Re: Chapter One

[Ao]

Kellar and Custer slide in beside Uru, lifting at the heavy orc desperately. You slip in the muddied riverside, as a fog of cloud envelopes you.

Kilik's shroud of concealment descends, and soon you can scarcely see Uru's face in front of yours. He grumbles some unintelligible phrase, trying to discourage you from helping him. But as you begin to move he moves his legs, limping poorly under the support of (mostly) Kellar's shoulder.

*WHZZT*

Custer hears an arrow whizz through the air behind him, obscured by the fog.

*WHZZT*

And another, and another. Up ahead, you can scarcely make out Shorjahl, Osvald and Kilik.

The dragoon looks off to the west, and sees four shadowy figures moving through the fog. He cannot tell if they can see him.

=================

OK guys, you're moving through Kilik's fog but you're at a disadvantage - Uru cannot walk. You can perceive four figures hunting you in the mist, though there could very well be more.

Uru cannot talk much. It is apparent that he has lost a lot of blood.

You can flee as you would like, but Kellar (and Custer, if he keeps "helping" along the large orc) will trail behind you (1/2 movement speed, even if they're trying to hustle)

You can all throw in some stealth checks, but unless I have 5/5 successful checks you're going to need to execute some pretty clever evasionary tactics or these "figures" will quickly find you.

And then...well...we'll see!

Oh, if you intend on charging them in the mist or firing upon them, you can do that as well. Assume an AC of 20 for ranged, and 15 for melee. Though be aware that any attacks will obviously give away your position and destroy your chances at stealthing.

EXP: +20 to the whole group, because I missed my post over the weekend. And then another +20 to Kilik, Kellar, Custer and Shorjahl

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl realizes that the other two are trailing behind as the fog envelops them. He urges Kilik and Osvald to keep moving, and waits quietly for Cuss and Kellar to catch up to him. He frowns in dismay as he sees that they are trying to carry the obviously dying Orc. His voice is a harsh whisper, "We don't have time! I'm not one to be callous, but his and Anna's sacrifice will be for nothing if we all die here. Come, now!" Shorjahl will physically grab Custer's and Kellar's arms, pulling them away from Uru if possible.

"Lay the shaman on his back in the water if you must, he'll float downstream. That will give him some time and a chance at life. Otherwise we'll all have to stay and fight, and possibly die. Hurry!" He would lead them back with the rest of the group, trying to be as stealthy as possible.

Stealth 19

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Shorjahl' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 17

[Custer Thickett]

As Shorjahl speaks and approaches, Custer sleighly rubs some of the fresh blood from Uru's leg on his right hand.  When Shorjahl reaches for him, Custer will meet his hand with his own and let Shorjahl pull him away from Uru.  When he releases Shorjahl's hand, he makes sure to rub the blood into it as he slides his own free.  He expects the human to be clever enough to understand the meaning.  Cuss whispers, "Sacrifice?  Are you so sure she is dead?  This one stood up to his own to save us from the laughing mask.  Luck brought us back to him, yet you ask him to die for it."  

Custer turns away and crouches as he moves toward Kilik and Osvald.  He pulls his bow from his back and nocks an arrow.  As he moves, he looks for a target through the fog.  If he is able to see a target well enough to take a precise shot, he will loose.  If he can only see shapes, then he will try to remain hidden as he waits for a good clean shot.  In the brief moment of silence before, Custer thinks of how he came to meet Orbaugh in a Kobold camp.

[Cunning action allows me to roll stealth as bonus, move, and attack.]

[Rolling stealth +7]
21

[If loosing, rolling attack, will roll damage in lair later if a hit.  +5 to attack.]
24

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 14

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 19

[Forgeless Kilik]

Guide me steps, Wayfinder the dwarf whispered into his beard an' keep me clumsy feet away from graspin' roots an' shifin' stones.

He chanced a glance back over his shoulder to where Kellar and Custer where dawdling with the orc. What in the hells are they on about!? I cannae ask the blessings of the Watcher to aid one o' his kind!

