The Lady's Escort
Log Info
- Title: The Lady's Escort
- GM: Ravenstongue
- Characters: Dirk, Eztli, Rocky, Telamon, Thurid
- Place: Greater Alexandros - Road between Mythwood and Alexandria
- Summary: After recovering from her injuries inflicted by her would-be captor and her feather cloak was rescued by a previous group of adventurers, Lady Nuala has commissioned a new group of adventurers to escort her to her native home of the Mythwood. The ride is smooth sailing until a group of leucrottas accost the wagon. When Thurid goes to check out the leucrottas' lure of a wailing child, the strange creatures attack! Spells and weapons put the beasts down, and the adventurers successfully escort Lady Nuala home to the Mythwood, where they watch her transform into a swan and swim away with her noble fey mother.
- Encounter 1 - CR10 (9600 XP):
- (4) Leucrotta (+1 Advanced) (CR 6, 2400 ea)
Your latest assignment from the Explorers' Guild sees you and your allies outside of the gates of the city of Alexandria. There is a horse-drawn wagon waiting for you there, as well as a young woman of seemingly elvish heritage with long waves of white hair and doelike, deep brown eyes. She wears a fine silk gown of deep blue and a cloak of white feathers that descend down to the ground, and she regards you and your allies with a passive, somewhat placid look as you approach, and after a moment, the lips of her mouth curl slightly into a small smile.
The mission brief was pretty clear: escort one Lady Nuala (the young woman before you certainly fits the bill as a Lady Nuala) into the Mythwood, the woods to the northwest of Alexandria that is home to elven towns and settlements that are more readily accepting of outsiders than their kin in Llyranost--to a point, that is. Beyond the border settlements, guards are posted to keep those who shouldn't be in the sacred woods out.
"I am glad that you have arrived," the Lady Nuala says softly. "I hope that our ride will be uneventful and free of danger, but I know better than to expect such from the wilderness. I am called Lady Nuala, and I have been in Alexandria due to certain circumstances for some time, but I wish to return to my home in the Mythwood. Unfortunately, I am unable to fight alongside you as an ally, and therefore I must trouble you with the task of protecting me in the event we are attacked."
She pauses for a moment. "If there are no questions, we will depart immediately. The wagon is able to accommodate all of us." And she's right about that, at least. It's a pretty roomy-looking wagon from the outside, if somewhat plain and unassuming.
The wind blows quite pleasantly, tugging at Telamon's cloak and his platinum hair as he approaches the wagon with a spring in his step and a smile on his face. "Lady Nuala," he addresses the woman in Sylvan, "it is good to see you again. I am honored to be a part of this venture." Switching smoothly to tradespeak, he continues, "You need not fear. It seems the Guild has gathered some stout friends indeed to defend you on your way."
Tel's own garments are more utilitarian than decorative, the linen tunic and trousers reinforced with canvas at the elbows and knees, and his boots are well-worn and comfortable. His haversack slung at his waist, as he pulls himself up into the wagon, eyes sparkling as he awaits the others.
Rocky chuffs softly, nodding in acknowledgement and respect to the Lady. "This One is called Rocky, of Warrior caste. This One's place is between Lady and danger." The greyscale moves to take position beside the wagon, intending to stay afoot. A quarter ton of armored lizard is a lot to haul, even for a wagon.
Thurid arrives at the edge of town- the Cleric is dressed for a scrap, as she usually is when taking an assignment, no matter how innocuous it might seem. You just never know. As such she is adorned in a suit of chainmail that catches and amplifies the light in a brilliant golden hue. Her massive Earthbreaker is slung over one shoulder, the grey-green head of it in stark contrast with her brilliant celestial mail.
She offers a broad gap-toothed smile in greeting when she arrives, "'tis no trouble at all, Lady. I'm well pleased for the chance to make myself useful." she offers then. Her broad grin is turned, along with nods of greeting, to her adventuring companions as they arrive.
She peers inside the carriage when offered and chuckles a bit, "I might just fit indeed." she says, offering a boistrous laugh a moment later. She hefts herself in, the wagon perceptibly sinking on its axle as she boards it, and finds herself somewhere to sit. The head of the hammer is turned upside down to lay on the floor of the vehicle, while its haft is propped against the side next to her.
Dirk has assembled with the team, as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (or bushy-bearded rather) as he can manage. He's got his thunderbelcher over one shoulder, and his little owl-friend Lulu perched atop the other. He plants his free hand on his hip, puffing up his burly chest proudly. With his own cloak furling in the wind and stirring the plume on his tricorne, he cuts quite the dashing figure. His mythril breastplate gleams with a mirror shine from a fresh polish. "Not tae fret, milady," he rumbles confidently. "We'll get ye home, nae sweat! Isn't that right, Lulu?" The little owl fluffs her wings and puffs up her feathers. "Hoo! Hoo hoo-oo!" Thus spake The Lulu. Lumbering over to the wagon, Dirk eyes the carriage, then shakes his head. He instead steps over to the buckboard, clambering nimbly up to take position next to the driver.
