"You all seem the have the braun, the skill, and perhaps even the magic covered, so sure I can make a few new friends if that's helpful." He winks at Toc.
"Yugoloths aren't known for their honesty, if they did somehow get it to willingly speak. Any grain of truth is probably going to be mixed in with lies. Though if a wizard does have some under their command, it's concerning."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
"Wizards and dragons and demons? Oh my!" Fianna says wistfully... "Seems a bit too coincidental to all be happening at the same time. Seems more like a game of DragonChess with all the pieces finally getting free from the back row."
(No, you are right, Mirica understood that she was not saying "the whole truth". But the other half was so innocent - she could convince herself it's not there and was honest in her attempt :) )
"You don't say", Mirica did not say it out loud, of course and kept the best dragon-poker face she could manage but Toc's surprise at discovery about others perception of him was priceless!
"I hoped that the only "human" face in the crowd could defuse the tension a bit." She smiled to Toc almost apologetically and shrugged, then looked at Jahren: "The Lieutenant was right, though, about consistency, and I would not want to look like a liar again. You want to talk for the group - it is all yours, I would not interfere anymore. You are certainly good at this." That was said matter-of-factly, just the information, nothing else.
Mirica stopped her mare and waited for Fianna to get closer so they can ride together: "Did you recognize some more pieces from your game?"
Toc nods in a business like manner to Jahren's wink.
He glances at Mirica after her human comment, watching her briefly with unblinking eyes, before glancing away.
The tension between the two of them is obvious for the rest of the group to witness, in between the unspoken words, flat faces and long looks.
The strange lodestone in Mirica's chest was absent, as it often was for long periods. She trotted along with the group free of its distracting pull. She asks Fianna about pieces. Fianna had dreamt last night. She'd be in the city, dancing, Mirica had been there too, along with Tic. The fairy folk were there, in the shadows, watching, singing, dancing, vines and tree roots in places throughout the city where they didn't belong. Soon they were dancing in amongst a ruin, crumbled rocks and stone amidst forest trees that had crept all the way to the shore. No chess was played, but there was a push there in her mind, a strained desire that was not hers.
She turns to Mirica and shakes her head. No new pieces on the board yet, aside from the ones they'd already stated.
SinSin spoke up, "Demons and dragons? Sheesh. I'm pretty good, but I don't think I'll be choking a dragon out any time soon. My arm won't even fit around their throat. Hopefully you guys aren't too serious."
The troupe continues south eventually entering the forest. At first the trees are smaller, the bush cut back, the road cutting through the woods with ditches on each side and sky above. But soon enough the trees get large. They pass a lumber mill with a large dirt yard along side the road, busy with activity. The sound of sawing, the smell of sawdust, and the busy movement of dozens of men. You make your way past. The large trees tower far above now, and the sky vanishes beneath the canopy above you. There is still plenty of room on the road, but it's grown darker, quieter, and the traffic has dropped off considerably once you left the homesteads, lumber mill, and farms behind.
You cross a wide stone bridge that crosses a small stream. It's starting to get dark and it's about time to be considering a stop for the night.
Loane, you look back. There's a bat squeaking around here somewhere. Not unusual, but it's been with you for the past thirty minutes. You see it pass between some trees squeaking as it goes.
Toc looks to the group, pointing to an area that looks like it's seen many camps, only a day south of Hillsfar. "I think this is us." He pulls his horse to the side.
As this is the groups first camp together, please let know what your evening habits look like, where/how you sleep, watches (perhaps we can choose a regular watch schedule), and morning routine as well.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Mirica can take the near dawn shift. She would not insist but she will be awake anyway, so, why not?
