The Wildemount Irregulars (2020)

The sword cuts into the creature's legs as it flits about above you, but the second attack misses.  Balassar's frustration seems to be affecting his skills, perhaps.

The bird strikes back:

Attack: 22 Damage: 9
Attack: 10 Damage: 5

Balassar, as a beak stabs your arm, you begin to wonder who is wearing who down in this fight.

Alton is up.

"Lets end this so we can go help the others." Alton says to Balassar as he loads another bolt into his crossbow and fires it at the creature.

Action: Fires a crossbow bolt at the peryton, Attack: 18 Damage: 7 Piercing

Balassar drops unconscious from the Peryton's last attack, but Alton then fires a final crossbow bolt, killing the last peryton in this area.

With Silent's help, the rest of the guards are now holding their own against the remaining perytons, but they will need help in order to fight them off completely.  In the meantime, Balassar is on the ground, unconscious and bleeding out.  What will Alton do?

Alton will cast Cure Wounds at second level on Balassar, healing him for 11. 

Balassar, you return to consciousness, on the ground but alive, the worst of your wounds healed.

You join the battle for the rest of the caravan, and with you and the guards working together you are able to drive off, though not kill the remaining hostile perytons.

Silence falls once again.  The civilians crawl out from beneath the wagons where they had taken shelter.  Captain Fray rushes to look at the prone bodies of two of her guards, both badly wounded but seemingly alive.  It takes her a few minutes, and the aid of one of her other guards, but she tends to their wounds.  They do not wake yet though, and one of them now has a large eyepatch covering the socket that his eye was ripped from.  The only other casualty is Silent's horse; the other horses have run, but not too far, and the civilians retrieve them for you.

Two attacks from perytons, the captain says, shaking her head.  And if you hadn't been here, there would likely have been none of us left alive.  She gazes at Balassar, who has now returned to his normal size.  Nice trick.  Can you teach me?

The rest of the caravan is making preparations to camp, not planning to move further this day.

Alton plops down around the wounded, and pulling out his lute, begins to play a soft bittersweet melody. (Like the song of healing from Majora's Mask). Seeing if a restful song will speed up their recovery a little bit. He will also throw a Healing Word to the two worse looking guards, "Good on you two for protecting the civilians. Get some well deserved rest." Healing one guard for 6, and the other guard for 5. "Hopefully that is the last of them and the rest of the trip is smooth." 

(Not sure if the Song of Rest ability will do anything, but worth a shot.)

Alton, you do manage to heal both guards; they look better, and come to groggy consciousness, but they are too badly wounded for even magical healing to restore fully or quickly.  However, the magic and the beauty of your song do lift spirits in the camp, and gradually the mood changes from one of devastation to one of looking on the bright side that no-one was killed.

Silent will take the time to bury his horse by the side of the road before rejoining the camp and enjoying Alton's music, striking up casual conversations with any of the other travelers or guards if and when they seem interested. 

Silent, a few of the guards and drivers - not those posted to watch duty - come along to help you bury your horse.  They are chatty, and happy to talk to you.  Chipper is among them, and seems to be encouraging everyone to lend a hend.

One of the wagon drivers that helps is the one that has been watching Balassar for several days.  She comes over as you are finishing.  I'm sorry about your horse, she says awkwardly, and looks as though she has something on her mind.  Ummm, your friend, Mr. Balassar.  Can I ask you a favour, please?  I... um... we don't see many dragonborn in Felderwin you see, and even then they mostly just pass through.  Do you think... you could ask him... he's a bit scary, you see, but I'd really like to draw a picture of him.  I like to draw in my spare time, you see.  Would you mind... asking him for me?

Silent cracks a grin but stops himself from chuckling as he thinks it might be rude. No problem, I'm sure he won't take issue with it. Draw his muscles real big and I reckon he'll be a happy model. He winks.

He will relay the story to Balassar at his earliest convenience. Seems like you're well on your way to making some fans, mate. He slaps him on the back. 

Balassar just spits on the dead bird giving it a kick "Piece of..." he says not finishing as the soldier mentions his trick "Thanks...kind of learned it from some giants. Though if your willing feel free to find me tonight by the fire."

As Silent walks up and taps him on the back he just blinks "What ya mean?"

