[Game Thread] The Road to Xullhaven - Part 5

[mountainbound]

With the dust from the explosion still thick in the air, Oren looks to his companions. "We need to protect Isabelle and the boy. I'm going over to make sure they're ok. I'll fly them back if I can, and will send Lux if we need help."

With that, the warlock rises into the air, heading towards the river with a wary expression. He didn't like these unskilled mercenaries playing with fire, especially with he and his companions -- children and all -- so close.

Telepathically he reaches out to Lux. I'm coming. Where are you?

OOC Perception Dice Roll: 1d20+5 (7)+5 Total = 12

[Starflier]

Adelaide Darkdraft ”Dammit.” Adelaide pushed herself up from the ground, ears ringing from the blast and red hair turned grey with settling dust. She drew her blade, as much a matter of habit as much as it was a matter of disposition, looking for the two fools that nearly killed them all. It didn't take long for her to find them, the pair having already taken care of the issue themselves. Off to the side she could hear Oren saying something and while she couldn't hear most of it, she gave him the thumbs up. She puts her hand up to her ear, trying to get the ringing to stop, ”Whatever we're doing, we better get it done before that thing gets here.”

 

Actions Rolls Action: Reaction: Opportunity Attack if Available Bonus: Haste Action: Move: Interaction: Concentration:

Stat Block Adelaide Darkdraft | Lawful Good | Human | Paladin 7 (Oath of the Ancients) Armor Class: 19 | Hit Points: 60/60 | Speed: 30 | Proficiency Bonus +3 Ability Scores: Str 16/+3 | Dex 8/-1 | Con 14/+2 | Int 8/-1 | Wis 12/+1 | Cha 16/+3 With +3 from Aura of ProtectionSaving throws: Str +6 | Dex +2 | Con +5 | Int +2 | Wis +7 | Cha +9 Skills: Athletics +6 | Insight +4 | Intimidation +6 | Nature +2 | Persuasion +6 Passive Perception: 11 | Languages: Common, Dwarven, Goblin, Elvish Longsword: +6, 1d8+5 | Javelin: +6, 1d6+5, 30/120 | Splint Armour: AC 17 | Shield: AC +2 | Dagger x 2 Bullseye Lantern (filled and lit) x 2 Steel Mirror x 2 10 foot pole x 2 Hempen Rope (50 feet, coiled) x 2 Sack x 2 2 Mastiffs x 2 Bag of 100 gp x 1 10 gems worth 100 gp each x 2 Portable Ram x 1 10x10x10 pit x 1 Robe of Useful Items | This dart looks like a mundane dart, with a gold band in the center. When thrown, and the command word 'Catch This' is uttered, the dart acts like a level 1 magic missile spell, with all 3 darts hitting the same target. After it is used once, the magic is lost, and it becomes a mundane dart permanently. (This effect may be used as a free action, not requiring an action or bonus action to throw the dart or invoke its magic)Dart of Magic Missile Relevant Skills/Feats: Fighting Style: Dueling | Divine Sense | Divine Health | Divine Smite | Lay on Hands: 35/35 | Channel Divinity: 1/1 | Extra Attack | 10ft radius, +3 to all saving throwsAura of Protection | 10ft radius, resistance to damage from spellsAura of Warding | If you take the Attack action on your turn, you can use a bonus action to try to shove a creature within 5 feet of you with your shield. If you aren't incapacitated, you can add your shield's AC bonus to any Dexterity saving throw you make against a spell or other harmful effect that targets only you. If you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you can use your reaction to take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw, interposing your shield between yourself and the source of the effect. Shield Master | Increase your Strength or Dexterity by 1, to a maximum of 20. Once per turn when you hit a creature with an attack that deals slashing damage, you can reduce the speed of the target by 10 feet until the start of your next turn. When you score a critical hit that deals slashing damage to a creature, you grievously wound it. Until the start of your next turn, the target has disadvantage on all attack rolls. Slasher Spell Slots: 4/4, 3/3 | Spell Save DC: 14 | Spell Attack Bonus: +6 | Spells Prepared: 6 Oath Spells: Ensnaring Strike, Speak with Animals, Moonbeam, Misty Step Spells: Compelled Duel, Protection from Good and Evil, Thunderous Smite, Lesser Restoration, Protection from Poison, Find Steed