"Well, it's not unreasonable to be concerned about the trip out." Eztli shrugs. "There's still undead afield, and the woods haven't been checked over as thoroughly for threats as of late. Not trying to cause concern, just saying that a trip out, and a trip back needs to be mindful."
. The small makari steps to one side to let the others board, before hopping in herself. "And I'm certainly hoping for an uneventful ride, some time to relax would be nice."
Lady Nuala looks visibly reassured by most words offered to her. "I am... very happy that you are so willing to help," she says, although her voice still remains at a quiet volume. One has to wonder if she's even capable of being loud. "The kindness of adventurers in this city will never be forgotten. I wish I had gotten to meet your betrothed before leaving, sir Telamon, but recovering took me a substantially long time due to my... frail condition."
She looks to Eztli. "Hence why I've commissioned adventurers to escort me home," she says, "as I am in no shape to be fighting undead nor little else. But let us not tarry lest we lose the light of day."
The Lady Nuala climbs into the wagon, although she offers Rocky a worried glance as he intends to be afoot, and the wagon lurches forward.
The journey to the Mythwood follows along one of the great roads--a familiar and well-trodden path, judging by the quality of the road. While travel hasn't fully resumed yet, you do pass one or two other travelers along the way in similar horse-drawn wagon fashion. Life is slowly returning to normal.
Eventually the path takes one through a wooded area, with trees springing up alongside the road in dense clusters. The Lady seems a little troubled as she casts a look out of one window. "We ought to be careful here," she remarks. "When I was... on this path last, the people that I was with encountered some territorial wildlife. But they were able to handle the creatures with some minor injury." Her expression tightens a little, an edge to her voice as she discusses the 'people'.
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "If you are paying attention to the road and actively keeping an ear/eye out, roll me some Perception checks with a +5 heroic bonus, please." <OOC> Thurid will cast Detect Evil and keep a look out. GAME: Rocky rolls perception+5: (3)+12+5: 20 GAME: Telamon rolls perception+5: (15)+12+5: 32 GAME: Dirk rolls perception+5: (3)+12+5: 20 GAME: Eztli rolls perception: (16)+5: 21 GAME: Thurid casts Detect Evil. Caster Level: 10 DC: 15 GAME: Thurid rolls perception+5: (8)+10+5: 23
Thurid offers bright smiles to her companions as the ride gets underway, "I've been cooped up in the city for too long- tending to those that fight is of course a worthy endeavor, but I've been wanting to lay my hammer on some action." she says, and then settles back to enjoy the ride for a time.
When their client expresses her concerns about the presence of territorial animals, and perhaps worse, she purses her lips a moment and nods her head. She clutches the maul- a miniature one, in cast iron, hanging from the chain about her neck. With a murmured prayer, she closes her eyes. And when they open again, the once steely grey eyes glow with a deep blue.
She stoops her way over towards the end of the carriage, hammer by her side, and grips the edge of it with one hand as she looks outside. "I sense something evil. Hard to say what, or how many, but there's something wickeder than hungry animals abroad." she reports back.
Telamon looks as though he doesn't have a care in the world, but as always, looks can be deceiving. As the wagon rolls on, Telamon is happy to point out landmarks, and at one point jokes about one forested area. "Take care if you enter there," he quips. "There's a family of dryads there, and while they may not hurt you, if they take a shine to you it can be embarrassing." His eyes twinkle merrily.
However, the twinkle fades as they move on, and then Tel's eyes flicker, studying the treeline. "Heads up, my friends," he says with a far less jovial tone. "Something's pacing us, in the woods. I got a glimpse of it." He glances at Thurid. "Might be the same thing you sensed."
Rocky keeps up without much trouble, used to being afoot. His attention roams, keeping an eye on the surroundings, but no small part of his attention spent checking on the occupants of the wagon. He nods at Thurid's and Telamon's observations, keeping blade and shield close, but sees nothing of immediate worry.
Dirk sits on the buckboard with his thunderbelcher across his lap. He took advantage of the outdoor seating to fill and light his pipe, sending up idle little puffs as his gaze sweeps the surrounds. He'd intended to use his higher vantage point to get a better look at things, but even his usually keen gaze doesn't seem to pick up much. He leans back as Telamon calls out his warning, reaching up to take the pipe from his mouth. He peers into the wood. "I see nothin'," he says. "Can ye make out what it is, Master Telamon?"
<OOC> Thurid says, "I'd like to cast Bless as a precation." GAME: Thurid casts Bless. Caster Level: 10 DC: 15 <OOC> Eztli would like to cast mage armor GAME: Eztli casts Mage Armor. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16
Thurid shifts her grip on her hammer, still looking out into the woods ahead, "Met a Dryad before. Bit of a prickly disposition, but anyone with the strength to hold back a mountain has my eternal respect." she replies absently- though her attention is focused outward.
