true I suppose." Rawk replies unsure of how to truly explain what she is herself. She knew she was different, a lot different in some cases but still closer to humans and elves than birds. At least that was how she was raised to act. "She is welcome to accompany me anytime you like. We can start tomorrow if that is agreeable with you." Rawk replies excited. She loved to fly and since she was different the only one who could share that with her was her father, or whoever she could carry. The prospect of having another flying companion was just what she needed to lift her spirits after a bad night. "Thank you for asking. I think we'll have lots of fun."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erro spends the night unusually vigilant, volunteering for lookout, hoping to prevent any further misfortune. He was looking forward to a time to revel again, but this was not it.
Erro is amused by the exchange between Rawk and Robyn, though he doesn’t particularly like the idea of Robyn becoming any more adept at dive-bombing.
Perception: 8
This doesn’t seem to stop Erro from slipping in some fermented drink if it was available, or sitting back for a quick puff of pipeweed, taking his focus off the jungle for a moment.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ellis would have spent his time trying to lift the spirits and boost morale of those around him as best as he can. Even though so many died yesterday, he wanted to make sure that everyone else could move on and not be sad or down. Of course this and his smile was to hide his own doubts and insecurity with everything that has happened so far. That night, Ellis has nightmares of the shadow creatures dragging him off into a dark forest to drain him of his life, along with Yuan-ti capturing him and being tortured by them endlessly.
As the army group settles in for the night you each move along to your bedrolls and lie down, except for Erro. Erro, who smokes his pipe while assisting the guards at the western entrance. Small puffs of smoke rise into the night air with each breath and the smell drifts around the camp. As he looks out into the darkness, Erro sees nothing but trees and brush. The sounds of insects and creatures of the night cloud the air and as time passes begin to distort slightly. Erro blinks a few times and looks out into the jungle jerking in different directions as each distorted sound hits his ears. The two soldiers stationed with him chuckle a bit sharing a look of entertainment then turn back to the jungle. At the expiration of 30 minutes Erro passes out while standing and would have smacked into the ground were it not for the two guards. They prop him against the base of the log platform and wait for the second shift to carry Erro off to his bedroll. They deposit him, not forcefully but not gently onto the bedroll and leave to find rest themselves. Erro dreams about strange and mysterious creatures from the jungle that cause sudden external movements and murmurs to escape from his mouth while he sleeps.
The night passes by quietly, except for the constant sounds of jungle insects. The ambient sounds are disconcerting at first but in a few minutes begin to mimic the calming effect of the lake waves. You each find a more restful sleep than the previous night but your minds drift and wander in dreams brought on by anxiety. You awaken to the smell of tea being brewed and see the entire camp bustling into action. It's impressive to see the amount of consistency and mutual coordination this large group of individuals has. You think back to your own journey through the jungle and chuckle to yourself at the chaotic mess that is was. You pack your things and drink the tea which helps settle your mind and body then set off on what you hope to be the last day or two of travel. You exit through the western gap of the wall of brush and make your way towards Dom-Gar. The air is heavy with humidity and the smell of compost from the jungle floor. As Rawk and Robyn fly through the air they search for the driest and flattest paths to traverse the jungle. This causes the trip to take a bit longer but allows the entire group to avoid the many natural dangers of the jungle such as quicksand, mud pockets, poisonous foliage and predators.
As you take a moment to rest for lunch Arion and Faelar approach. "We believe we are within 8 hours travel of Dom-Gar at our current pace. The choice now is: do we march into the night, rest a few miles away from the village to arrive the next morning or try to increase our pace to arrive sooner?" Arion says asking the groups opinion. Elia listens and adds, "Yes, we are near Dom-Gar. There is a path that can reduce our travel time but the path cuts through a patch of poisonous plants. Do you think the soldiers would avoid touching the plants if forewarned? They smell delicious but are quite dangerous."