 

Character Sheet

[zebedee]

Gallindan Gallindan was not knocked off his feet by the blast... but that was only because he was shielded by his elk. Celebangolad Apparently that's what it's called. Who knew?barked in distress at the noise and the shockwave, but quickly reassured his friend that he was unhurt. The eladrin peered across the river, hoping to see their missing companions or that wild child. Even his keen eyesight wasn't good enough. He saw Oren take to the air, but wasn't sure how the warlock intended to get them all back across the river safely. He called out, "Adelaide's right, Oren. We don't have much time. Be careful, but be fast!" He walked to the edge of the river to see if there was any chance those soldiers had survived. It certainly didn't seem likely.

[Admin Bhelogan]

It was a race, as Oren used his magic to fly across the river and reach the spot where Isabella was crouching down with Rolf. Originally they had taken cover behind a barn but abandoned it after the explosion of the tavern sent debris flying through the structure. Now they were behind a tree stump where Isabella was wrapping a piece of cloth she had torn from Rolf's shirt around a nasty gash he had in his arm. The young boy was enamored enough with Isabella to keep his mouth shut, and let her do what she needed to, in an attempt to patch the wound. It would heal, but Rolf wasn't going to be able to do much with his arm for a few days.

As Oren arrived, the troops from both mercenary groups were growing dangerously close, as skirmishes around the Titan raged on. He wouldn't have time to make the trip back and forth twice. Instead, he had to hold Isabella, who in turn held Rolf, and the trio flew at a slower pace back towards the safer side of the river where Gillindan and Adelaide waited. It was a ridiculous sight, but Rolf had a story now that he would remember for the rest of his life. The night their hideout blew up, and was rescued by an attractive young lady and a flying warlock, as they fled from a horrific Titan in the middle of a war.

On the reunion, the group needed to move fast to catch up to the wagon where Kerwin, Aaric, and Daybreak were hauling the rest of the orphans to safety. Traveling north along the river did not follow any direct roads, and instead, they had to cut through fields and orchards. The wagon wouldn't have been able to travel this direction very far. They must have taken a turn to travel north further away from the river, to find paths not so congested by trees, fences and boulders. It would give the group a good shot of making it to the bridge before the wagon would, and allow them to make sure it was safe before brining the children across.

Luck was on the traveler's side, for when Oren, Gillindan, and Adelaide reached the bridge, long before the wagon would make it, they saw that it was held by a squad of Zarahenian mercenaries. Lux had reported that there were only a few guards there when he had scouted the area, but now their numbers had been reinforced.

OODM You have several minutes before the Wagon will make it to the narrow bridge (which is too narrow for the wagon to cross). The Zarahenian mercs haven't spotted the group yet, since you have some cover in an orchard. These are the forces that are clearing the way for the Titan. Now that the Tavern/bridge has been destroyed, it is likely that the who skirmish will soon head this direction.

[Starflier]

Adelaide Darkdraft ”Well, what do you think?” Adelaide turned to Oren and Gallindan, ignoring Isabella and the young Rolf who seemed absolutely smitten with the older girl. She pointed back toward the direction the wagon was coming from, then towards the bridge ahead, before turning her palms up. ”We could ask them to give us the road, nicely of course, as it worked alright last time,” she turned her head to look at the assembled men, taking a count. ”Whatever we decide, we should act quickly; before the wagon and the children arrive. Whatever happens, I’ll not let these men put the children in danger. I’d rather have the blood of brigands on my conscience than that of the little ones.” The diminutive redhead turned back to the others, ”Shall we try talking first?”