She relinquishes her grip on the sideboard of the carriage and brings it to the maul at her throat once more. "Mountain High, Watch over us." she murmurs. A sensation, like the feeling of distant thunder rattling your sternum washes over the group, instilling them with bravado.
Eztli had her spot in the back of the carriage, where she could relax and see out the side somewhat. She wasn't keeping too much watch, as she knew that most people there would probably have a better handle on anything appearing out of nowhere.
"I'm not surprised if something is following us. Could be an animal, could be something else, still pays to be on guard." The small makari huffs, snapping her fingers once with a simple "ward." uttered, as her robes shimmer for a brief second. "They've got the advantage if they try to attack us, so anything we can do to lessen that is for the best. I'd make sure you have some cover for yourself, lady Nuala, just in case."
"I'm staying in the wagon," Lady Nuala responds. "I ask that if you all leave to investigate, stay close and please defend me. I apologize--"
The Lady's request is cut off by a wailing sound in the woods. "Help me! Please help me!" a child's voice rings out.
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Rocky, make me a Will save, please." GAME: Rocky rolls will: (15)+3: 18 <OOC> Rocky says, "+2 Bravery bonus if matters"
Rocky moves. For someone who resembles a statue, the lizard is quite quick when he wants, shifting around to place himself between the source of the cry and the wagon. "...is likely trap, but maybe go check anyway?"
Telamon grunts. "I only got a glance, Dirk. But there's something out there. And since our talented and muscular priestess here," he tilts his head to Thurid with a tight grin, "is picking up something foul, I've a feeling whatever it is might not be friendly..."
He stiffens at the child's voice, though, coming upright as he glances at Lady Nuala, before looking to the forest again. "It could be real. Or it might -not- be," he growls. "Wait. I've an idea..."
<OOC> Telamon says, "RT: I would like to use Shadow Conjuration to mimic Summon Monster III, and conjure a Lantern Archon. Then I'll send it into the trees to see what's going on." <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Oooh. Okay. I like that idea! Cast it and I'll page you what you see." <OOC> Telamon says, "Well, it would have to report back, no telepathy. But it does have truespeech." GAME: Telamon casts Shadow Conjuration. Caster Level: 10 DC: 21 <OOC> Thurid says, "I'm going to activate the wings on my armor and step off the carriage to get a birds eye view." <OOC> Thurid says, "5 minutes of Fly, CL5th" <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Dope. Thurid and Telamon, actually, give me a Knowledge/Arcana check." GAME: Telamon rolls knowledge/arcana: (14)+11: 25 <OOC> Thurid does not have that knowskill.
Thurid nods her head at Lady Nuala, "Of course-" she begins to respond, right as the scream cuts them off. Thurid's head darts around towards it, and she hefts her hammer. Is it a trap? Probably. Does it matter? Not to Thurid. She bounds towards the rear of the carriage and then leaps out of it.
Wings of golden light sprout from her shoulders and beat once, twice, and then lift her into the air. "Four creatures, all evil, not sure where." she calls back to the carriage, before another beat of her wings lifts her higher still- so that she can cast her gaze towards the source of the sound.
Eztli bolts upright in her seat, and looks around, flicking one claw agitatedly. "There shouldn't be children out this far, but it's not unheard of for them to wander off." Eztli sighs. "Good chance it's a trap, yeah. But, we need to keep watch on Nuala, too. It could be trying to get us to leave her undefended."
"Still, I don't like the idea of leaving a kid to their fate out here if it is the case. I, what _should_ we do?" She asks the others. "Oh. Guess we'll find out soon enough. Guess they know we're here, maybe the giant golden winged creature will scare whatever's attacking them off?"
Telamon moves his hands in practiced patterns, tiny threads of darkness weaving around his fingers. "Gissu namsimug geshe," he chants, making a cupping motion. Suddenly, there's a flare of light, as what looks like a luminous sphere pops into existence next to him. Or... is it? Is it real, or is it-- well, it doesn't matter.
Tel points to where the cries came from. "Go there, see what is making those sounds, and return to tell me." Celestial words falling from his lips like water droplets into a calm pool, as the conjured archon streaks off. Soon, it returns, and speaks in Celestial, "It is a creature with the head of a badger, the hooves of a stag, a demonic atrocity..."
Telamon scowls. "...Oh hell, I know what that is. Leucrottas. I read about them. They can mimic, like ravens or other birds -- except they're a LOT less friendly. Get ready, I think they're going to be pissed their little trick didn't work."
"I see... I'm not sure what I see. Some manner of creature, unnatural." Thurid calls back down to the group below. "Like it's made of many different animals blended together." she adds to clarify, as best as she can without a little more worldly knowledge.
"I'll see if I can find the child, you watch Nuala." She adds after a moment more of consideration, and then her wings carry her in the direction from which she heard that cry.