She is used to war camps (and war "life style") and learned to sleep when she can, eat what is available, and not capricious about living conditions. This time - in a peaceful travelling camp - she would use tent, but still participate in setting camp for everyone (probably with SinSin, as he gives that military style impression).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fianna is used to living rough in the woods, she isn't used to sleeping around strangers (or even acquaintances) though. She'll offer to take the first watch with the hopes of growing tired so it's easier to fall asleep amidst such oddness. She would patrol around the perimeter of the encampment, talking softly to her Pseudodragon familiar while she did. FinFin, the pseudo dragon, would take the time to stretch their wings weaving in and out of the trees, seeing what there is to see, hunting whatever insects and such a pseudo dragon eats... Fianna would of course talk a bit to whoever else was on the same watch as her, but the conversations would be a bit brief - Fianna may not really think this large a group needs much of a watch like this but she strives to take it serious and thus wouldn't want the entire watch concentrating on each other instead of the woods.
Before watch starts, Fianna will set up a tent. She'll aim to be a couple trees away from everyone else but not so far as to be out of sight or anything. Just trying for a little space between her and the others. When Fianna is finally off to try to sleep she will go into her tent, light a small candle, write in her journal for a short period before truly calling it a night. Before laying her head down to sleep, Fianna will make a habit of pulling an animal out of her Bag of Tricks to act as a bit of a personal guard while she and FinFin try to rest easily. ((Creature pulled tonight from the Rust Bag of Tricks is: 7 - I'll edit in answer here: Tonight is a rat. Hopefully it can nibble her ear to wake her if need be.))
She has no particular rituals or such other than the nightly journaling and pulling of a critter to guard her tent while she sleeps. ((And by guard I mean mainly be an early warning system to wake her if something happens... ))
Loane offers to take watch after Fianna. She helps set up camp, mostly in pitching tents or finding tinder for any fires made. After eating, she walks around the perimeter of the camp a few times, mostly to stretch her legs and have something to do, before hunkering down in her tent. She doesn't go to sleep right away, mostly just dozing until she has to be to be up for her watch. It was harder to fall asleep after waking up once.
During her watch, she periodically walks around the perimeter of the camp, but keeps close to the center. Most of the time, she sits in the camp, polishing her gear or double (and triple) checking to make sure everything in camp was in order. Loane keeps an eye out for that bat, when she can, keeping her shortbow and an arrow close to shoot at it if it decides to fly by again.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
Chen doesn't get involved in the conversation with the soldiers, preferring to listen and remain neutral. He enjoys the sights and sounds of the forest, just taking time to enjoy the journey.
At camp Chen volunteers to cook the evening and morning meals, and has plenty of gear, ingredients and skill to make a good meal out of whatever is available. He is happy to take any shift on watch. He pitches his large tent a little further from the others, explaining that previous traveling companions complained that he snores loudly. Given enough time, Chen also takes some moments to commune with nature, and even do a spot of fishing or lay out some snares to supplement the meals.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
The bat squeaks its last squeak as Loane releases an arrow and it slices clean through the small animal. When she goes to investigate however, she's unable to find the bat's body. Her arrow is stuck into a stump on the far side of the road which takes a few minutes to find. It has blood on it.
Toc looks at her as she returns, "Um, I sometimes make use of a magically conjured bat pet to keep an eye on things at night. That was not mine...don't worry, but....mine will now be active. Please don't shoot it." He raises his voice to the others, "If any of you have familiars aside from Fianna, best we let each other know so others of our group don't take action."
You each enjoy a complex meal made with spices and flavors you can't fully identify. It's remarkable what Chen's been able to produce with so little. You each reassess the dragon kin and realize that travelling with him may end up being quite pleasant.
Your camp is laid out, everyone displaying a good amount of experience being in a similar situation. It would seem several folks here have served with the military in the past as they setup is very perfunctory and matter of fact. The horses are hobbled and tied onto a shared line that allows some movement. Their snickering and huffing lends a busy background of noise to the camp.
Chen's commune with nature reveals nothing of particular interest, but does allow him to collect several key herbs for their dinner. No powerful undead around, no significant buildings within 3 miles, and no influence from other planes of existence.
Fianna takes first watch. Soon the camp is quiet, the horses settled and dozing. Everyone is within a tent except Tic and Toc who are in a black opaque hemisphere.