The thought flew from his head as a tree root snared his foot, sending him sprawling with a jangling clatter. He scrambled quickly back to his feet, but the sound was like an alarm bell ringing in the heavy fog. Marthammor Duin is displeased.
------------------------------
Actions:

Stealth (disadvantage from chainmail) + Guidance: 7

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Forgeless Kilik' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 4, 5

--------------------------------

#2 'D4' : 3

[Kellar]

Leave him? Send him down the river for a chance at life? Remember those words when we're pulling you from the jaws of death, Kellar muttered begrudgingly.

Kellar shrugs off Shorjahl's hand on his arm. Kellar sets Uru down on the ground near the water and drops the bundle of wood on the ground. Uru, I'm going to fasten a slip knot around your wrist and attach it to this bundle. It'll keep your head above water as you head down stream. If we don't meet again, thanks, he said as he tied off Uru's hand and set him off into the water.

As Kellar sets Uru in the water, he hears the clumsy dwarf making all sorts of noise.

Looks like we'll get that chance to stay and die, huh Shorjahl, Kellar said.

Kellar grabs his lance and starts to move through the fog along the river's edge, away from the three shrouded figures in the fog.

Actions:
Stealth Roll= 19+2= 21
Readied Action= Lunging attack, if needed.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 19

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl glares in frustration at Kellar, "So it seems."

He stands at the ready, preparing to unleash a wave of arcane energy.

--------------------

Action, prepared action to cast Burning Hands as soon as I see a viable target.

[Ao]

Amidst the confusion of the fog, Kellar deigns to bring Uru to the riverside. The elder shaman looks reserved, and Shorjahl and Kilik’s harsh words do not seem to surprise him.

Uru gurgles out a sarcastic response as he slides into the mud.

"I see you've been reading your books, cleric of Marthammor Duin. This is how you honor the traveller in need?"

[Group STEALTH check failed:]

Suddenly the air is punctuated by the sound of Kilik tumbling, his armor clanging upon the earth.

The fog begins to swirl, and the dark shapes you saw seconds ago break through the thick cover.

Seven armed orcs move through the fog towards you, appearing one by one. Their yellow eyes seem to gleam in the fog, and they heft great axes above their shoulders.

They sneer at you, approaching menacingly.

[Orc Ability, Aggressive. As a bonus action, they move toward you with speed, surrounding you easily.]

The orcs drive you closer to the riverbank, cutting off all hope of escape.

=====================

OK guys, you have seven orcs charging toward you in the fog. They are approximately 20 feet away from you.

Kilik, please remind me of the effects of your fog.

Ive put their stats in The Lair. Ranged attacks are made at disadvantage in the fog, for now.

EXP: +20 to kilik, kellar, shor and cuss

[Shorjahl]

As soon as the orcs began sifting out of the fog, Shorjahl's bracer suddenly chimed loudly - growing exponentially in volume over the span of three to four seconds. The brightness from the bracer was practically blinding, amplified and refracted through all of the moisture in the air - causing it to flash and glow supernaturally.

The arcanist squats down slightly, torquing his entire torso and thrusting with his hips as he pushed out with his fist - a blast of undulating air and compressed arcane energy exploding forth from his knuckles and wrist. He screamed, but the ringing hum and chime was so loud as it blew the foliage and fog away from him around the river, nobody could hear his scream - but they could see the veins in his neck swell and turn purple, and the skin on his knuckles crack and bleed from the force of the blast.

As the fog and bright cold light clears, three of the orc's bodies are little more than dripping pieces of viscera - a chunk of leg, some fingers, half of a skull, and some intestine were strewn about, the swampy floor coated in a layer of greasy blood. Another of the foul creatures was wounded, who Shorjahl stared at, panting heavily, his hand trembling and bleeding.