 

Actions Rolls Action: Reaction: Opportunity Attack if Available Bonus: Haste Action: Move: Interaction: Concentration:

Stat Block Adelaide Darkdraft | Lawful Good | Human | Paladin 7 (Oath of the Ancients) Armor Class: 19 | Hit Points: 60/60 | Speed: 30 | Proficiency Bonus +3 Ability Scores: Str 16/+3 | Dex 8/-1 | Con 14/+2 | Int 8/-1 | Wis 12/+1 | Cha 16/+3 With +3 from Aura of ProtectionSaving throws: Str +6 | Dex +2 | Con +5 | Int +2 | Wis +7 | Cha +9 Skills: Athletics +6 | Insight +4 | Intimidation +6 | Nature +2 | Persuasion +6 Passive Perception: 11 | Languages: Common, Dwarven, Goblin, Elvish Longsword: +6, 1d8+5 | Javelin: +6, 1d6+5, 30/120 | Splint Armour: AC 17 | Shield: AC +2 | Dagger x 2 Bullseye Lantern (filled and lit) x 2 Steel Mirror x 2 10 foot pole x 2 Hempen Rope (50 feet, coiled) x 2 Sack x 2 2 Mastiffs x 2 Bag of 100 gp x 1 10 gems worth 100 gp each x 2 Portable Ram x 1 10x10x10 pit x 1 Robe of Useful Items | This dart looks like a mundane dart, with a gold band in the center. When thrown, and the command word 'Catch This' is uttered, the dart acts like a level 1 magic missile spell, with all 3 darts hitting the same target. After it is used once, the magic is lost, and it becomes a mundane dart permanently. (This effect may be used as a free action, not requiring an action or bonus action to throw the dart or invoke its magic)Dart of Magic Missile Relevant Skills/Feats: Fighting Style: Dueling | Divine Sense | Divine Health | Divine Smite | Lay on Hands: 35/35 | Channel Divinity: 1/1 | Extra Attack | 10ft radius, +3 to all saving throwsAura of Protection | 10ft radius, resistance to damage from spellsAura of Warding | If you take the Attack action on your turn, you can use a bonus action to try to shove a creature within 5 feet of you with your shield. If you aren't incapacitated, you can add your shield's AC bonus to any Dexterity saving throw you make against a spell or other harmful effect that targets only you. If you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you can use your reaction to take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw, interposing your shield between yourself and the source of the effect. Shield Master | Increase your Strength or Dexterity by 1, to a maximum of 20. Once per turn when you hit a creature with an attack that deals slashing damage, you can reduce the speed of the target by 10 feet until the start of your next turn. When you score a critical hit that deals slashing damage to a creature, you grievously wound it. Until the start of your next turn, the target has disadvantage on all attack rolls. Slasher Spell Slots: 4/4, 3/3 | Spell Save DC: 14 | Spell Attack Bonus: +6 | Spells Prepared: 6 Oath Spells: Ensnaring Strike, Speak with Animals, Moonbeam, Misty Step Spells: Compelled Duel, Protection from Good and Evil, Thunderous Smite, Lesser Restoration, Protection from Poison, Find Steed

 

Character Sheet

[mountainbound]

Oren nods at Adelaide's suggestion to try talking first. "Yes, agreed. We don't have time for ruses and subterfuge. The wagon is on its way so I'd say we approach in a friendly way and tell them the situation with the children. If they need something, we can offer a bribe. If they won't budge, then we will need to neutralize them quickly."

[Admin Bhelogan]

Isabella turned her attention away from Rolf for a few moments as the party leaders made their plans. "Talk to them, sure. Let's do it. Who is going first? You aren't going to make me do it are you? "

OODM Talking is perfectly acceptable. Make your approach, and make a relative role. The guards will not be aggressive unless the party proves to be a problem first. Include a relevant skill check (e.g. Persuasion, Deception or Intimidation) to try and get your way.