Dirk knocks out his pipe and tucks it into his breast pocket before rising to his feet. "Leucrottas, eh?" he growls, gripping his thunderbelcher. "Do they hate silver like devils do? Or are the more a cold iron sort?" He scans his gaze around, seeing if he can see what might be seen. "I'll stay here an' cover the lady," he growls. "Hopefully I can pick 'em off afore they get to us."
Rocky is not familiar with this type of beast, but so far isn't concerned, drawing his large cold iron blade and waiting paciently to be attacked.
It turns out Telamon's words were true. Thurid finds no child, but another one of these creatures--a muscular beast that's five feet tall, tawny fur covering its powerful build. The badger-head snarls its bony-ridged mouth at the muscular woman.
It appears that if Rocky won't come, a Thurid will do just fine.
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Ok. Leucrotta 1 (Onerotta) is going to bite Thurid." GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 1d20+12: (8)+12: 20 <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "That'd be a miss." <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Also, for anyone who was still in the wagon--you get to start your turn where you are in the map for free. Because I'm nice."
The leucrotta tries to take a sample of Thurid's muscular form, but doesn't quite get past all of that armor. It snarls, like it's promising it'll do better on the next go-round.
<OOC> Eztli says, "It's going to be a scorcher for the one on Thurid" <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Ok! Cast it and roll with a +5 bonus." GAME: Eztli casts Scorching Ray. Caster Level: 5 DC: 17 GAME: Eztli rolls 1d20+5+5: (7)+5+5: 17 <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Hits!" GAME: Eztli rolls 4d6+4: (15)+4: 19 <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "A solid singe. Pose it!"
Eztli is hanging off the carriage to keep watch as the others go to investigate, only to frown at the explanation of what was around. "Sounds bad, and if it can mimic people, well, shit. How'd it learn to mimic that?" She asks, frowning a bit more. "Best to get rid of them so they don't harm anyone else."
When Thurid finds one, which attempts to take a chunk out of them, the small makari's hand dances with flames that coalesce into a burning spear.
"Incinerate." The small makari hisses, a flick of their wrist launching it towards the creature and envelopes it in flames for a split second.
<OOC> Thurid says, "I'll take a 5' step back towards the carriage and cast Blessing of Fervor" GAME: Thurid casts Blessing of Fervor. Caster Level: 10 DC: 18 <OOC> Thurid says, "Should get the whole party. Remember to declare which effect you're chosing on your round: https://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/b/blessing-of-fervor/"
As unlikely as it would be to find a lone child out in the woods conveniently near to their carriage track and in peril, Thurid simply couldn't ignore the possibility. And so after barrelling headlong into the woods on wings of gold and coming face to face with a snarling beast fresh from the realm of nightmares, Thurids wings spread wide to halt her, and then beat once to reverse her cours.
"Angoron, The Mountain and the Maul, Highest. Hear my call. Fill my allies with valor, that we may banish these foul beasts whence they came!" she calls out. The sky answers, churning and rumbling. Her allies will find their hearts pounding, their blood rushing and thundering in their ears, insurmountable energy coiling in their every fiber waiting to be unleashed on the field of battle. <Draconic>
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Four-otta is going to crash out of the woods and try to go for... Telamon." <OOC> Telamon holds up tiny umbrella. GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 1d20+12: (15)+12: 27 OOC> Telamon says, "That's a hit. Owie." GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 2d6+9: (11)+9: 20 <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Leucrotta 2 is going to hit Rocky." GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 1d20+12: (16)+12: 28 <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Does not hit!"
Two leucrottas come charging out of the woods. One of them spies Telamon and goes for the half-elf sorcerer, its powerful bite delivering a nasty blow to the man and causing blood to blossom. At least these aren't Telamon's nice clothes.
The other one tries to repeat the same trick by biting into Rocky. But Rocky... is as hard as rocks. The leucrotta whimpers.
<OOC> Telamon says, "Activate BOF, +2 to AC/Reflex/Attacks." <OOC> Telamon says, "5' step to 12, 17" <OOC> Telamon says, "Cast Suffocation on Leucrotta 4." GAME: Telamon casts Suffocation. Caster Level: 10 DC: 21 <OOC> Telamon says, "Fortitude save." GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 1d20+11: (6)+11: 17 <OOC> Telamon says, "Well. That's bad for him." <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Haha, oh dear oh my." <OOC> Telamon says, "Next turn, he falls unconscious."
Telamon yells as the beast sinks its bony teeth-ridges into his shoulder, drawing blood and staggering the half elf. "Gods! Get-- off!" He punches it impulsively in the face, causing it to let go suddenly, and he manages to turn his stagger into a spin, whirling back to stop between Thurid and Eztli.
His eyes flare with anger, and he growls, "I take no pleasure in this, but you are a menace and must be stopped." He begins to chant, bringing up one hand and clenching it into a fist. "Pagta zuh, nam-kud kilul." There's a hissing sound, and suddenly the leucrotta stumbles, pawing at its muzzle. Its flanks rise and fall as it quivers, and a thin stream of air can be seen being drawn from the beast's muzzle to Telamon's hand.
