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Inva will follow the goblins instructions as to get the damp out of her clothing. She will reach into her pack and pull out two trail bars and offer one to Pixel.

Tover stands guard while people dry off and prep for rest. After people dried off a bit and eaten he asks someone to take watch while he eats.
“I can take first night watch if people want, who else can take a night watch?”

Pixel, a twinkle in his eyes, bows to Inva as he accepts the food and proceeds to slowly eat it.

Between bites, he replies to Tover: “Me do guard in the deep night - no need of much light”

He will find a cosy place to sleep, setting up as best he can, and sleep until awakened for his watch.

Notes

HPs: 13/14 Hero Points available : 2 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

Victor volunteers for a shift. He looks around to see if any of the large trees are suitable for climbing.

After you have set up camp in the sheltered clearing chosen by Inva, Ecmund gathers everyone around the fallen tree trunk that serves as your makeshift bench. The persistent drizzle continues to filter through the canopy above, but you find a measure of comfort in your well-chosen campsite. A small fire crackles cheerfully in the center, casting flickering shadows on your faces.

Ecmund clears his throat, excitement gleaming in his eyes as he addresses the group. "I've heard tales about the ‘jungle farms’ that supposedly still thrive in the lands that were once the nation of Yamasa," he begins, his voice carrying a note of anticipation. "These farms, hidden deep within the jungle, are said to produce fruits unlike any found elsewhere. Imagine a fruit that can heal wounds with a single bite or another that can grant visions of the future.

He leans in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And then there's the story of the Wishing Vine. They say if you find this vine and eat its fruit, it will grant you one wish, no matter how impossible. Of course, it's guarded by fierce creatures, and only the bravest—or the most foolish—dare seek it out."

Ecmund's enthusiasm is infectious. He continues, undeterred. "I even heard about a farmer who supposedly turned an entire Lizardfolk tribe into harmless lizards with a potion made from his crops. And there's the legend of a tree that produces gold instead of fruit! Can you imagine the riches we might find?"

Ecmund's eyes sparkle with excitement as he gestures animatedly. "These stories may sound far-fetched, but isn't that the essence of adventure? To seek out the unbelievable and make it real?"

He pauses, looking around the circle at his companions. "But tonight, I'd like to hear your stories. Each of you has a tale to tell, experiences that deserve to be shared and remembered. Let me write them down, so that others might learn from your bravery and wisdom."

He gestures to his waterproof satchel, pulling out a sheaf of parchment and a quill. "Who will start?

Tover looks around, if no one starts, he does.

“ People sometimes look funny at my flickmace, but to me us gnomes are kinda born into it. In my village once most gnome kids can walk without face planting, our granddad’s make a tiny flickmace saying “whack a mouse, get a treat”... hrm that rhymes in gnomish.. but anyway...so its kinda second nature. Some of us get kinda good at seeing from the corners of our eyes anything smackable. While many young gnomes carry a little extra paunch….gnome villages never have a mice or small vermin issue! And well….. growing up we also learn to surprise deal and take an occasional ‘mace tag’ with friends. But you can imagine we quickly out grow that game when we get our first real flickmace….

Us gnomes in my family often are born blessed with magic, looking back must have been hell for my folks never knowing what small spell I could do that day.”

OUT OF CHARACTER

[Fey-Touched Gnome Heritage]

 

“ Not much else to tell, spent a lot of time with dad and granddad learning how powerful “Gnome FlickMace and Board” is, proudly much better than “Sword and Board”. Love being the "front line", hitting them from 5’ away, making them step to me to return a swing. Once I got granddad’s nod my skills were ready, here I am !!”

At that last part he smiles, remembering finally getting their blessing.

Pixel smiles a big goblin smile and, looking at the small fire for inspiration, starts explaining his origin:

“Hello, me is Pixel. I goblin, like you see. I love fire, always love fire. But, fire got me in big trouble once. In my home village, I always play with fire. Make small flames, big flames, and sometimes, oops, make things burn too much. One day, big fire happen, I not mean it, but village get very angry. They say, 'Pixel, you go away! Too dangerous!' So, I get permission to leave and be alone.”