[Starflier]

Adelaide Darkdraft Fixing her shield in place on her left arm with practiced and smooth movements, Adelaide kept her eye on the men ahead near the bridge. If the negotiations didn’t go well there would be precious little time for such preparations in the moment, and so she made herself ready now. Her plan was simple, because she had neither the experience nor patience for drawn out thought experiments that would get tossed away as soon as someone went left instead of right. Be prepared. Adapt. Improvise. That was her plan, always. She nodded to her companions, knowing they would see to their own needs as well, or better, than she had, then directed her warhorse out of the orchard and onto the road. The wagon would soon reach the bridge, and need a way forward to keep the children from being caught in the open by monsters or men, either of whom might intend them harm. Riding slowly down the road, she approached the bridge with the shield at her side and her free hand on the reins. ”Gentlemen, greetings,” she called out as she neared, but continued her approach until she was close enough for a charge, if needed. ”We are escorting a wagon of refugees, children, away from the battle. We need this bridge to cross the river as the bridge to the south was destroyed. Will you yield the road?”

OOC Dice Intimidation/Persuasion: 1d20+6 (6)+6 Total = 12

 

Actions Rolls Action: Equip Shield Reaction: Opportunity Attack if Available Bonus: Haste Action: Move: Interaction: Concentration:

Stat Block Adelaide Darkdraft | Lawful Good | Human | Paladin 7 (Oath of the Ancients) Armor Class: 19 | Hit Points: 60/60 | Speed: 30 | Proficiency Bonus +3 Ability Scores: Str 16/+3 | Dex 8/-1 | Con 14/+2 | Int 8/-1 | Wis 12/+1 | Cha 16/+3 With +3 from Aura of ProtectionSaving throws: Str +6 | Dex +2 | Con +5 | Int +2 | Wis +7 | Cha +9 Skills: Athletics +6 | Insight +4 | Intimidation +6 | Nature +2 | Persuasion +6 Passive Perception: 11 | Languages: Common, Dwarven, Goblin, Elvish Longsword: +6, 1d8+5 | Javelin: +6, 1d6+5, 30/120 | Splint Armour: AC 17 | Shield: AC +2 | Dagger x 2 Bullseye Lantern (filled and lit) x 2 Steel Mirror x 2 10 foot pole x 2 Hempen Rope (50 feet, coiled) x 2 Sack x 2 2 Mastiffs x 2 Bag of 100 gp x 1 10 gems worth 100 gp each x 2 Portable Ram x 1 10x10x10 pit x 1 Robe of Useful Items | This dart looks like a mundane dart, with a gold band in the center. When thrown, and the command word 'Catch This' is uttered, the dart acts like a level 1 magic missile spell, with all 3 darts hitting the same target. After it is used once, the magic is lost, and it becomes a mundane dart permanently. (This effect may be used as a free action, not requiring an action or bonus action to throw the dart or invoke its magic)Dart of Magic Missile Relevant Skills/Feats: Fighting Style: Dueling | Divine Sense | Divine Health | Divine Smite | Lay on Hands: 35/35 | Channel Divinity: 1/1 | Extra Attack | 10ft radius, +3 to all saving throwsAura of Protection | 10ft radius, resistance to damage from spellsAura of Warding | If you take the Attack action on your turn, you can use a bonus action to try to shove a creature within 5 feet of you with your shield. If you aren't incapacitated, you can add your shield's AC bonus to any Dexterity saving throw you make against a spell or other harmful effect that targets only you. If you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you can use your reaction to take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw, interposing your shield between yourself and the source of the effect. Shield Master | Increase your Strength or Dexterity by 1, to a maximum of 20. Once per turn when you hit a creature with an attack that deals slashing damage, you can reduce the speed of the target by 10 feet until the start of your next turn. When you score a critical hit that deals slashing damage to a creature, you grievously wound it. Until the start of your next turn, the target has disadvantage on all attack rolls. Slasher Spell Slots: 4/4, 3/3 | Spell Save DC: 14 | Spell Attack Bonus: +6 | Spells Prepared: 6 Oath Spells: Ensnaring Strike, Speak with Animals, Moonbeam, Misty Step Spells: Compelled Duel, Protection from Good and Evil, Thunderous Smite, Lesser Restoration, Protection from Poison, Find Steed

 

Character Sheet

[mountainbound]

Oren adds, "They wagon will be here shortly. As you know, the titan is on its way and we appreciate your help in allowing us to clear innocents from the area."

The sky rumbles ominously as they stand near the bridge. This was no time for a battle, the warlock knew. He could only hope that Adelaide and his own words would be enough to sway these men.