-------------------------

Force Hands Damage: 10
Dex Saving Throws:
Deth: 12 = 11+1 (Fail)
Zane: 2 = 1 + 1 (Fail + 1d6 for Crit)
Anur: 10 = 9 + 1 (Fail)
Olrog: 21 = 20 + 1 (Pass, half damage)

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Shorjahl' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D6' : 5, 2, 3

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 11, 1, 9, 20

[Custer Thickett]

As the fog swirls and Custer sees the yellow eyes, he looses as he had prepared. He knew the shot was almost perfect as he released it.

Custer ears sting and ring at the sound of Shorjahl's arcane furry. Cuss dashes through the remnants of the swirling fog to close the remaining distance between himself and Kilik. Custer slings his bow over his back and draws his rapier as he comes to a stop beside the Dwarf. He keeps his knees bent, ready to dodge any Orc axe swung at him. "Ya'll be wanting to get in this quick afore they all melt. Me thinks I got one."

[Custer released his previous assassinate attack and rolled damage in the lair as promised. Custer is using Cunning Action to Dash the rest of the way to Kilik, and then Dodge while he awaits engagement.]

[Forgeless Kilik]

I shoulda known better than to help an orc...

If that's how yer will, then...we can always do this in keepin' with the old ways...

He spun his hammer once over his head in a full circle, an ancient prayer singing in his throat, before smashing the steel head down into the earth. A deafening peal of thunder exploded out of the hammer, crushing one of the orcs entirely, and leaving two more wobbling as blood began to trickle from their ears.

Kilik stood before them and roared a challenge lost in the deafening ringing of the spell.

-----------------------
Actions:

Kilik positions himself as best he can, and channels the power of his god into a thunderwave

Reaction: If one of them manages to hit me with a melee attack, they'll get destroyed by the Wrath of the Storm (DC13 DEX save or 2d8 thunder, half on save)

Fog Cloud: There is an 80' diameter sphere of fog. Everything is heavily obscured (PHB 183), blocking vision entirely; everyone inside is blinded, meaning (PHB 290) that ability checks requiring sight automatically fail and attack rolls against those creatures have advantage and their attack rolls have disadvantage.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Forgeless Kilik' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D8' : 3, 8

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 2, 14, 3

[Osvald Hale]

Osvald moves through the fog, dim dazzling lights and concussive impacts meet his senses, as he hears orcs scream and bones shatter with satisfying snaps in the obfuscated distance.

He wasn't happy to help this orc, Uru--old hates die hard--but they did owe him some measure of repayment.... and Anna... Well, She was gone and probably dead by now. The debt was shared among them, no question.

The huntsman moved low, quickly along the bank. A shadow skirted by him... Cuss? He wasn't sure. Bow drawn, he hears the moan of two orcs, bloodied and broken, they wavered upon the precipice of death as shades in the fog... and Osvald was happy to give them a last push.

"Find no peace." He curses them in their own tongue; and lets an arrow fly...

=====

Attack roll on 'Olrog' with Longbow.

15 + 5 = 20 (hit)

OOC: Holy DMG dudes..... Walking Nukes.

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Osvald Hale' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 15

[Kellar]

Before Kellar can react, Shorjahl blasted the fog and orcs to bits, what was left was sniped by Cus and then the remains were nearly obliterated by Kilik's thunder...

Lord Hale loosed an arrow for one of the orcs that were still standing, barely alive.

That left clean up for Kellar.

Kellar lunged for the last orc!

The remaining orc was too stunned by the sudden force that hit him, it left an opening for Kellar's lance to drive through it's black heart with ease! Attack Roll= 15, Damage= 11, Success!

No time to check them over, let's move! Kellar said as he removed the lance from the dead orc.

Actions:

*Kellar advances along with the group, leaving the spoils of their assault on the orcs to rot with them.
*Disregard the second roll, it was preemptive writing on my part!

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 11

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 18

[Osvald Hale]

As Kellars lance finds its mark, Osvald rises, and walks to the crumpled bodies of the last fallen orcs, pulling loose his arrow and inspecting the orcs corpse.