The final leucrotta of the pack charges forward from the forests. Rather than go for Dirk and Lulu, however, it goes straight for the wagon and starts biting at the wood, trying to tear the doors off the wagon. Lady Nuala screams from inside the wagon. "Stop! Cease! Desist!" she shouts--but the creature does not heed her words. <Sylvan>
<OOC> Rocky says, "use Fevor for extra attack, chop number 2." <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Give me the rolls with a +5 bonus from heroic leeway." GAME: Rocky rolls weapon9+5+1: (6)+11+5+1: 23 GAME: Rocky rolls weapon9+5+1: (18)+11+5+1: 35 GAME: Rocky rolls weapon9+5+1-5: (10)+11+5+1+-5: 22 GAME: Rocky rolls damage9: aliased to 1d10+5: (8)+5: 13 GAME: Rocky rolls damage9: aliased to 1d10+5: (4)+5: 9 GAME: Rocky rolls damage9: aliased to 1d10+5: (10)+5: 15
Rocky is thus far unimpressed, leaning into the blow as the badger-monster attacks him. The sith's blade rises and falls, rises and falls with Fevor speed, wounding the creature terribally, but leaving it still standing.
<OOC> Dirk says, "Gonna take the extra attack from Fervor and go full Machine Gun Dirk on Threecrotta. For my free action, I'll send Lulu to flank Twocrotta with Rocky and give him the bonus." <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Dope! Roll with a +5 bonus on your attack rolls." GAME: Dirk rolls Shoot+5: aliased to Ranged+1-2+5: (20)+10+1+-2+5: 34 (THREAT) GAME: Dirk rolls Shoot+5: aliased to Ranged+1-2+5: (17)+10+1+-2+5: 31 <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "YEAH THAT CONFIRMS" GAME: Dirk rolls dmg: aliased to 1d12+4+1: (8)+4+1: 13 GAME: Dirk rolls dmg: aliased to 1d12+4+1: (11)+4+1: 16 GAME: Dirk rolls dmg: aliased to 1d12+4+1: (2)+4+1: 7 GAME: Dirk rolls dmg: aliased to 1d12+4+1: (11)+4+1: 16 GAME: Dirk rolls shoot: aliased to Ranged+1+5-2: (12)+10+1+-2: 26 GAME: Dirk rolls dmg: aliased to 1d12+4+1: (9)+4+1: 14 GAME: Dirk rolls shoot+5-5: aliased to Ranged+1-2+5-5: (8)+10+1+-2+5+-5: 17 GAME: Dirk rolls dmg: aliased to 1d12+4+1: (5)+4+1: 10
Dirk staggers as the leucrotta slams into the wagon and starts tearing at it. "Gah!" He slams his foot down, firming his stance as only a dwarf can do. He swings up his thunderbelcher, eyes narrowed as he sights down the barrel. Aided by Thurid's blessing, he becomes a flurry of firepower. CHK-BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Three shots in rapid succession slam into the leucrotta. The first shot hits the side of its temple, tearing it away from the wagon and making it stagger. The second hits its flank, bowling it over onto its side. And the third shot goes straight through its exposed belly and pierces its heart. "DOWN BOY!" he snarls, racking his rifle again. Looking over his shoulder, he whistles sharply through his teeth. "Lulu, that one! Go!" he barks. The little owl wings off his shoulder with a fierce hoot, soaring over Rocky and his foe. Winging around, she bares her talons and flutters menacingly. "Hoo! Hoo-oo!" She won't do much, but those talons sure do make for a fine distraction!
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Leucrotta is going to knock down another tree and try to swipe at Thurid in the process." GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 1d20+12: (7)+12: 19 <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Hahayeahno."
Meanwhile on the other side of the wagon, away from the carnage that's about to happen, the other leucrotta tries again to bite at Thurid--but once again, its bony ridges find only armor again. Frustration growls come from the leucrotta. This meal isn't nearly so easy as expected.
<OOC> Eztli says, "I'll take another shot at the one on Thurid" GAME: Eztli casts Scorching Ray. Caster Level: 5 DC: 17 GAME: Eztli rolls 1d20+5+5: (7)+5+5: 17 GAME: Eztli rolls 4d6+4: (7)+4: 11
Eztli about to run over to the other side of the cart to get rid of the creature at the door, but it didn't sound like it was moving anymore. What was still moving however, was the large beast attacking the cleric.
So, she does what she knows best, and summons another flaming spear to launch at it, before pressing back up against the carriage. That thing was pretty big, and she wasn't sure if she could do so well against it.