It is hard to see if this event is viewed positively or negatively by Pixel. Yet he continues;

“Alone in wild, very scary at first. But fire keep me safe, keep me warm. I learn to use fire for cooking, for keeping monsters away. Fire become my friend. I travel, walk many places, see many things. Meet other goblins, some friendly, some not. But I stay strong, I survive.”

Pixel raises a small fist on the air, as in defiance to the forces that have tried - and so far failed - to claim him in death.

“One day, I meet adventurers, like you. They say, 'Pixel, come with us!' I think, maybe they right. Maybe I find new home, new friends. I want to show fire can be good, not just bad. I want to learn more magic, become strong. So, here I am, Pixel the fire goblin. Ready to help, ready to light campfire, grill meat, and use magic to protect friends. We go on big adventures together, yes?”

Notes

HPs: 13/14 Hero Points available : 2 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

Victor carefully wraps and stows the chicken jerky he had been eating. Like most children who think they are adult just because they are fully grown, I could not wait to be away from the watchful eyes of the Aunties. I struck eastward from Murraseth until I found a land where catfolk were uncommon. They were uncommon because I was in the Shackles. Where it rains all the time. I found work, such as it was, enforcing the law where the rule was lawlessness. I picked up some useful skills but eventually tired of the constant rain. So I went back to Murraseth. In Murraseth, I found that my brother, Maxamilion, had set out to look for me. Since I was used to the rain, it was obviously my job to search for my brother who is searching for me. So here I am. Wet again.

Inva looks around at the speakers just paying attention but also just trying to reach her mind out to make sure no one is sneaking up on them. after the last person speaks For the start of my life i grew up on the plan of shadow. being a fletching ling has not been that safe for us. then after i became the equivalent to 3 common years we came back to the material plan and moved around a lot. Both my parents were battle mages. She pauses and looks around making sure to keep her mind also still scanning. Then at the age of 5 or so is when my mum walked into the room she saw that i was moveing my blocks around and throwing them across the room but i was not touching them at all. She called my papa and they used every magic spell in my room to confirm there was nothing there that should not be there or i was no possessed since i was not registering as using magic. They called the town's cleric who also did the same checking for demonic influence. It was then, that one of the clerics' acolytes figured out, that i was a telekinetic. The village we lived in was a safe place and all were welcome. Few humans lived there since many of the citizens there distrusted them since the humans pushed them away. To my parent's chagrin, it was a human in the village, who taught me to use my abilities. Also to my parents sadness, i stopped growing and due to an ancestor, i never grew much more than a gnome. After i was of age i wanted to go out and adventure. Now i am here she pauses This is also why i can not talk much more then a whisper have lived in the shadow plan for many years it took a toll on me

“Oh, what fascinating stories! Tover, I'm sure you have many exciting stories tell about your mace! I'll get them out of you one of these nights.

Pixel, I hope someday you will tell me about the biggest fire you have ever made, but also about a fire that was small, but surprisingly powerful!

Victor, stories of lawmen make for great narratives at the right taverns. I dare say that I will have something juicy to share of you in my future.

Inva, what a gripping tale of the gifted child who confounded the great intellects by performing wonderous feats with her mind instead of magic.”

Having finished taking his copious notes during your stories, Ecmund puts the tools of his trade away a begins to get ready for bed.

OUT OF CHARACTER

If I understand correctly, the shifts are: Tover Pixel Victor Go ahead and describe what you do during your shift, and how you are setup for sleeping.

 

I would be happy to help with a shift but to be able to keep useing my ability’s I do need 8 hours in intruded rest. So I will take a watch that will allow that. she try’s and smiles but you can tell this is not a normal gesture almost as if she is straining to do it but you can tell it is genuine

“inva, maybe take watch 4 then?” Tover preps his sleep spot while everyone still awake.

I look at the pile of moss coverd rocks.. how tall? If that looks like a good spot to see in all directions I would leverage that location, if need be since i am first watch then taking a few min while people settling in to scrape quick makeshidt path up and back to be less slippery, unless it's impossibly slippery to navigate, then I would pick two different spots on the ground that can see different angles.

Generally i sit/lean for a while in one spot, then freshen my legs moving over to a slightly different. I am watching ground and also for anything moving thru trees.