He nods to Kellar--his lance run nearly all the way through the other orcs torso.

"Fine strike, Kellar." then as the broken bodies of the other orcs appear through gaps in the fog "Hells, remind me not to piss you lot off..." He says with wide grin.

====

Quick check on the gear the orcs were carrying to determine if they pursued Uru from a place nearby, or had been hunting him for some time (i.e. extra water, rations, signs of travel etc.) As well as any items of value/interest they may have, especially icons of the Laughing God. He will reveal anything found to the party.

Perception with Adv. from Pref. enemy: Orc = 8 + 4 = 12

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Osvald Hale' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 8, 2

[Custer Thickett]

[Rolling constitution save. I shouldn't have rolled the d8s again, sorry.]
4

Custer smiles at Kilik's aggressiveness, but the smile is quickly smeared as Cuss's vision fades for a brief moment.  He comes back to just before the ground reaches out to catch him, some 10 feet away from where he thought he was.  He rolls back to his feet and tries to catch his breath, but there is no air.  He rest on his knees and gasp, trying desperately to breathe and hear again.

[Custer dashed to Kilik. I know Kilik said he positioned himself in his action text, but Custer's intent was to be abreast Kilik so that he could freely sneak attack anything that engages the two of them. We didn't communicate our tactics to each other, so I assume that Custer would have been in that 15 foot cube for Thunderwave whether Kilik realized it at the time or not.]
11 damage

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 3

--------------------------------

#2 'D8' : 6, 8

[Ao]

The fog fades away, leaving the fellowship standing on the quiet bank of the river, surrounded by the carnage of the orc slaughter.

Uru lifts himself onto an arm, surveying the damage. He lets out a low whistle, settling back into the mud.

And then he laughs. Laughs long and hard.

“What days we live in. Where I would be so pleased to see the blood of my kin.”

[…]

[Osvald, perception results:]

Osvald searches through the remains of the orcs. They are well armed and rationed, and most of them carry a symbol or sigil of the laughing god Cyric.

A standard orc raiding party, for certain. But a tracking party? To have followed Uru this far into the woods, it would be uncommon and impractical for these orcs to be absent an accompaniment of wargs.

As if to answer his question, a loud howl echoes out to the west. Perhaps a mile away. Definitely wargs.

[…]

Uru raises himself to his feet against a tree, and stares at the fellowship.

“You ought to leave. These wood will be crawling with wargs and orcs soon. You’ve given me a chance, even if unwillingly…”

He eyes Kilik, a slight snarl upon his face.

“That is enough.”

With his still strong arms, he breaks a large branch off of the tree and digs it into the ground, supporting his weight. Uru cringes, but steadies his gaze.

“I do not know what brought you to these lands, travellers. And I see Anna is not among you. Tell me that Grol and his kind did not capture her? Tell me that you did not leave her in their grasp?”

He looks at you, a sense of urgency in his voice.

“You would do well to leave the small teeth. Dark times are upon us. Keisan, that false prophet… he has Grol wrapped tightly around his finger. My proud clan, turned to hunting dogs for the laughing god. Looking for…something. Something that we do not know.”

Uru spits upon the ground. Then, he looks at Shorjahl carefully.

He reaches into his cloak, pulling out a leather-bound tome.

“Mage, can you read this?”

Uru throws the book to Shorjahl. As you open it, Shorjahl, your heart nearly stops. The characters the book is written in - they are familiar. You cannot read them, you’ve never been able to. But you know someone who can…

The book is written in Shadowcant, a forgotten language from the old Netheril empire. Even the libraries of Candlekeep boast only a handful of similar tomes, buried deep within their annals.

This much, Shorjahl learned from Barjerohn. His former master. For the old mage was passionate. No - obsessed with the language of Shadowcant. These tomes dealt almost exclusively with dark magic. Old magic. Some, that long-dead mages would say, is the most powerful in Faerun.