Ellis- While the others are conversing you hear a single heavy footfall to the southeast. You look into the jungle towards the direction and can't make out any shapes in the dense brush.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ellis has briefly listened to the others, thinking of whether they should march into the night or increase their pace while hearing of a shorter path. But then he could hear it, a heavy footfall even though he couldn't make out any shapes in the jungle. "I just heard something. We should get going, now!" Ellis quickly told everyone, knowing that they need to go in case it's something dangerous close by that might have just noticed them all.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Darion has a fitful nights sleep, awaking groggy and fed up in the morning, fed up with the jungle and it's dangers. On the other hand Robyn would enjoy flying with Rawk, swooping around her, almost dancing in the air.
Portents: 15, 12
Hi sighs at the choice Elia gives "To my mind, I think we should perhaps avoid the plants. In a group as large as this there is always going to be someone who can't resist, then we will have more delays in helping them. I vote to push on if possible."
At Ellis' warning he rolls his eyes "Well, of course!" he mutters under his breath for the umpteenth time "Let us move!"
Initiative: 17
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Do you like my Boots of Flying?
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Dex save: 9
Despite his nimbleness, Erro fails to rouse from his sleep quickly enough to avoid being in part of the stampede.
Dex Save: 10
Dex: 4
Dex save: 20
Do you like my Boots of Flying?
While everyone struggles to comprehend the gravity of the situation, Robyn swoops down and wakes Darion seconds before the stampede hits and he is able to roll out of the way. taking shelter against the trunk of a tree he watches as the large creatures crash through the jungle and camp. Rawk instinctively attempts to fly into the air but slams into the body of a hadrosaur and is knocked into the side of a tree and falls to the ground. Erro is lifted into the air and tossed like a ragdoll from the tail of a stegosaur, narrowly avoiding the long sharp spikes that protrude from its tail. Ellis and Elia get to their feet but are knocked about between the large beasts before falling to the ground and curling into a fetal position. The air around is filled with the sounds of chaos as sporadic screams clangs of metal and snapping of small trees and branches pierce through the thunderous footsteps of the herds. The whole ordeal feels like a lifetime but in actuality takes only 30 seconds.
The distant sounds of the herd continuing into the jungle continues for another minute as you pick yourselves up off the ground and catch your breath. You look out into the plains and see the tower still standing and two figures stand backlight peering into the jungle. Beyond the tower you see a large shadow that appears too close for comfort due to its size but as your eyes adjust you realize how far away the figure actually is and how large it must be. The figure lowers its head onto another shadow and pulls up a large hunk of flesh. You turn back to the jungle and see the scattered campfires have begun to catch some of the ransacked tents on fire. At the same time the dull ringing in your ears seems to fade and you can make out orders being shouted by officers and timid groans from injured soldiers. You spring into action and are able to save the camp from turning into a blaze. Ellis and Elia move to assist the wounded while Darion, Erro and Rawk gather the trampled supplies. At the expiration of 30 minutes the camp returns to relative form and you discover 14 soldiers have died and an additional 14 are badly injured but stable. Arion and Faelar address the camp calming emotions and instructing everyone to return to sleep.
A few soldiers murmur quietly but the general exhaustion from the days march and pain from the stampede quickly silence all protests. You each struggle internally with the idea of sleep but you too find rest within a few minutes. A horn blowing stirs you awake and you rouse to Elia and most of the army group getting prepared for the march. Elia is aiding in the makeshift triage tent for the 14 wounded and deceased. There's a small group of soldiers cooking breakfast while another collection of soldiers has retrofitted the tower to serve as a large funeral pyre. You gather your things and eat breakfast, your wounds from the stampede healing and prepare for what the day holds. You watch as the bodies of the 14 soldiers are brought out individually wrapped in a linen cloth and placed within the pyre. Simultaneously the rest of the camp consolidates the supplies and prepares for the march ahead. After every soldier is placed within, additional sticks are added in and a woven door is placed in the entrance. Faelar gathers the soldiers carrying a torch. "For those who made the ultimate sacrifice we honor your service and commit your bodies to the earth." He walks forward towards the pyre and lights each corner of the pyre. The flames quickly engulf the structure and you stand in silence for a minute or two.
(Ouch)
Rawk stares at the pyre and remembers just how close she came to the same fate. She'll turn back to the group and whisper, "Is everyone okay? That was a rough night to say the least."