<OOC> Thurid says, "I'll use BoF for an extra attack, activate the Shock enchantment and wail on the guy who keeps trying to bite me." GAME: Thurid rolls weapon17+5: (19)+13+5: 37 GAME: Thurid rolls damage17+1d6: aliased to 2d6+7+1d6: (9)+7+(2): 18 <OOC> Thurid says, "17 Magic/Adamentite/Bludgeoning, 2 Electricity" GAME: Thurid rolls weapon17+5: (20)+13+5: 38 (THREAT) <OOC> Thurid says, "Rolling to confirm." <OOC> Thurid says, "And I'll include the morale bonus from belss I forgot" GAME: Thurid rolls weapon17+5+1: (11)+13+5+1: 30 GAME: Thurid rolls damage17+damage17+damage17+1d6: aliased to 2d6+7+2d6+7+2d6+7+1d6: (10)+7+(8)+7+(3)+7+(2): 44
Thurid turns her attention away from the beast going for her for a moment as she hears Telamon cry out in pain, she grits her teeth- but jaws gnashing uselessly at her enchanted armour draw her attention back. "Be-" she begins, swinging her hammer around, dragging it across the ground- the motion kicking up clods of dirt and grass, as blue electricity snakes and crakles along the dull metal head.
The maul strikes the beast right in its jaw, cracking bone and driving its head up and its whole body reeling back half a pace. "GONE!" She bellows, her entire body twisting- the muscles in her arms and shoulders bulging as she manoeuvres the weight of her hammer, directing its momentum, bringing it over her head. She turns on her heel, and takes a half pace in to match, her foot stomping into the earth.
She brings the hammer down as the beast begins to recover- it collides with the top of its head and drives it down towards the ground- but the hammer does not stop when skull meets earth, it drives the thick badger head into a divot of its own making in the ground, and continues still. The demon's skull shatters with a wet crack, leaving a messily decapitated corpse, still twitching.
The blood-caked hammer is brought back up to rest on her shoulder, as Thurid turns- wide eyed, to survey the field for her next target, but finds none in range.
<OOC> Telamon says, "OK, so L-4 goes unconscious, and must make a DC 21 Fort save to avoid going to 'dying' next turn." GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 1d20+11: (20)+11: 31 <OOC> Telamon says, "So he stays unconscious." <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Two-rotta is gonna try to hit Rocky again with a bite. I have a feeling this will not go well for it." GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 1d20+12: (13)+12: 25 <OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Nah."
The leucrottas are on the defensive--and are losing. The one that Telamon's strangling with magic... wavers. And it's a terrifying thing to see such a tall and powerful beast with nary a mark on it waver as it gasps for breath. It falls to the ground, its eyes rolling into the back of its head. Unsconscious.
The other one over by Rocky doesn't notice its comrade falling. Instead, it tries to snap at Rocky again, and much like the one that tried to snap at Thurid before its untimely demise, it fails at finding a mark.
<OOC> Telamon casts Magic Missile at Crotta 2 then. GAME: Telamon casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 10 DC: 17 GAME: Telamon rolls 5d4+5: (11)+5: 16
One almost expects ominous chanting in the background, as the leucrotta crumples in a heap at Telamon's feet. His dark eyes blaze with starlight, as his gaze turns towards the melee on the other side of the wagon, and he snorts. "Gods, Rocky, you are a thrice-blessed -wall-." His fingers dance, and he speaks, "Izigi'edena zanzana."
Five pulsing, blue-white stars appear around Telamon's head, and soar away, zipping around the horses and Rocky to slam into the leucrotta with cracks of light and energy.
<OOC> Rocky says, "Second verse, same as the first. Now with flanking" GAME: Rocky rolls weapon9+5+1+2: (16)+11+5+1+2: 35 GAME: Rocky rolls weapon9+5+1+2: (5)+11+5+1+2: 24 GAME: Rocky rolls weapon9+5+1+2-5: (10)+11+5+1+2+-5: 24 GAME: Rocky rolls damage9: aliased to 1d10+5: (1)+5: 6 GAME: Rocky rolls damage9: aliased to 1d10+5: (10)+5: 15 GAME: Rocky rolls damage9: aliased to 1d10+5: (7)+5: 12
Rocky fends off another attack with his shield, his blade chopping into flesh again. This time the creature drops as blood flies, the sith wipeing gore from his face and glancing around. "This One is shield, protect innocent. Is This One's place."
<OOC> Dirk says, "Then Dirk'll take a step and Ol' Yeller the thing." GAME: Dirk rolls dmg: aliased to 1d12+4+1: (7)+4+1: 12 GAME: Dirk rolls dmg: aliased to 1d12+4+1: (10)+4+1: 15 GAME: Dirk rolls dmg: aliased to 1d12+4+1: (6)+4+1: 11 GAME: Dirk rolls dmg: aliased to 1d12+4+1: (10)+4+1: 15 GAME: Ravenstongue rolls 1d20+11: (16)+11: 27 <OOC> Telamon says, "Yeah no, he's dead. His DC was... 63." <OOC> Ravenstongue laughs.