If I am on the rocks, I find and prep a few smaller rocks to quietly wake people up by quietly throwing them at their sleeping bags...Just in case it's a slippery path, and I need to wake people up without risking falling. [Rocks not big enough to cause real damage clearly]

Arkyat will also volunteer to take a watch overnight.
“The more shifts watching, the more the others get to rest. ”
“I'll be happy to take the darkest part of the night, I can see just fine.”

He will keep his warhammer close over the night.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Watch Order Tover Pixel Arkyat Victor Inva With the party asleep this entry is for Tover, but if he says he wakes you up, feel free to be awake.

 

As Tover stands guard, the jungle around you is a mass of impenetrable darkness. Your low-light vision is keen, but on this night, with the pitch-black canopy overhead and the relentless rain obscuring everything, even that seems like little comfort. The fire has burned down to a few smoldering embers, casting faint, flickering shadows that barely reach beyond the immediate area of the camp.

As you adjust your position, you keep your Flickmace close at hand and your Spiked Shield within easy reach. The constant patter of rain against the leaves and ground forms a near-deafening backdrop, making it difficult to distinguish any other sounds. Still, you remain vigilant, your senses straining to pick up anything out of the ordinary.

Then, just on the edge of your hearing, you notice it—a soft rustling in the underbrush, barely perceptible over the rain. You freeze, your heart rate quickening as you listen more intently. The sound is faint but persistent, moving in a slow, deliberate pattern around the camp.

Your eyes dart toward the source of the noise, but the thick foliage and deep shadows swallow any movement, leaving you with only your ears to rely on. The rustling continues, circling the camp in a wide arc, as if whatever is out there is studying you and your friends, assessing your defenses.

Your grip tightens on your mace. The darkness presses in around you, amplifying your other senses as you struggle to make out anything in the pitch black.

Should you wake the others? The noise could be nothing more than an animal, curious but harmless. But it could also be something more dangerous—something that has already marked you as prey.

OUT OF CHARACTER

clarification, circling camp in a wide arc, meaning 180 degrees like its going around us and then leaving or or going beyond 180 degrees?

 

i move slowly closer to pixel while watching this. if more than 180 I would first quietly awaken Pixel as i believe he said he has dark vision.

Silverstone wrote: ↑Mon Aug 19, 2024 7:41 am

OUT OF CHARACTER

clarification, circling camp in a wide arc, meaning 180 degrees like its going around us and then leaving or or going beyond 180 degrees?

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

It is not consistent. Sometimes it goes a quarter around the camp, sometimes more like three quarters. But it does circle the whole camp.

 

Given the clarification, Once i realize its NOT just just giving us a wide berth and moving on, Tover straps on his shield, grabs his weapon and would quietly wake Pixel (since he was watch 2 and darkvision) putting my finger to lips, then pointing at the direction of the noise THINKING: Maybe mistake waking up fire goblin here first, dont want him casting fire just yet so whispering dont cast anything, just see what it is and how far , then quietly awaken Arkyat who also mentioned darkvision, THINKING: Risky whispering even once, let alone twice so putting my finger to my lips then pointing in the direction of the noise, then point to Arkyat, then 2 finger point at my eyes then point in a circle around camp, and point to him again..

Knowing that threat is now being watched, THINKING: Not sure if Arkyat got that, so maybe I'll also look.... next I double check everywhere else around us to make sure we are not just focused on the noisy part of perhaps more threats closing in while moving to quietly wake everyone else up in watch order, each time finger to lips then pointing in noise direction.

Victor wakes from pleasant dreams as Tover shakes him gently and gives the universal signal for quiet. Victor takes a deep, quiet inhalation through his nose.

OUT OF CHARACTER

What, if anything, does he smell?

 

Awakened by Tover, Pixel, understanding the symbol for silence, stands up quietly and looks in the direction pointed by his companion, to see what's up.

Notes

HPs: 13/14 Hero Points available : 2 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

Arkyat wakes and it's clear what those signs mean from Tover. He will grab his warhammer and implement and begin to circle around the camp...quietly as he can about 30 some feet out from the edge of the camp perimeter.