FinFin spends the watch period flapping from limb to limb seeking insects and other fare. Chen's snoring starts about thirty minutes in and sounds like a giant dragging a log through the forest in short bursts. Fianna reassess Chen's presence back down...she's not sure the food will make up for this.
Fianna, roll perception, and FinFin.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Fianna assess the placement of her tent. Luckily both her and the Dragonborn choose to set up a bit away from the main group... And opposite bits away. :)
Fianna perception: 13
FinFIn perception: 21 ((with advantage due to Keen Senses. The pseudodragon has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight, hearing, or smell.))
Assuming Fianna gets to go to sleep without incident she'll add one item to her routine before laying her head down - Prestidigitation to create a soothing, melodic tune around her to distract from the snoring that she can still hear.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
818They were just into the forest along a well patrolled major trade road, only a day from Hillsfar. This should have been an uneventful camp. Fianna heard the grinding of a steel pawn being dragged across a marble board grating on her preternatural senses. She broke from the brief reverie and heard the snap of a twig in the darkness. FinFin perked seeing numerous shadows moving through the woods. Orcs with crossbows at the ready, aimed at camp creeping through the woods. They were nearly upon them.
Roll initiative er’ one. Fianna, you have one free round of action before combat begins.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Jahren happily sets up his own tent and rolls out his bedroll to make for a relatively comfortable place to rest. He volunteers to join Fianna on first watch as he often stays up writing in his journal anyhow. Doing so around any fire the group created, the elf is as relaxed as can be, leaning against a log and putting his feat up on another. He'd chat with Fianna a little, but take the hint on not talking too much or asking too many questions. He does introduce himself to FinFin in draconic, as well.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mirica Initiative: 15
Time of (relative) peace made her too relaxed - she used to react faster. Still, signal in the night is a signal in the night. Armor-weapon-medkit. Mirica was ready to anything.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hopefully the birds and critters already scampered off, Fianna thinks to herself as she lifts her staff and carefully considers optimal placement of her spell. She leaves at least a ten foot buffer between where she believes the closest tent to the orcs is and the outer edge of her spell... So about forty feet away from that tent she will center her spell. Staff listed, one hand reaching into her bag of holding to grasp the needed components, Fianna concentrates and mutters the triggering phrase: "Go maire mo naimhde go huafásach!" With that, Circle of Death is cast where she ensures her companions are safe but she hopes to effect the largest number of foes possible.
Each creature in that area must make a Constitution saving throw. A target takes 24 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The shrieks of dying orcs rips through the dark forest as a massive section of the forest radiates death.
Loane, your eyes snap open as you hear the dying screams of orcs out in the forest, recognizing their gutteral cries in an instant. You hear the whistling thud of crossbow bolts flying through the air as well. You are prone, in your tent. Your action.
Chen, if you go before 16, also please take your action. You are prone and in your tent.
11
Toc comes striding out of his hemisphere, a rapier in one hand, his staff in the other. He seems to be moving very quickly as he glances around the dark forest for enemies.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Initiative: 21
Chen was enjoying a nice dream about pork ribs and crackling when the commotion rouses him from sleep. All too familiar with the sounds of battle, he instinctively snatches up his large hammer and becomes wide awake. There is a throbbing behind his eyes as thoughts and memories of blood and screaming ring in his ears. Stay calm, stay calm, he repeats to himself, making a conscious effort to slow his breathing. The large dragonborn half-crawls out of the tent and stands, peering into the gloom and shadows from the firelight, trying to get a sense of where his companions are and where the assault is coming from.
Used 20' of movement to stand, and probably 5' to exit tent, so have about 15' left. Presumably Chen's tent is further than that from the camp, so will use any remaining movement plus take the Dash action (40') to move toward the horses and check on their safety.
"You all seem the have the braun, the skill, and perhaps even the magic covered, so sure I can make a few new friends if that's helpful." He winks at Toc.