Uru stares expectantly. And, before you can disguise your surprise, he senses it.

“So, you recognize this language? This book. It smells of evil. I scavenged Keisan’s chambers before I fled from our den. I was desperate to expose him in front of my kind. But this…this is all I found. Perhaps it explains what he is looking for in the small teeth.”

Another howl echoes out in the distance. Closer this time.

“No matter. Keep the book. And go.”

Uru nods at you.

=========================

OK guys.

EXP: +200 each for defeating the orcs, and +20 for posting.

You can question Uru, and then head south along the river again, or try and cut into the woods. Or cross the river, perhaps. Let me know.

-Ao

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl lowers his arm, the bracer going still, dim, and quiet. He sees Custer is hurt, but alright, and nods to Uru respectfully. As the old shaman hands him the book, and he feels the sinister darkness coiling up from the pages, Shorjahl closes it shut, wraps it in a clean piece of parchment, and stows it away in his pack before speaking.

"I do recognize it, Uru. And it is as you say, something foul." His expression is conflicted, pained, frustrated, angry, almost defeated. It seems as though he's deeply in thought.

He looks to one of the others to speak to the old orc, and explain the situation with Anna. He seems at a loss for words as he contemplates, gazing out at the river and absently listening to the howl of wargs. So much blood has been spilled, so many sacrifices made. He hoped it was worth it.

------------------------------------------

I would continue our path along the banks of the river, quickly, after taking a short rest to regain some of my spell levels. If the group wants to go another way, Shorjahl will go along with it, he doesn't seem in a position to speak or offer alternatives right now.

[Custer Thickett]

Custer meets Shojahl's gaze with watered eyes as he feels air start to return to his lungs.  He begins to let out a shout that starts inaudible and then grows into a weak squawk.  The ringing returns to his ears, but his focus is on the throbbing pain that remains between them.  He lets out a long line of Halfling curses directed at Kilik.  Due to his near deafness, his voice is very elevated.  "Mac damanta de soith súil dom bataí duine éigin go casúr suas tú a asal lá éigin."

Custer is completely oblivious to any approaching threats, and so takes his time getting up and looking for his misplaced rapier.  Once he finds it, he wipes it clean with the corner of his soiled cloak, and stows it away in his belt.  He then begins picking over the remaining bodies with Osvald.  He will make sure no gold is left behind, but will not bother with the rest except to grab a waterskin and ration.  He walks over to Uru and hands them to him, and nearly screams, "When did ya kin learn to forge chainmail?"

[Kellar]

Kellar sees Shorjahl look in his direction and adds a few words about Anna. Uru, I'm not sure of Anna's fate, but she's not with us now, whatever she might be doing is for her to know. We're fortunate to have made it out from under the mountain, he concluded.

Let's get moving in a few moments, catch our breath, eat some food and drink some water, he said.

Orbaugh, have some of this, when we get a chance to properly rest we'll get to play a little bit. Kellar breaks off some food for Orbaugh and gives it to him.

Orbaugh snaps it up hungrily and then hops down to drink from the river. When you're ready, let's go.

Kellar goes over his provisions and tightens them down on his pack and re-secures his armor and and adjusts his boots.

Actions:

*Kellar will forego a stealth roll in favor of sprinting back with the horn, after the short rest.

[Forgeless Kilik]

Kilik laid a heavy hand upon the side of Custer's head, but his eyes locked upon Uru and never waivered as he prayed.

Holy Marthammor Duin, Finder-of-Trails and Watcher-Over-Wanderers...ye sit at the right hand of the Dwarffather, Moradin Soul-Forger, Breaker of Orcs and ancient foe of the One-Eyed Bastard. Hear me prayer. This one be little, but his heart is great. Strengthen his legs an' mend his wounds, that he might continue to walk yer paths in righteousness.

The warmth from his hand spread through the halfling's body, restoring some of the damage.