Dirk wheels to face the remainder of the battle, his cloak flaring dramatically behind him. Seeing the other leucrottae falling, he turns his gaze on the last one. His shaggy brows furrow angrily, and he hops down off of the wagon's buckboard. Taking an ominous step forward, he plants the barrel of his thunderbelcher directly between the sleeping beast's eyes. "Good night," he growls, pulling back on the trigger. CHK-BOOM! The leucrotta's head splatters like an over-ripe melon. And he just shined his boots to get all nice and presentable for Lady Nuala, too. Lifting his rifle, he swings it up and over his shoulder, tipping back his tricorne as he glances around. "Everyone all right?" he calls. Lulu, now sans enemy, flutters back to her master's shoulder. She draws herself up tall and skinny, narrowing her eyes and hissing venemously at the dead beasts. Vampirowl Wins. Flawless Victory!
<OOC> Thurid says, "I'll go ahead and channel positive energy now." GAME: Thurid rolls 5d6: (23): 23
Thurid's wide eyed gaze scans and finds only corpses and allies, so her breathing slows, and she allows the head of the hammer to fall to the ground once more, haft up and held in her hand. Breathlessly, she turns to Telamon. "Here, I'll see to that." she offers now the immediate danger has passed.
She uses her now free hand to grip the holy symbol about her neck once more, and lifts it up. The clouds churn once more, permitting a beam of light to pass through, and wash outwards from Thurid- and with it, wash away the blood and pain of battle for the victors.
Rocky falls perfectly still for several moments, processing, then nods. "This One is fine." The sith starts to wipe his blade on the grass, then starts slightly, and falls still again. A moment later the blood and gore magically wisk themselves away from blade and armor, the later put away again. Stepping foreward, the greyscale grabs the body of the monster he slew, and starts dragging it out of the road's path.
Telamon feels the spell dissipate as Dirk disposes of the last beast, and he sags a bit against the wagon. He gives Thurid a smile as she heals the wound from the leucrotta's maw, though he ruefully inspects his torn tunic. "Well, they say any fight you walk away from is a victory. Shame about this tunic, though."
He exhales, and speaks in Sylvan. "Lady Nuala, are you all right? The beasts are dead. It was... nervous for a moment, but they won't be troubling us -- or anyone else -- ever again."
"That was the last of them, right?" Eztli asks as she pulls herself away from the cart to look around. "Looks like it, thank goodness, those things were pretty nasty. We should go, before more things are drawn to the sound."
"I'm glad everyone is alright too, and that one didn't get into the cart. Lets, if everyone's ready, we should be on our way."
It takes a moment, but Lady Nuala's head pokes out of the wagon--which, while it looks like it's rather scuffed up, it's still functional for travel. Her dark doelike eyes are wide with fear that doesn't abate until she looks out at the corpses of the magical beasts.
"I'm alright," she says softly in Tradespeak after a moment, choosing to speak in something that everyone can understand. "But as the small scaled one says--we shouldn't tarry. I... Would like to get out of here as fast as possible."
Then she spies Telamon's torn tunic, and her face wrenches into sorrow. She says nothing as she pokes her head back inside, however.
Dirk lumbers around to the back of the wagon, squatting down to look over the wheel. "It's scuffed up a good bit, but I think the wheel's still good," he calls. "Should get us the rest o' the way. Just try tae avoid any big potholes an' we should be sweet." He nods his head as he trundles back up to the front and hefts himself back up onto the buckboard. "Aye, I'm wi' the lady. We dinnae want tae be out here come nightfall if more o' these beasties are prowlin' about."
Rocky works diligently but swiftly to clear the bodies from the road. What ever scavengers lurk around here, no need to lure them into the path of whoever comes along next. Road clear, another quick cantrip sees the sith clean and ready, taking position beside the wagon again.
Telamon clambers back onto the wagon, and once ensconced, folds his cloak around him. "Agreed. Dirk's shots might've scared off anything nasty, but scavengers are going to come around eventually. Best we're not here when they arrive."
He opens up his haversack, and pulls out a flask and a couple metal cups. "Tea, anyone?"
Thurid pauses, stooping over the corpse of the one she felled. She works with a knife for a few moments, and then comes away with one of the beasts claws. Then she heads back towards the Wagon- she claps Telamon on the shoulder. Pretty hard, but that's likely no surprise. "It'll be worth the tale it tells." he muses.
She climbs into the wagon, too, and then fishes through her pack for a small chisel and gets to drilling a hole in the retrieved body part, "Tea sounds great." she tells Telamon, while adding the pilfered hoof to a string of various other bits of bone, tooth, horn and claw wrapped about the haft of her hammer.
Dirk settles himself, resting his thunderbelcher across his lap once more. He perks at the offer of tea, smiling brightly. "Oh, yes please!" he says. "Have ye got any shortbreads tae go with it? I've got some dried cranberries if we'd like a snack as well."
"I'm not particularly thirsty, but thanks for the offer." Eztli sighs once she gets situated back in the carriage. "Don't trust myself to be drinking in a moving vehicle at the moment either, might spill something, too."