OOC Persuasion   for what it's worth Dice Roll: 1d20+7 (3)+7 Total = 10 Using Lucky Dice Roll: 1d20+7 (18)+7 Total = 25

[zebedee]

Gallindan The eladrin has been distracted, constantly looking towards the approaching titan and trying to gauge how much time they have before its arrival. But this is the plan he would have proposed, at least. They're obligated to ask for passage. And what better reason than the truth? Evacuating innocents is the goal of all honorable armies, surely? He stands quietly and lets the others do the talking, at least for the moment. Instead of joining the conversation, he stays on the lookout for danger.

OOC: Perception Dice perception check: 1d20+4 (17)+4 Total = 21

[Admin Bhelogan]

The Crimson Lions Adelaide Darkdraft was the first to approach the mercenaries on the opposite side of this conflict. It was their first interaction with them, having only dealt with The Ironclad Vanguard, who were hired by the city-state of Grakobian. By contrast, these men were working for the Zarahenian, running interference for the massive titan that seemed near unstoppable. The mercenaries, heavily armored on their horses had symbols of a crimson lion painted or embroidered on their clothing and breastplats. "This bridge is to small for a wagon," the officer in charge of the mercenaries objected. "You need to move along before things get ugly." Luckily, Oren repeated the claim, and this time it seemed to resonate more with the mercenaries. It might have seemed far fetched claim that the two Paladins and Oren were not soldiers involved in this conflict, were it not for Isabella and Rolf there to help validate the claim. Clutching his wounded arm, Rolf put on a pitiful helpless face that was a complete act, and the opposite of the nature the rebellious boy had shown before. "Please sir," he begged. "My friends and I, we are all Orphas you see. We were hiding in that building on the bridge a ways down the road from here, but some bad men came and blew it up! These people tried to help us, but we need to get somewhere safe, for real. Can you help us?" The Captain pulled off his helmet, revealing the face of a young man who couldn't have that much experience under his belt yet. Isabella, seeing that they had his attention, batted her eyes at him, pleadingly, sealing the deal. "You were in the building? Those Vanguard scum. Have they no decency?" He spat on the ground to show his disdain for their foes. There was a hunger in the young soldier's eyes. He saw an opportunity to do something important, and perhaps get a promotion out of it. "If you have a wagon coming, it won't be able to cross the bridge here. If it is coming this way, let's go meet up with them. This place will be drowned out in the skirmishes soon. We should go further north to another crossing." The mercenary took two of his men, and the trio escorted Oren, Gallindan, and Adelaide along with Isabella and Rolf back towards there wagon, where Aaric, Kerwin, Daybreak, and the rest of the Orphans were making their way towards the river. True to his word, the captain and men escorted the wagon, filled with children, a few miles further north, going around the battle around the Titan all altogether. The captain gave his name as Captain Locke Glance. He spent the time talking with the Orphans, learning where they were from, and making plans on where to take them to safety. Many hours later, the company arrived at a farmhouse. It has been evacuated by the residents, warned of the battle that had been progressing in the region, but proved to be a decent staging stopping place for the night. It was already early morning of the following day, and everyone, especially the children, were exhausted. There were enough beds, either for humans or straw for animals, for everyone to stretch out comfortably. In the morning, Aaric approached the Paladins and Oren. "I think we can leave the Orphans in the care of the Crimson Lions. We should get moving along as soon as possible. The rest of the way out of the City States region should be clear for our travels now."

OODM Will give you a chance to react to the scene, and make any suggestions before we move along.

[Starflier]

Adelaide Darkdraft ...before things get ugly. Resting hand on hilt, Adelaide counted the men before her on the road, trying to read which ones would be most ready to fight and which ones would be slow to draw. She had asked them nicely, which was more than most prey got in the wild, and she wasn’t about to let them get in the children’s way. Even after Rolf made his plea she was ready to leap into action, but when the captain spoke up, her hand relaxed and lifted away from her sword. The man seemed sympathetic to their situation, and offered to escort them north to another crossing that would accommodate the wagon. When they finally stopped for the night, she insisted on keeping their own watch in addition to that kept by the mercenaries. Adelaide did not trust easily, and young as she was, she knew there was often little practical difference between a soldier and a brigand. Between the five grown-ups the watches could be brief, and the sleep more than sufficient, even if she did not rest as well as she might have wished. ”So long as they can be trusted to do the right thing,” Adelaide said in response to Aaric’s thoughts in the morning. She continued donning her armour for the day, and spared a glance towards the rescued children, now refugees, ”We will certainly move faster without worrying about their safety, and this detour has taken up enough of our time.”