"Yugoloths aren't known for their honesty, if they did somehow get it to willingly speak. Any grain of truth is probably going to be mixed in with lies. Though if a wizard does have some under their command, it's concerning."
The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
"Wizards and dragons and demons? Oh my!" Fianna says wistfully... "Seems a bit too coincidental to all be happening at the same time. Seems more like a game of DragonChess with all the pieces finally getting free from the back row."
(No, you are right, Mirica understood that she was not saying "the whole truth". But the other half was so innocent - she could convince herself it's not there and was honest in her attempt :) )
"You don't say", Mirica did not say it out loud, of course and kept the best dragon-poker face she could manage but Toc's surprise at discovery about others perception of him was priceless!
"I hoped that the only "human" face in the crowd could defuse the tension a bit." She smiled to Toc almost apologetically and shrugged, then looked at Jahren: "The Lieutenant was right, though, about consistency, and I would not want to look like a liar again. You want to talk for the group - it is all yours, I would not interfere anymore. You are certainly good at this." That was said matter-of-factly, just the information, nothing else.
Mirica stopped her mare and waited for Fianna to get closer so they can ride together: "Did you recognize some more pieces from your game?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Toc nods in a business like manner to Jahren's wink.
He glances at Mirica after her human comment, watching her briefly with unblinking eyes, before glancing away.
The tension between the two of them is obvious for the rest of the group to witness, in between the unspoken words, flat faces and long looks.
The strange lodestone in Mirica's chest was absent, as it often was for long periods. She trotted along with the group free of its distracting pull. She asks Fianna about pieces. Fianna had dreamt last night. She'd be in the city, dancing, Mirica had been there too, along with Tic. The fairy folk were there, in the shadows, watching, singing, dancing, vines and tree roots in places throughout the city where they didn't belong. Soon they were dancing in amongst a ruin, crumbled rocks and stone amidst forest trees that had crept all the way to the shore. No chess was played, but there was a push there in her mind, a strained desire that was not hers.
She turns to Mirica and shakes her head. No new pieces on the board yet, aside from the ones they'd already stated.
SinSin spoke up, "Demons and dragons? Sheesh. I'm pretty good, but I don't think I'll be choking a dragon out any time soon. My arm won't even fit around their throat. Hopefully you guys aren't too serious."
The troupe continues south eventually entering the forest. At first the trees are smaller, the bush cut back, the road cutting through the woods with ditches on each side and sky above. But soon enough the trees get large. They pass a lumber mill with a large dirt yard along side the road, busy with activity. The sound of sawing, the smell of sawdust, and the busy movement of dozens of men. You make your way past. The large trees tower far above now, and the sky vanishes beneath the canopy above you. There is still plenty of room on the road, but it's grown darker, quieter, and the traffic has dropped off considerably once you left the homesteads, lumber mill, and farms behind.
You cross a wide stone bridge that crosses a small stream. It's starting to get dark and it's about time to be considering a stop for the night.
Loane, you look back. There's a bat squeaking around here somewhere. Not unusual, but it's been with you for the past thirty minutes. You see it pass between some trees squeaking as it goes.
Toc looks to the group, pointing to an area that looks like it's seen many camps, only a day south of Hillsfar. "I think this is us." He pulls his horse to the side.
As this is the groups first camp together, please let know what your evening habits look like, where/how you sleep, watches (perhaps we can choose a regular watch schedule), and morning routine as well.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Mirica can take the near dawn shift. She would not insist but she will be awake anyway, so, why not?
She is used to war camps (and war "life style") and learned to sleep when she can, eat what is available, and not capricious about living conditions. This time - in a peaceful travelling camp - she would use tent, but still participate in setting camp for everyone (probably with SinSin, as he gives that military style impression).