Silent gestures surreptitiously to the wagon driver if she's still within view and whispers, Young lady over there wants to make a sketch of you. Says she ain't seen many dragonborn folk around these parts and was too scared to ask you herself. He grins. Can't pass up an opportunity like that if you ask me. I hear nobles pay a damn fortune to get their ugly mugs painted and here you are gettin' a portrait for free! 

Feel free to let me know what Balassar's response and action is, if any. :)

The night passes without incident; you take your turns on watch, but that night and the following day and night are peaceful.  During the day, Captain Frey talks to a shepherd who is guarding their flock within sight of the road; it seems there have been a few peryton attacks locally in the past week or so, despite the creatures being rare in this area most seasons, but the shepherd is glad to hear that so many have been killed.  It seems we've done the folks here a favour, Fray says.  So that's a positive, right?

The two injured guards are getting better, and are able to sit up and join the rest for supper that day.

The following morning, the caravan resumes its path.  Same as before, I'd like you each to give me two Perception checks, one for the day's travel, and one for the night's watch.  Can the first person to read this also please give me two d20 rolls to see if you have any encounters, and if you roll an 18 or above, also give me a d12.

Alton
Day's travel perception: 13 
Night's watch perception: 18 

Encounters: 15, 16; if above an 18, 9 

Balassar just nods walking over to the girl "If anyone asks who the drawing is tell them Balassar Silverstone, of the Silverstone Forge in Zadash member of the..." he pauses for a moment to look at the other two "What are we calling our band exactly?" he asks looking at the other two. As he waits for an answer before turning back to the girl "How would you like me to stand...never done this kind of thing."

--------Transition------

As they walk during the day he listens to Captain Frey make her comment and just nods "Anything to help the people trust us."

OOC:

Just going to assume he fills in whatever the other two agree on for their mercenary band name

Alton gives Balassar a shrug, "That kind of slipped my mind with everything we had going on, so I guess it is still a work in progress. Though..." His words trail off as he looks between Balassar, Silent, and himself. "The three of us do seem to be a bit of a motley crew of... mercenaries? Is that what you would call us?" He turns to Silent, "What do you think any ideas for a name?"

--------Transition------

On the next morning, Alton would walk his horse over to Silent and hold out the reigns, "I'm sorry about your horse, Silent. I tried to stop that peryton from reaching them, but it didn't work out. So, here you can take my horse and I'll ride in one of the wagons that needs an extra guard. As a bonus I can tell some stories or play some music to help pass the time too." 

Balassar, the young woman gulps at your words; she seems a strange mix of intimidated by your size and presence, and eagerness to accept your offer.  She's very tongue-tied but she stammers out:  no, it's okay, you don't need to sit still or stand or anything.  Unless you want to.  I just... I just want to watch you, and draw, if that's okay.  And thank you.  She scurries off, finds a spot where she can see you but is half hidden by a wagon wheel, and gets out her notebook and begins to draw.

Since nothing much happens during the day or night, I guess we don't really need Balassar or Silent's checks today.  The following morning, the camp packs up and the caravan gets underway again.

(Feel free to continue the conversation about your group's name over the next days - it's a big decision, but definitely something you should agree on...)

Okay, so next person to read this, please give me two d20 rolls, and if either is 18 or above, give me a d12.

In response to Alton's question, Silent scratches his beard. Ain't never been much good with words and such.  A dragonborn, a half-orc and a halfling... hmmm, sounds like the start of a bad joke.  Let's mull this over, got nothin' but time while we're on the road. 

--------Transition------

Silent will fist-bump Alton. Not your fault mate, but I appreciate the offer all the same. Reckon the guards'll be happy to have the music so I'll take you up on that. Thanks. 

d20 rolls: 4  6   
d12 roll if needed: 10   

The day's journey is peaceful, and in the evening, once the camp is made and light is beginning to fade, the halfling continues her drawing of Balassar, though mostly from afar.

Silent, your guard friend Chipper comes over:  Got any more stories?  What's the furthest place from Felderwin you've ever been, eh?

The night however is more eventful.  Can I please get a watch order (first, second, third) and a Perception roll from everyone?

Balassar just nods at there responses before turning back to the girl “Guess we are just a bunch of Irregulars that came together at Felderwin.”