 

Actions Rolls Action: Reaction: Opportunity Attack if Available Bonus: Haste Action: Move: Interaction: Concentration:

Stat Block Adelaide Darkdraft | Lawful Good | Human | Paladin 7 (Oath of the Ancients) Armor Class: 19 | Hit Points: 60/60 | Speed: 30 | Proficiency Bonus +3 Ability Scores: Str 16/+3 | Dex 8/-1 | Con 14/+2 | Int 8/-1 | Wis 12/+1 | Cha 16/+3 With +3 from Aura of ProtectionSaving throws: Str +6 | Dex +2 | Con +5 | Int +2 | Wis +7 | Cha +9 Skills: Athletics +6 | Insight +4 | Intimidation +6 | Nature +2 | Persuasion +6 Passive Perception: 11 | Languages: Common, Dwarven, Goblin, Elvish Longsword: +6, 1d8+5 | Javelin: +6, 1d6+5, 30/120 | Splint Armour: AC 17 | Shield: AC +2 | Dagger x 2 Bullseye Lantern (filled and lit) x 2 Steel Mirror x 2 10 foot pole x 2 Hempen Rope (50 feet, coiled) x 2 Sack x 2 2 Mastiffs x 2 Bag of 100 gp x 1 10 gems worth 100 gp each x 2 Portable Ram x 1 10x10x10 pit x 1 Robe of Useful Items | This dart looks like a mundane dart, with a gold band in the center. When thrown, and the command word 'Catch This' is uttered, the dart acts like a level 1 magic missile spell, with all 3 darts hitting the same target. After it is used once, the magic is lost, and it becomes a mundane dart permanently. (This effect may be used as a free action, not requiring an action or bonus action to throw the dart or invoke its magic)Dart of Magic Missile Relevant Skills/Feats: Fighting Style: Dueling | Divine Sense | Divine Health | Divine Smite | Lay on Hands: 35/35 | Channel Divinity: 1/1 | Extra Attack | 10ft radius, +3 to all saving throwsAura of Protection | 10ft radius, resistance to damage from spellsAura of Warding | If you take the Attack action on your turn, you can use a bonus action to try to shove a creature within 5 feet of you with your shield. If you aren't incapacitated, you can add your shield's AC bonus to any Dexterity saving throw you make against a spell or other harmful effect that targets only you. If you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you can use your reaction to take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw, interposing your shield between yourself and the source of the effect. Shield Master | Increase your Strength or Dexterity by 1, to a maximum of 20. Once per turn when you hit a creature with an attack that deals slashing damage, you can reduce the speed of the target by 10 feet until the start of your next turn. When you score a critical hit that deals slashing damage to a creature, you grievously wound it. Until the start of your next turn, the target has disadvantage on all attack rolls. Slasher Spell Slots: 4/4, 3/3 | Spell Save DC: 14 | Spell Attack Bonus: +6 | Spells Prepared: 6 Oath Spells: Ensnaring Strike, Speak with Animals, Moonbeam, Misty Step Spells: Compelled Duel, Protection from Good and Evil, Thunderous Smite, Lesser Restoration, Protection from Poison, Find Steed

 

Character Sheet

[zebedee]

OOC: DAMN IT! I did it again; wrote a multi-paragraph post. Sat on it planning to come back and polish it. Then shut down my computer before hitting submit. This is the gist of it while keeping it short so as not to risk forgetting to actually post it again.

