Swords & Souls IC

[Eiji]

"Have you ever heard of the Sword of Miracles, Vermillion?"

So asked your future employer, a man who seemed to be in his late 20s, long blonde hair spilling down the back of his white wizard robes and thin glasses perched upon his nose.  He was a handsome chap, a tad pale (probably due to staying indoors all day), who did not seem like the crotchy old wizard type you may or may not have heard from the townspeople.  "Amakusa the White" was his name, a wizard whose appearance and past seemed a tad shadey, but didn't seem like much anything more than a shy man obsessed with his work... typical wizards.  At least the room you were in was richly furnished and warm with a crackling fire... he did seem to have money, so payment should be a non-issue.

Gather Information or Local skill checks

DC 10
There's an old wizard tower down in the south, its been there for almost 200 years.  This crazy old wizard used to live there, I dunno about now, but the lights have been on.

DC 15
There's been activity in the tower of recent.  Someone said it was the old wizard who used to live there but he'd be long dead by now.  I think I saw the guy, didn't seem very old.  Quite reclusive though.

DC 20
The tower has always been locked and heavily warded.  It never bothered anyone but I always worried what was in there.  That said... how the heck did that new wizard get in there and when did he move?  I dunno, I don't understand these arcane magic things.

Anyway, you were here for some reason.  Perhaps it was the fat cash reward promised for exploring 'a recently discovered ruin'.  Perhaps it was for the love of adventure.  Perhaps it was the hope there was vast treasure inside the ruins, for as he explained just a moment before, 'keep whatever you find, but the sword or any clues to it, I must have'.  Ruins were always stocked with something so long as you were there first.

"I am in the midsts of an important magical experiment, and my research continues to point me to that artifact of legend.  And my divination hints me towards the until recently hidden laboratory of the wizard Sanso the Gold, who dabbled in the research of the Miracle Sword.  I don't know if he truly found it, but I cannot pass up the opportunity... and on the other hand I cannot leave my station.  That's why I need you.  I even have prepared Scrolls of Sending, so when you find what you seek, you can contact me at once." he said, pulling out several rolled scrolls of brown vellum.

"Are there those among you who can use the arcane arts and make use of these scrolls?  That would make things easy but if not I can find other means.  Here is my contract... on this paper I agree you payments of a minimum of 2000 gold each for vital information and 15,000 each if you find the sword itself.  I only need your name and occupation here, and it will be sealed.  Please find the sword for me.  It is of dire importance."

Papers would be handed to you all, questions would be welcome, but the job was clear cut and simple.  Raid a dungeon, loot it for all it was worth, find a sword?  It sounded like good times.

Sense Motive skill check to detect unknown nervousness or concern, DC 23

Knowledge Local or Knowledge Religion for extra lore on the Sword of Miracles

DC 15
The sword was forged long ago.  There's some myth about it, back in the age when heaven and hell were at war and tore up the earth, a common smith named Suija Yami under divine inspiration from an angel forged the blade and with it drove back the evil.

DC 20
The sword reportedly is powered by the energy of the soul and turned into a divine force.

DC 30
There is a rumor that the sword grants life to the user, preventing them from dying and effectively making the user invincible.

DC 50
?... ask the DM, it's a secret.

Feel free to introduce yourselves and talk amongst each other as fast as you wish to post.  Whenever it seems you guys are ready to go on, or in 3 days maximum time, I'll get you going on to El Dungeon Mysterio...

[Alec]

Maya Bloodfang was there alright, and likely cast the most imposing silhouette within the mellowed, dirt logged atmosphere of the eccentric wizard's abode. She did not understand magic, but she understand the ways of the world probably more than most, having been part both of nature and of civilization, and having grown up quite wise, despite being the brash and impulsive, not to mention quite very musclebound barbarianess. Long black tresses of hair were tightly ponytailed behind her back, and her impressive body was dressed in a simple pair of thick, brown leather trousers, thatched clumsily with ropy horse's mane, and a chain top that possessed a gentle magical sheen. Her stay in this wizard's gamut was however not without its fair share of reprimands. For instance, the moccha-skinned, musclebound savage had been chastized on a fair few occasions for looking with her hands, what with the strength of her body and the vulnerability of sensitive alchemic equipment had probably already taken its toll on some of the guy's possessions. Someone of her simple origins then was quite lost in a place such as this, proven by the fact that she has been staring at her warped reflection in a large mirroring ball.

So, why did she opt to come here, anyway? Was it for the money? Maybe; she could always use money, but she didn't much care for money as a possession itself. No, although there were admittedly many applications for it. For a girl like her, honest cash was hard to make. Too many people that are much more qualified than her are doing it. The one thing she loved the most, that she cherished the most, was freedom to go where she wanted, to stand where she felt like. And to drag to bad for a night of pelvis busting action any man she wished. With limits.