(oof!)
Erro rubs his ribs and holds his aching head, looking pensively at the funeral pyre. While looking on at the flames he remarks, "Some of those men were building their own funeral pyre and didn't even know it. Tomorrow is no guarantee." Erro turns to Rawk, "I'm a bit shaken, but I am happy to find all of you okay. I was nearly skewered that time." "Our numbers are dwindling. I certainly hope that we get on with this."
Ellis looks at the pyre, feeling horrible that they have lost so many people already and they haven't even started to fight the Yuan-ti. Can they all make it back without losing too many more again? He then hears the others, nodding back in agreement as he rubbed his wounds. "I-I'm fine, though that did hurt a lot. If any of you need healing, I can help." Ellis said back, thinking of his friends' health first.
Darion is appalled by the loss of life, and when he gathers with the others mutters "By Mystera, I hate this damn jungle. I know that in war, it is not uncommon for more soldiers to die out of battle than within, but luck has not been with us. And it is hard to think that many more will die before this thing is done."
Darion sleeps restlessly for the remains of the night, dreams filled with people being crushed by shadowy creatures, Fenthasa looking on and looming over it all laughing.
The next day he is subdued again, lost in his own thoughts.
Do you like my Boots of Flying?
While the pyre continues to burn you hear the horn signaling the army group to roll out. The scouts move ahead but stay a bit closer to the group than before as they branch out into the plains. You march in three main columns of soldiers standing 40 wide and 5 deep with roughly 30 feet between each column. Between the second and third column, a small collection of soldiers and five oxen pull the carts carrying the supplies and injured soldiers. About 5 minutes in you cross by the now decomposing carcass of a large hadrosaur that had been killed earlier in the night. Small chunks of flesh hang from the jagged broken ribcage that lies exposed. You see the large bite wounds from the giant creature as well as many smaller bite wounds from scavengers. You move quickly by the carcass and continue out into the vast plains.
Despite the gloomy events of the night, your morning stroll across the plains passes relatively well. There are a few clouds in the sky and a gentle but steady breeze that aid in reducing the heat from the baking sun above. The river, while still high, has receded back within its banks and continues to provide a constant flowing sound across the plain. You make a stop by a large rock outcrop that you recognize and take a short rest while Erro and Ellis climb to the top of the rock and examine the surrounding area.
Ellis- You see some animals by the river and a lot of grass. The jungle seems to be miles away on both sides and you assume you're near the halfway point.
Erro- While you can see both edges of the jungle you can tell you're a bit past the halfway point. To the northwest you spot the familiar shapes of a pack of 12 rippers gliding slowly through a section of tall grass. They pause and periodically poke their heads above the top of the grass and slink back down as they move forward. You can tell from the direction of movement that they're heading in front of the army group and should pass perpendicular to your current route. Unsure of how soon you'll resume marching the two paths could intercept or pass harmlessly by.
Erro’s eyes narrow as he sees the rippers. He did not want to encounter any more dino misfortune. He didn’t care if he ever saw one again at this point! Erro promptly informs Faelar and the others about the rippers. A small delay and they ought to pass harmlessly by.
Darion will also tense when Erro informs them about the Rippers, but will just keep his eye on them rather than doing anything, and asks Robyn to keep an eye on what they are doing.
Do you like my Boots of Flying?
Faelar agree with you assessment and as the minutes tick by you finally see the pack emerge from the tall grass and rush towards a small pod of Galimimus. The pack of rippers sprint rapidly across the open plain towards their prey triggering a small stampede. The army group braces and watches pensively as the rippers coordinate their attack on an apparently sick or already injured galimimmus that falls behind the rest of the pod. Attacking in swift glancing blows the rippers slowly lacerate their victim's legs until it collapses to the ground. The whole attack and chase takes only about a minute and another reminder of your harsh surroundings sinks in. You gather your things and make an effort to put as much ground between the feeding carnivores and yourselves as you can.