Gallindan The eladrin is pleasantly surprised when the soldiers allow them to cross the bridge. He can't help but smile at Rolf's little bit of deception. The boy is a natural, for better and for worse. He's pleased to see the others have fared well, and grateful for a night of relative comfort at the soldiers' camp. When the others awaken, he rouses himself from meditation. He's not sure they can trust the soldiers to keep the orphans safe. But surely all soldiers would agree that evacuating children from the front line is a valuable effort? Then again, the children had been left behind in the village already, so clearly not ALL the soldiers were valuing this effort. He doesn't know Aaric well. But the man knows this army better than Gallindan does. And as Adelaide said, this detour has been long enough. They can't afford the time to escort the orphans any further. He nods at Adelaide's comments. "I agree with both of you, actually. We must be moving on. And for that to happen, we have to trust the Lions to do the right thing. They took a small step in that direction today. If Aaric thinks they will finish the job, we have no choice but to believe him. So I do believe you, Aaric. Let us say our farewells and be on our way."

[mountainbound]

Oren Kyre Breathing a sigh of relief, and not a little bemused at how naturally Rolf and Isabella were able to turn on their act, Oren joins Gallindan, Adelaide and Aaric as the soldiers take charge. What could have been a horrific scene of death unfolding before a group of children turned out infinitely far better than expected. Hours later, with a farmhouse fire crackling in the hearth and the sounds of children laughing elsewhere in the house, the warlock counts his blessings. While unrolling a blanket he says to his companions, "I honestly didn't think we'd make it away without having to dodge the footfalls of that titan. I take it as providence, and thank the Mountain King things worked the way they did." Later, while the smattering of mercenaries was corralling the orphans into their bunks, Oren approaches their leader. "Captain Glance, you proved yourself an honorable man today. Daybreak and I are the sworn protectors of the Oakcrest region. If someday you're in the area, or perhaps are looking to retire from soldiering, we would be happy to find a place for you."

[Admin Bhelogan]

Nearing Bluemoon The Crimson Lions took their charge to watch out for the orphans seriously and left the travelers with peace of mind that they would be well cared for. Of course, the travelers did not know that several of the children were wanted for theft, and other petty crimes, but those were not concerns of the travelers, or the mercenaries for the time being. With the decision made, the party continued to travel along the Trade Winds Thoroughfare. After the delay in getting around the forces of the warring city-states, things went smoothly again. The week of travel was spent in relative comfort, with taverns and inns along the way where they needed to stop. The vegetation and foliage began to change as the altitude at which the road traversed the land lowered. They were no longer in high mountains and plains, but closer to sea level, and nearing lands of swamps, and older mountain ranges. The party was making good time, and only had a day or two left to arrive at Bluemoon when the first hint of any trouble was observed. The light of the setting sun cast long shadows across the road as the party drew closer to Blue Moon, the last city on the Trade Winds Thoroughfare. The air was still, heavy with the scent of evening dew, when something unusual caught their eye up ahead. There, standing solitary on the road, was a lantern. But this was no ordinary lantern. An Antilanternstood tall, its metal frame twisted into a cruel shape, almost as if mocking the light it was meant to hold. Three beams of crimson light shot out from its core, each one lancing through the twilight air like the pointed fingers of some unseen force. These beams seemed alive, searching, and they locked onto the party with an eerie precision. One red beam settled on Oren, another on Gallindan, and the last on Adelaide. There were no beams shooting out towards Isabella, a further indication that she had been cleansed from the evil that had tainted her under Fierna's influence. An unnatural chill crawled down the party's spines, as if the lantern itself was staring into their very souls. Shadows danced wildly on the ground, distorted and unnatural, twisting into shapes that seemed to whisper of menace and danger. The beams did not waver, each one steady and unwavering in its pursuit of their targets, marking them like a hunter's sight. The air grew thick with tension, the road now feeling like a trap sprung too late to avoid. The realization set in like a knife’s edge—this was no coincidence. The Cloak of Aramok had laid an ambush, and the Antilantern was their beacon, its unholy light calling forth whatever darkness awaited in the dusk beyond.

OODM This is an obvious ambush. The Anitlantern is visible, but you don't see where, or how many members of the Cloak of Aramok are hiding.