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Fianna is used to living rough in the woods, she isn't used to sleeping around strangers (or even acquaintances) though. She'll offer to take the first watch with the hopes of growing tired so it's easier to fall asleep amidst such oddness. She would patrol around the perimeter of the encampment, talking softly to her Pseudodragon familiar while she did. FinFin, the pseudo dragon, would take the time to stretch their wings weaving in and out of the trees, seeing what there is to see, hunting whatever insects and such a pseudo dragon eats... Fianna would of course talk a bit to whoever else was on the same watch as her, but the conversations would be a bit brief - Fianna may not really think this large a group needs much of a watch like this but she strives to take it serious and thus wouldn't want the entire watch concentrating on each other instead of the woods.
Before watch starts, Fianna will set up a tent. She'll aim to be a couple trees away from everyone else but not so far as to be out of sight or anything. Just trying for a little space between her and the others. When Fianna is finally off to try to sleep she will go into her tent, light a small candle, write in her journal for a short period before truly calling it a night. Before laying her head down to sleep, Fianna will make a habit of pulling an animal out of her Bag of Tricks to act as a bit of a personal guard while she and FinFin try to rest easily. ((Creature pulled tonight from the Rust Bag of Tricks is: 7 - I'll edit in answer here: Tonight is a rat. Hopefully it can nibble her ear to wake her if need be.))
She has no particular rituals or such other than the nightly journaling and pulling of a critter to guard her tent while she sleeps. ((And by guard I mean mainly be an early warning system to wake her if something happens... ))
Loane offers to take watch after Fianna. She helps set up camp, mostly in pitching tents or finding tinder for any fires made. After eating, she walks around the perimeter of the camp a few times, mostly to stretch her legs and have something to do, before hunkering down in her tent. She doesn't go to sleep right away, mostly just dozing until she has to be to be up for her watch. It was harder to fall asleep after waking up once.
During her watch, she periodically walks around the perimeter of the camp, but keeps close to the center. Most of the time, she sits in the camp, polishing her gear or double (and triple) checking to make sure everything in camp was in order. Loane keeps an eye out for that bat, when she can, keeping her shortbow and an arrow close to shoot at it if it decides to fly by again.
The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
Take your shot bat hunter. The bat comes squeaking by.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Attack: 28
If it hits: 11
The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
Chen doesn't get involved in the conversation with the soldiers, preferring to listen and remain neutral. He enjoys the sights and sounds of the forest, just taking time to enjoy the journey.
At camp Chen volunteers to cook the evening and morning meals, and has plenty of gear, ingredients and skill to make a good meal out of whatever is available. He is happy to take any shift on watch. He pitches his large tent a little further from the others, explaining that previous traveling companions complained that he snores loudly. Given enough time, Chen also takes some moments to commune with nature, and even do a spot of fishing or lay out some snares to supplement the meals.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
The bat squeaks its last squeak as Loane releases an arrow and it slices clean through the small animal. When she goes to investigate however, she's unable to find the bat's body. Her arrow is stuck into a stump on the far side of the road which takes a few minutes to find. It has blood on it.
Toc looks at her as she returns, "Um, I sometimes make use of a magically conjured bat pet to keep an eye on things at night. That was not mine...don't worry, but....mine will now be active. Please don't shoot it." He raises his voice to the others, "If any of you have familiars aside from Fianna, best we let each other know so others of our group don't take action."
You each enjoy a complex meal made with spices and flavors you can't fully identify. It's remarkable what Chen's been able to produce with so little. You each reassess the dragon kin and realize that travelling with him may end up being quite pleasant.
Your camp is laid out, everyone displaying a good amount of experience being in a similar situation. It would seem several folks here have served with the military in the past as they setup is very perfunctory and matter of fact. The horses are hobbled and tied onto a shared line that allows some movement. Their snickering and huffing lends a busy background of noise to the camp.
Chen's commune with nature reveals nothing of particular interest, but does allow him to collect several key herbs for their dinner. No powerful undead around, no significant buildings within 3 miles, and no influence from other planes of existence.
Fianna takes first watch. Soon the camp is quiet, the horses settled and dozing. Everyone is within a tent except Tic and Toc who are in a black opaque hemisphere.