As Victor wakes, his keen Catfolk senses immediately pick up on the distinct scents carried on the damp, rain-soaked air. Amidst the earthy smell of wet foliage and the musty odor of the jungle, he catches a sharp, unfamiliar scent—an acrid, musky odor that sets his instincts on edge. It's the scent of a predator, something wild and dangerous that doesn't belong in their camp. The smell is strong, fresh, and close, mingling with the metallic tang of rain and the decaying underbrush, signaling that whatever it is, it has been nearby recently.

Arkyat, the Orc Thaumaturge, silently begins to circle the camp, his steps cautious and deliberate. His darkvision cuts through the murk, but the heavy rain reduces everything beyond a few feet to a blurry haze. Despite the limited visibility, Arkyat focuses on any movement in the surrounding jungle, his senses on high alert. He grips his weapon tightly, ready to face whatever might be lurking just beyond the camp's perimeter.

Pixel, the Charhide Goblin, peers in the direction Tover indicated, his darkvision allowing him to see better than most in the pitch-black night. Even so, the relentless rain and dense foliage obscure much of his view, leaving him with only vague shapes and shadows to work with. He stares intently, searching for any sign of movement, any glint of eyes or shift in the underbrush that might betray the presence of a threat.

As you quietly ready yourselves, the creature in the bushes pauses its circling, aware that its prey is now fully awake and alert. It knows when it has lost the element of surprise.

Assuming at this point everyone is awake? if not i continue to wake the party while staying ready Tover keeps his shield "raised" and flickmace in hand.... (I dont wake Edmond). Once all awake (assuming that it doesnt attack before that) Tover keeps his shield "raised" and flickmace in hand.... If I dont sense any second threat (or not told about a second one), if just the one I step into position putting myself slightly in front of the group between the threat and its closest target "ready to attack if it comes in range". If there is two threats, means I initially failed to detect it so I would I ask someone to guard the front since in my mind the sneakiest one is the bigger threat and I ready myself between the sneaky one and the party.

Tover whispers to the group Guess whatever this is its not going away on its own unless perhaps we encourage it.. Grandda always said 'Best way to survive a fight is not get into one...but if you cant then smack first'... Anyone have a light spell we can put into its area? or can cast it on something we can shoot into the area like an arrow or throw a small rock?

Turning to Tover, Pixel replies, excitedly “Me, Me, Me!!”
He then utters magical words and a small ball of flame appears in the palm of his hand (I am assuming we are playing the Legacy edition?)

OUT OF CHARACTER

Casting the Produce Flame Cantrip, and trying to hit whatever is out there. Even if he misses, he figures that the light might help locate the intruder...

 

Pixel will repeat the process, not worried that the soaked forest would catch fire. He aims at a slightly different angle each time, trying to focus on locating the intruder.

Notes

HPs: 13/14 Hero Points available : 2 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

JellyBrains wrote: ↑Sun Aug 25, 2024 8:46 am

OUT OF CHARACTER

I am assuming the scent is completely unfamiliar. If not...

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

it smells like a cat

 

OUT OF CHARACTER

holydeg wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2024 7:28 pm Pixel, could you give me an Intimidation check please? Go ahead and give yourself +2 Intimidation check result: 15

 

Notes

HPs: 13/14 Hero Points available : 2 Special: +1 circumstance bonus to Nature and Survival checks in scene #2

 

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Pixel: Goblin Sorcerer 1

Pixel, ever impulsive and eager to act, decides to take matters into his own hands. His eyes narrow as he focuses on the direction where the noises were last heard, and with a quick mutter under his breath, he summons a small flame into his palm. The fire dances eagerly in his hand, casting flickering shadows across his sharp features and illuminating the goblin's wide grin.

With a swift, practiced motion, he hurls the flame into the underbrush where he suspects the danger is lurking. The ball of fire arcs through the air, hissing as the rain sizzles against its surface, before landing in a burst of light among the wet leaves and dense foliage.

The jungle erupts with light as the fire crackles to life, briefly pushing back the oppressive darkness. For a moment, the adventurers see a flash of sleek black fur and golden eyes as the startled animal bolts away, its powerful limbs carrying it deeper into the jungle. The sudden burst of fire has caught it off guard, and it doesn't hesitate to retreat from the unexpected danger.