He turned to look Custer square in the eye, offering quietly Sorry 'bout that business there. There's a sayin' o' my people that in the common tongue sounds somethin' like: "'Tween dwarf an' orc? 'Tween hammer an' anvil." Still, I'll see yer set to rights. But for now, I'd say we should make what time we can with this place at our backs.

---------------------------
Hanging out here for an hour with a warg hunting party en route feels like a bad idea, but if that's what people want to do I won't object.

Actions:

Cure wounds on Custer: 4 hp regained

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Forgeless Kilik' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D8' : 1

[Custer Thickett]

As Kilik prays, the ringing in Custer's ears fades and he can hear other sounds starting to seep past it.  He smiles and nods at Kilik's apology, then starts walking with him along the river bank after Kilik mentions turning his back.  Bah, me thinks it wasn't ya fault.  Didn't tell ya I was keeping step to stab anything you swung at.  Didn't know hitting the ground with it would do that.  What did it do, anyway?  I saw ya swing it down, and then I saw the ground kiss me."  When Cuss hears a Warg roar, he stops and looks at those around him, "The hells was that?"

---

[Custer would like to run as well, but he wants Uru to come with. Anna told him to meet her and Custer would like to try to help him keep the appointment. Given Kilik's position Orcs, Custer will not push the point.]

Either before leaving Uru, or trotting along side him, "We were atop a high cliff after coming out of a cave near the Blackbrier tomb. We were climbing down with ropes and pitons when there was a problem. Most fell, and the climbing gear was lost. Anna was left stranded at the top. Don't much know what happened to her after that. She didn't yell down to wait and we couldn't find her when we looked, so we pressed on hoping she would be able to find her own way. We have to make the camp before the Equinox or this is all for naught, see?"

[Osvald Hale]

"Wargs, Cuss. Time to make ourselves scarce." Says the ranger, slinging his bow back over his shoulder and moving to lead the party further along the river bank.

=====

Osvald will move out quickly following the same path along the bank.

Perception and Nature rolls for a chance to spot anything out of place or a potentially better trail along the bank.

5+4=9 Per, 9+4=13 Nat

[DiceMaster]

The member 'Osvald Hale' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 5, 9

[Ao]

Uru waves his hand at Custer, straightening himself in the mud.

“Go, guide the horn. I will find shelter. Our paths will cross again. Of this, I’m certain.”

Uru hobbles off down to the creek, and starts northward.

[…]

Osvald takes the lead as the party winds themselves down the river.

The cerulean sky overhead is cloudless, and by the time noon sees the sun crest its way over the Small Teeth they are in the thick reeds of the Brown Lands once again.

[…]

[Osvald, Nature check results]

The fellowship wades through the knee-deep water, moving as swiftly as possible in the direction of Hoat’s pasture.

The ranger guides them to high ground wherever possible, and veers them into the woods upon a high, rocky outcropping that saw them a profit of considerable speed for no less than a half mile.

[…]

The sun had reached its apex, and begun its descent when Custer heard a far-off sound.

A flapping sound. Like the sails of a warship, slacking in the wind.

The halfling stood upon large boulder, looking skyward, when he saw it.

Miles to the north, flying toward the Small Teeth, was the biggest dragon he had ever seen.

Long, and indigo blue.

It disappeared after a moment, into the jagged teeth of the mountain…

[…]

Hoat’s pasture appeared on the horizon, as the sopping wet fellowship emerged from the Brown Lands.

Upon its high hill, the lanterns of the hunting lodges were being lit. The venerable log fence surrounding the hamlet was illuminated by the setting sun.

The Esrelembar would be here in half an hour.

*WHOOSH*

Suddenly, an arrow flies past Kilik’s face. You brace yourselves for an orc attack, but the yelling of a familiar voice halts you for a haysecond.

“Otis, you old FOOL!” screams the voice.

You look to the east, and can see four leather-clad men emerge from the brush.

It is Argus Hoat, followed by three hunters. One of whom, is a greying old man with a bow in his hand, looking rather surprised.