The sun continues to bake away at your skin but the cool breeze coming off the river grants you an occasional respite. Still, your clothes and armor are beginning to soak through with sweat as you near the jungle edge. Roughly 6 hours into your march you reach the jungle on the western edge of the plains. You glance back and all you can see of the funeral pyre is a column of white and grey smoke rising into the air. The group takes a moment to take inventory of the soldiers and supplies before continuing into the jungle. Rawk and the scouts are able to locate a trail used by the wildlife. Your formation condenses as you enter the jungle and you continue deeper and deeper. An hour into the jungle Rawk takes flight in search of a suitable camp grounds and finds a patch of balsa trees. The large trunks and exposed twisting root provide partial cover while still providing ample floor space for multiple tents. Leading the group to the designated camp ground you begin to settle in and happily take off your armor and gear. Sweat drips from your brow as the once cool breeze is blocked by the dense foliage of the jungle.
Elia and a few of the shamans gather and discuss strategy then spread out and begin casting the same spell. You watch as the ground around the camp suddenly opens and sprout vines and shrubs rapidly in a large twisting hedge. Within a minute the entire camp is encircled by the 15 foot thick 5 foot tall hedge with the exception of two spots. On the east and west edges of the camp the hedge has a 15ft gap. The soldiers begin building small platforms as lookout posts at the edge of these openings while Faelar and Arion approach the group and commend Rawk for her idea. "This should protect us against most threats. Elia mentioned there is similar magic used to protect the entire village of Dom-Gar. She said it was much more intensive but this is a very wise use of their ability." Arion says. Faelar looks surprised but also skeptical. "From what she says this is permanent. She also said this same ability can be channeled over an extended time to promote the harvest within a mile of the magic user. Perhaps we could arrange a trade for the use of one of your shamans after this war is settled in Dom-Ryn. We are much more skilled at hunting and fishing than farming." As you converse, the last rays of sunlight begin to disappear from the sky and the flickers torch and campfire light soon become the only source of illumination.
(Feel free to converse amongst one another. It is roughly 8pm in the world. I need a d8 for the night d12 for the day, 2 perception checks and a survival checks)
As night closes in, Darion will walk over to Rawk, Robyn perching on his arm "I think Robyn is quite curious about you, Rawk," he holds out his arm and if Rawk is okay with it, Robyn will fly onto her shoulder, and give a soft 'aark' into her ear "She seems to be liking her form, enjoying flying in our world. I could change her form if needed, but in truth I think she would hate that."
Robyn glared at Darion for even suggesting such a thing, and nuzzles Rawk's feathers to show who she thinks her real friends are.
Darion laughs and continues "I think in her own way, she sees you two as quite similar - both of you like birds, but not really, both something so much more if you don't mind me saying so." he looks pensive for a moment, worrying if he has offended Rawk "can I ask a favour? When convenient, could Robyn fly with you - I think she would enjoy that, perhaps learn from it as well?"
Otherwise, Darion will spend the evening studying his spell book, making sure he has got his newer spells truly memorised.
Perception for Darion: 16
Perception for Robyn: 18
night: 8
day: 10
Do you like my Boots of Flying?
Survival: 13
Rawk allow it and cocks her head to nuzzle Robyn back. "She is quite the flier already. Yes, that is true I suppose." Rawk replies unsure of how to truly explain what she is herself. She knew she was different, a lot different in some cases but still closer to humans and elves than birds. At least that was how she was raised to act. "She is welcome to accompany me anytime you like. We can start tomorrow if that is agreeable with you." Rawk replies excited. She loved to fly and since she was different the only one who could share that with her was her father, or whoever she could carry. The prospect of having another flying companion was just what she needed to lift her spirits after a bad night. "Thank you for asking. I think we'll have lots of fun."
Erro spends the night unusually vigilant, volunteering for lookout, hoping to prevent any further misfortune. He was looking forward to a time to revel again, but this was not it.
Erro is amused by the exchange between Rawk and Robyn, though he doesn’t particularly like the idea of Robyn becoming any more adept at dive-bombing.
Perception: 8
This doesn’t seem to stop Erro from slipping in some fermented drink if it was available, or sitting back for a quick puff of pipeweed, taking his focus off the jungle for a moment.