The carriage-ride to the Mythwood is uneventful... and filled with tea drinking. It's a nice lavender-mint tea, and even Lady Nuala has a cup. As she has a sip of it and the site of carnage rolls away into the distance, she looks relieved, like a great weight has been lifted off of her feathered shoulders.
It takes sometime, and some elvish guards occasionally have to wave you through, as they're still on high alert for the undead, but eventually, the wagon stops at the edge of a large lake. From the side that the wagon is on, it's clear, but the further the water stretches on, there's a fog that rolls out on top of the surface. It is hard to see where that end of the lake... ends.
Or begins. A matter or perspective, really.
Lady Nuala opens the door of the wagon and lets herself out. "This is where our paths must part," she says, in her ever-soft tone. "I..."
She pauses for a moment as she raises her head, her back turned to the wagon and the adventurers that have brought her here. Standing on /top/ of the water is a beautiful woman who bears a strong resemblance to Lady Nuala, her gossamer gown resembling seafoam as it touches the still glassy surface of the water below--not a ripple emanating from the woman at all.
"Mother," Lady Nuala murmurs. "I'm so happy, but..."
She turns around to face the wagon again to reveal a warm and genuine smile on her face--as well as soundless tears rolling down her cheeks. "I will miss you, mortals of Alexandria. I shall always remember you--and my gratitude will exist here and forever after."
The Lady Nuala closes her eyes, the tears falling to the forest floor, and her form shifts. The feather cloak surrounds her and morphs with her--until she is a mute swan. She traipses away from the group and glides into the waves towards the woman, who shifts into a large and beautiful swan with golden-silvered wings.
And they swim away together into the fog, until you can see them no longer.
The ride is long, and Telamon tries to savor every moment. Does he know what's coming? Perhaps. He is far more 'in tune' with the fey than one might realize. His dark eyes are gentle, and as the group watches, he smiles back at Nuala. "Go in peace, swanmay," he says in Sylvan. "Return home, and sing our names."
He stands there calmly, watching the two swans swim away into the fog, before taking a deep breath. Tel looks to the others. "A rare sight indeed," he comments with a smile. "And one to cherish."
Rocky chuffs softly, mildly impressed by the transformation, but... it's just water. Are they not familiar with swimming? He could totally go along. Doesn't. But could. Nobels are weird.
During the Journey, Thurid spends much of it when she's not drinking tea cleaning off the head of her hammer. It takes several cloths, the only recourse for which is likely to be burning. And she drinks tea, and she chatters with the others.
When they arrive, she takes the opportunity to get out and stretch- the carriage might be big enough to accommodate her, but it's not entirely comfortable, having to stoop to avoid hitting her head when moving around and the like.
When she turns to face Nuala as she makes her goodbye, her head tilting at first in confusion and then her expression grows sober. "Ah, It seems I'm always saying goodbye to your kind." she offers then. "Safe journey." she offers, and nods to Tel.
Dirk glances around in quiet awe as the party passes into the elven lands. The timeless serenity of the wood touches something deep in the old snowbeard's heart. That piece of him that came not from Reos' forges, but from the Dana's untamed wilds. "Beards o' me fathers," he whispers with quiet reverence. Even Lulu seems to be in awe, her wide golden eyes blinking as she turns her head this way and that.
When they arrive at last to the lake, he rises to his feet to bid Lady Nuala farewell. The vision of her mother upon the lake deepens the burly old woodsman's awe. For a moment, he forgets even to breathe, so overcome is he. When Nuala takes on her avian form and glides away upon the glass-smooth lake, he reaches up to touch his tricorne in a quiet salute. "Fare you well, milady," he says softly. "May the Blessed Lady watch over you an' yers always."
He sits himself back down, hands resting on his knees. To Telamon, he nods his head. "I'll remember this always," he says quietly. He sniffles softly, beard all a-quiver as he reaches up to wipe a fingertip at his eyes. "Hrmph. Air's awfully dry here, innit?" he mutters gruffly, clearing his throat with a ruffle of whiskers. No it isn't.
Eztli hopped out of the carriage to make sure that the area was clear, and it seemed to be, so the small makari relaxed somewhat, until the Lady prepared to depart.
"All I did was show up to get you out here, it's really not that big of a deal. Still, at least you're okay, and, yeah, take care back there." She replies lamely, before they transform and take off. "It's nice to meet some nice fey, at least. I couldn't even tell really. Learn something new, make some memories, it's certainly an interesting day. I hope she'll be in better shape back home."
OOC
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "Map: https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=ma1q87tq54i Lizard face (8,15) is Rocky, Blunderbuss is Dirk, Owl is Lulu, Muscle person is Thurid, Star is Telamon, little dragon face is Ezt."
<OOC> Ravenstongue says, "The blue horses are... horses. They do horse things. Box is the wagon (Nuala is in there somewhere.)"