FinFin spends the watch period flapping from limb to limb seeking insects and other fare. Chen's snoring starts about thirty minutes in and sounds like a giant dragging a log through the forest in short bursts. Fianna reassess Chen's presence back down...she's not sure the food will make up for this.
Fianna, roll perception, and FinFin.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Fianna assess the placement of her tent. Luckily both her and the Dragonborn choose to set up a bit away from the main group... And opposite bits away. :)
Fianna perception: 13
FinFIn perception: 21 ((with advantage due to Keen Senses. The pseudodragon has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight, hearing, or smell.))
Assuming Fianna gets to go to sleep without incident she'll add one item to her routine before laying her head down - Prestidigitation to create a soothing, melodic tune around her to distract from the snoring that she can still hear.
818They were just into the forest along a well patrolled major trade road, only a day from Hillsfar. This should have been an uneventful camp. Fianna heard the grinding of a steel pawn being dragged across a marble board grating on her preternatural senses. She broke from the brief reverie and heard the snap of a twig in the darkness. FinFin perked seeing numerous shadows moving through the woods. Orcs with crossbows at the ready, aimed at camp creeping through the woods. They were nearly upon them.
Roll initiative er’ one. Fianna, you have one free round of action before combat begins.
orcs : 8
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Jahren happily sets up his own tent and rolls out his bedroll to make for a relatively comfortable place to rest. He volunteers to join Fianna on first watch as he often stays up writing in his journal anyhow. Doing so around any fire the group created, the elf is as relaxed as can be, leaning against a log and putting his feat up on another. He'd chat with Fianna a little, but take the hint on not talking too much or asking too many questions. He does introduce himself to FinFin in draconic, as well.
Initiative: 14
Mirica Initiative: 15
Time of (relative) peace made her too relaxed - she used to react faster. Still, signal in the night is a signal in the night. Armor-weapon-medkit. Mirica was ready to anything.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Initiative: 29
((Advantage on it due to one of the Scout Rogue features))
The ever growing document of character concepts can never be too long, can it?
Hopefully the birds and critters already scampered off, Fianna thinks to herself as she lifts her staff and carefully considers optimal placement of her spell. She leaves at least a ten foot buffer between where she believes the closest tent to the orcs is and the outer edge of her spell... So about forty feet away from that tent she will center her spell. Staff listed, one hand reaching into her bag of holding to grasp the needed components, Fianna concentrates and mutters the triggering phrase: "Go maire mo naimhde go huafásach!" With that, Circle of Death is cast where she ensures her companions are safe but she hopes to effect the largest number of foes possible.
Each creature in that area must make a Constitution saving throw. A target takes 24 necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Fianna Initiative: 17
FinFin initiative: 21
The shrieks of dying orcs rips through the dark forest as a massive section of the forest radiates death.
Loane, your eyes snap open as you hear the dying screams of orcs out in the forest, recognizing their gutteral cries in an instant. You hear the whistling thud of crossbow bolts flying through the air as well. You are prone, in your tent. Your action.
Chen, if you go before 16, also please take your action. You are prone and in your tent.
11
Toc comes striding out of his hemisphere, a rapier in one hand, his staff in the other. He seems to be moving very quickly as he glances around the dark forest for enemies.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Initiative: 21
Chen was enjoying a nice dream about pork ribs and crackling when the commotion rouses him from sleep. All too familiar with the sounds of battle, he instinctively snatches up his large hammer and becomes wide awake. There is a throbbing behind his eyes as thoughts and memories of blood and screaming ring in his ears. Stay calm, stay calm, he repeats to himself, making a conscious effort to slow his breathing. The large dragonborn half-crawls out of the tent and stands, peering into the gloom and shadows from the firelight, trying to get a sense of where his companions are and where the assault is coming from.
Used 20' of movement to stand, and probably 5' to exit tent, so have about 15' left. Presumably Chen's tent is further than that from the camp, so will use any remaining movement plus take the Dash action (40') to move toward the horses and check on their safety.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?