A loud rustle of leaves and a low growl echo in the night as the creature makes a swift exit, its outline disappearing into the deeper shadows of the forest. The creature's instinct for survival overrides its hunger; the flame and the commotion convince it that this prey is not worth the risk. Within seconds, the sound of its movements fades, swallowed by the rain and the jungle.

The camp falls silent again, save for the crackling of the dying embers and the steady rain. Pixel looks pleased with himself, his grin widening as he turns back to the others.

Victor nods approvingly, still sniffing the air, and Arkyat continues his watchful patrol around the camp, ensuring the panther is truly gone. The rest of the group stays alert for a while longer, but it becomes clear that the threat has passed.

You can now breathe a little easier, but the encounter serves as a reminder of how quickly danger can strike in the depths of the jungle. They settle back down, still on guard, but grateful for the goblin's quick thinking. The rain continues to fall, but the camp feels a little safer for now, and the group returns to their watches, their senses sharpened for the rest of the night.

It is too dark and damp to effectively investigate whatever creature was circling the camp, so any further examination of the scene will have to wait until the sun has risen.

The jungle settles into an uneasy quiet as the night deepens, with only the steady rhythm of rain against leaves filling the air. After Pixel's fiery display, there is no further sign of the beast, and the sense of danger slowly ebbs, leaving the camp shrouded in the sounds of nature. The rain, relentless yet somehow comforting, provides a constant background hum as you each take turns on watch.

Pixel, still buzzing with the thrill of scaring off the predator, is the first to relieve Tover. His eyes dart around the camp, ever watchful for any movement in the darkness. The rain has softened slightly, and though visibility remains poor, the occasional flicker of embers casts fleeting shadows against the trees. He keeps his hands near the embers, ready to conjure another burst of flame at a moment's notice, but the jungle seems to have settled. As his watch draws to a close, Pixel’s earlier excitement fades into a calm readiness, satisfied that his fiery show has kept further threats at bay.

Arkyat takes over next, his large frame moving with surprising stealth as he resumes his quiet patrol around the camp. His darkvision is a useful asset, but even he struggles to pierce the gloom of the jungle under the heavy downpour. Nonetheless, he feels attuned to his surroundings, sensing the subtle shifts in the environment. He moves deliberately, every step measured, every sound carefully analyzed. The jungle is alive with whispers, but nothing sinister stirs. Arkyat keeps his senses keen, ready for anything that might disrupt the fragile peace, but all remains calm.

Victor is next, his Catfolk ears twitching to catch even the faintest noise. He crouches low, listening intently, his nose testing the air for any unfamiliar scents. He can still smell the faint traces of the panther's musk, but they are fading, carried away by the wind and the rain. With each inhaled breath, he feels more certain that the immediate threat has passed. Victor remains vigilant, however, his eyes scanning the perimeter for any signs of movement. His time on watch passes without incident, but he doesn’t relax—he knows the jungle is unpredictable and full of hidden dangers.

Finally, Inva takes her turn, her sharp Fetchling senses well-attuned to the darkness around her. Though she doesn’t have darkvision like Pixel or Arkyat, her low-light vision, combined with her affinity for the shadows, allows her to see more than most in the dim light. She moves quietly, her psychic senses gently probing the edges of the camp for any unusual disturbances. She feels the rhythm of the jungle, the soft rustle of leaves, the drip of water from the canopy above. All is quiet. The rain has lessened to a light drizzle, and the air grows cooler as dawn approaches.

Inva stays vigilant, her eyes catching the subtle shift of shadows as she listens to the gentle patter of rain. She feels a deep connection to the world around her, the ethereal calm that often comes before dawn. She senses no immediate threats, only the natural heartbeat of the jungle.

One by one, you each complete your watch and return to your place by the dying fire, your spirits calm but instincts still sharp. As the first hints of light begin to filter through the dense canopy, the jungle awakens once more, birds beginning to call in the distance. The camp remains safe and secure, untouched by further dangers through the night.

The morning has come.

“Too bad there wasn't any excitement last night. Imagine the grand tale that could have been spun by starting with a midnight attack!”, Ecmund comments.