Ellis would have spent his time trying to lift the spirits and boost morale of those around him as best as he can. Even though so many died yesterday, he wanted to make sure that everyone else could move on and not be sad or down. Of course this and his smile was to hide his own doubts and insecurity with everything that has happened so far. That night, Ellis has nightmares of the shadow creatures dragging him off into a dark forest to drain him of his life, along with Yuan-ti capturing him and being tortured by them endlessly.
Perception: 15
As the army group settles in for the night you each move along to your bedrolls and lie down, except for Erro. Erro, who smokes his pipe while assisting the guards at the western entrance. Small puffs of smoke rise into the night air with each breath and the smell drifts around the camp. As he looks out into the darkness, Erro sees nothing but trees and brush. The sounds of insects and creatures of the night cloud the air and as time passes begin to distort slightly. Erro blinks a few times and looks out into the jungle jerking in different directions as each distorted sound hits his ears. The two soldiers stationed with him chuckle a bit sharing a look of entertainment then turn back to the jungle. At the expiration of 30 minutes Erro passes out while standing and would have smacked into the ground were it not for the two guards. They prop him against the base of the log platform and wait for the second shift to carry Erro off to his bedroll. They deposit him, not forcefully but not gently onto the bedroll and leave to find rest themselves. Erro dreams about strange and mysterious creatures from the jungle that cause sudden external movements and murmurs to escape from his mouth while he sleeps.
The night passes by quietly, except for the constant sounds of jungle insects. The ambient sounds are disconcerting at first but in a few minutes begin to mimic the calming effect of the lake waves. You each find a more restful sleep than the previous night but your minds drift and wander in dreams brought on by anxiety. You awaken to the smell of tea being brewed and see the entire camp bustling into action. It's impressive to see the amount of consistency and mutual coordination this large group of individuals has. You think back to your own journey through the jungle and chuckle to yourself at the chaotic mess that is was. You pack your things and drink the tea which helps settle your mind and body then set off on what you hope to be the last day or two of travel. You exit through the western gap of the wall of brush and make your way towards Dom-Gar. The air is heavy with humidity and the smell of compost from the jungle floor. As Rawk and Robyn fly through the air they search for the driest and flattest paths to traverse the jungle. This causes the trip to take a bit longer but allows the entire group to avoid the many natural dangers of the jungle such as quicksand, mud pockets, poisonous foliage and predators.
As you take a moment to rest for lunch Arion and Faelar approach. "We believe we are within 8 hours travel of Dom-Gar at our current pace. The choice now is: do we march into the night, rest a few miles away from the village to arrive the next morning or try to increase our pace to arrive sooner?" Arion says asking the groups opinion. Elia listens and adds, "Yes, we are near Dom-Gar. There is a path that can reduce our travel time but the path cuts through a patch of poisonous plants. Do you think the soldiers would avoid touching the plants if forewarned? They smell delicious but are quite dangerous."
Ellis- While the others are conversing you hear a single heavy footfall to the southeast. You look into the jungle towards the direction and can't make out any shapes in the dense brush.
Everyone roll initiative, just in case!
Ellis has briefly listened to the others, thinking of whether they should march into the night or increase their pace while hearing of a shorter path. But then he could hear it, a heavy footfall even though he couldn't make out any shapes in the jungle. "I just heard something. We should get going, now!" Ellis quickly told everyone, knowing that they need to go in case it's something dangerous close by that might have just noticed them all.
Initiative: 14
Darion has a fitful nights sleep, awaking groggy and fed up in the morning, fed up with the jungle and it's dangers. On the other hand Robyn would enjoy flying with Rawk, swooping around her, almost dancing in the air.
Portents: 15, 12
Hi sighs at the choice Elia gives "To my mind, I think we should perhaps avoid the plants. In a group as large as this there is always going to be someone who can't resist, then we will have more delays in helping them. I vote to push on if possible."
At Ellis' warning he rolls his eyes "Well, of course!" he mutters under his breath for the umpteenth time "Let us move!"
Initiative: 17
Do you like my Boots of Flying?