“Well come on Argus! It’s sundown an’ they walked out the Brown Lands. You wouldn’a found a bettin’ man in Athkatla that wouldna assumed they was orcs.”

Argus hastens up to you, his eyes wide.

“Adventurers, you've returned! Cherous is in the stables… that old horse of his is shaking something awful. Did you find what ye’d been looking for?”

==================

OK guys! You’ve made it to Hoat’s Pasture and Argus has come to escort you the last few minutes of his journey.

EXP: +20 to all for posting.

[Custer Thickett]

Custer watches Uru take his first few steps northward, To think just a few days ago you couldn't convince me they were smart enough to hold a conversation.  I hope he makes it.  Agata whispered, 'Trust his luck.'  Custer turns and dashes along the bank with the group.  He stumbles around a bit more than usual, still slightly rattled.

...

When Custer hears the sound, he stops and makes a sharp, short, whistle through his teeth.  He points to his ear, then to the sky.  When he climbs the boulder and spots the dragon.  He will instinctively kneel, before pointing.  Realizing the dragon was flying into the teeth and not his way, he straightens but keeps his arm outstretched.  "Do you see that, love?  It's beautiful."  He says as he rubs his chain of charms.

...

When the arrow whistles by, Custer drops to a knee and nocks an arrow.  When he spots Argus's team, he draws and looses an arrow down into the soft ground beside his foot.  It sinks deep, and he does not bother bending over to pull it free.  When Otis draws near, Custer looks at him and says, "Is é Dúthracht an máthair seans maith." Diligence is the mother of good luck.  "Ya don't know your own ass from a hole in the ground and ya as useless as nipples on a breastplate.  When was the last time ya hit anything with that shot, old man?"  Custer spits on the ground and walks away toward the camp, letting the others entertain the hunter's small talk.

[Forgeless Kilik]

Aye, we found it. An' more. There be dark things afoot in the Brown Lands, an' orcs ain't the worst of it.

He turned back and glared at the distance they'd traveled. But that's a problem that can wait another sunrise. Lead on, and let's see if we can't do some bit o' good to help brighten the world.

There'll be time enough for bloody reunions in the days to come. 'Keisan' were his name, weren't it? He can lead his orcs in a merry march off to the Hells, an' I'll wish him good journies for all I care...but I've got a sinkin' feelin' things aren't likely to end there...

--------------
Actions: Kilik silently gives thanks to Marthammor Duin for seeing them through that leg of the journey.

[Kellar]

Good thing you're kind of short there Master Dwarf, chuckled Kellar.

Upon seeing and recognizing the group approaching them, Kellar relaxes his guard briefly.

We're running out of time. Forgive us if you don't keep up, the sun is setting, Kellar said.

Why are you looking back toward the way we came little one, questioned Kellar.

[Shorjahl]

Shorjahl trudged silently through the brown lands, lighting the way where necessary, casting small flames upon thick brush, pushing aside what he must with arcane energy. Otherwise he never spoke, and rarely looked up from the path, chewing his lips nervously and occasionally sighing.

..............

He hardly noticed when Cuss whistled, so ensconced in his thoughts he was.

..............

As the arrow flew over Kilik's stout head, he snapped to his senses. The threat of real danger, of combat, made him focus again on the here and now. The chime of his bracer came to life, now familiar to the party, but it cooled and dimmed to silence once Argus and the others stepped clear.

After the party speaks, he looks solemnly into the nearest Hoat man's eyes, "Take us to the creature, quickly now."

[Osvald Hale]

Osvald let out a hearty laugh with a great sigh of relief when Argus and the hunters move into view, releasing his grip on his dagger.

A broad grin crosses his face, and he falls back into step alongside Shorjahl. Shielding his eyes from the setting sun, the ranger counts palm widths before the sun sinks into the horizon.

"About half an hour left--Let's keep up the pace, lads."


=====

No significant action, just continuing with the party.

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