It was probably the desire to do something fun; the last half year she's been living her life as a huntress, but selling fresh deer to the cityfolk was a meagre repose and did not promise much future. It was then that she had laid her eyes upon the motty wizard's advertisement and instantly got interested. No challenge like this could hold at bay her mighty estrogen reserves for long. And thus, she showed up. Along a few of the others, it seemed. Most of them weren't really in her street. Not nearly beefy enough, and she certainly wouldn't trust most of them to be able to handle themselves in the wild. And there was probably quite a bit of wilderness to cover where they were headed. She folded her thick arms as the wizard was in the middle of his explanation over the sword, at which she shrugged her broad shoulders. "So what does this poker do if it is so important?" She asked with a simple, but energetic voice. "Personally, I don't like weapons that steer your hand in battle. You never know what kind of mind will be behind the reins. I only trust mah axe. And mah bow." She shifted most of her 200 pounds to her other foot as she put her hand to her hip, grinning somewhat, towards the spraw wizard, as she heaved her big, heavy ax with her other hand, to rest it still upon her shoulder. "All I really need is a pair of decent, tough leather pants, though." she added. "I grew out of em like 5 times already, and I really have to struggle to get my big ass in there." she spoke, at a yelling pitch. "You give me that, and you have Maya Bloodfang's ax! My services are rendered in return blood. Cus I can't... write."

The barbarianess did not know more about the geography of this are, or about the sword in particular than that the wizard elected to divulge, and she didn't notice too much about the general uneasiness in the area either.

Sense Motive check: 17:54:47 ( Alec rolls 1d20+1 => , + 1 18 ). Fail.

After that, silence fell; it was a time during which she had little idea what to say, and therefore, kept her mouse short, limiting her to her imposing presence. A pretty face was not enough to redeem her for that aggressive image she perpetuated, but it kept the annoying bandits off her back, at least. If anything, she had a little bit of name with the local gangs. Histories, written in blood, big, gaping axe wounds, drunken punches and piercing arrows... Neither did she feel like communicating all that much with the others until they proved that they could take a good shot to the gut.

[Holly]

Kaylin is perched upon the floor, listening intently to the wizard. Dwarfed by the larger human beside her; she merely kept herself down and covered in a shadow. She was unnaturally shady and suspicious, her black cloak wreathed around her as a cloak of shadows, adhering to the contours of her body. Dull grey eyes flicker between the illuminating fire and the wizard. Most of her lithe and athletic body was covered by the leather clothing she wore; the brilliant chain shirt was artfully concealed beneath clothing; her prize poession, made from precious materials. She had her hood down this time, however, revealling her precious caucasion skin, shimmering with a slight brightness in illumination. Short auburn hair is tied behind her head, the tail only reclining to just below shoulder length. Her pouty-like lips roll as she listens to the wizard jabber on about some kind of sword.

She wondered why wizards had stupid suffixes. Whatever the White, whatever the gray. Whatever the Rainbowed Muffin. These wizards all liked their extravagent titles, big names to boost their massive egos; most probably overly exaggerated anyway. She didn't hate wizards; she merely had no reason to like them. They were all boring and pompous to her; relying on some kind of otherworldly power in order to do things, rather than being able to do it themselves. They were just too... Boring. Kaylin liked to do this kind of stuff herself, it was more interesting when you're in the thick of it, when you're out there, in dangerous situations, balancing a weapon on your enemies throat while fending off his allies. That's what she lived for. The adventure of it. The flow of blood in her veins, her heart beating like a horse's hooves. Magic was overrated; some items are useful, sure; but one should always trust in their own skills, rather than the boring abilty to call on some extraplanar force to do stuff.

Kaylin regressed on this thought; she had already scoped out the one beside her; definetly not a mage. That was a relief. A large muscular woman, someone who looked as though she could get through things solo. Someone who could take on people with nothing but the weapons at hand. Someone Kaylin could like. A big weapon and a ranged one too; someone good to be around when the goings get rough. Another martial warrior definetly. Kaylin approved.

A keen eye examined the contract-style paper she was given, and hopefully an ink pen of sorts. She read over it carefully,    she was clever enough to examine contracts before blindly signing them; just incase she was being tricked out of any of the money she would be owed. She muttered some parts to herself, but apart from that it read all fine. Taking the pen, she'd swivel a signature and print the name "Kaylin Starshine" on it, also noting her occupation; Stealth Mercenary. This job was just that; another job. Kaylin had no other aversions to being here, the money was good. 2000 for merely going to some ruins of some old nut job, or 15000 for finding a sword. Money that she doesn't even have to share. This was a good job. Plus, maybe she could even find a better price for the sword elsewhere? Who knows. Kaylin was find for going with the flow of it for the time being; she'd gotten a bit of knowledge about the local area from raiding a library earlier; so she knew a bit, and a few people had been talking before she'd gone off to meet the Wizard. However, she was not fortunate enough to be able to find anything about this sword the guy's jabbering on about. She thought this a pity, but merely overlookable and nothing of great interest.

Kaylin holds the papers at the wizard, "You have my services" She merely says, no other inclination or anything. She was more eager to get going than anything else; quick money is the best kind of money. Nevermind what all these people say about hard earned money being sweeter and all that trash. It's all about getting money quicker; that way you can do crazier things! However, Kaylin would notice something rather a big twitchy about this wizard though, something a bit odd. But, she'd put it down to the fact that he's a wizard and all wizards are weird-o-nutjobs.

Knowledge(Local): 15:43:19 ( Kayleth rolls 1d20 => 9 ) + 8 = 17

Sense Motive: 15:43:24 ( Kayleth rolls 1d20 => 17 ) + 9 = 26

Knowledge(Local): 15:44:07 ( Kayleth rolls 1d20 => 5 ) + 8 = 13

[Faelus]

Kaji Risu had originally set out from his home woodlands in order to earn enough money to build an orphanage for the animals whose parents were slain by greedy hunters. It wasn't in their nature to go out and attack their hunters, or really to defend themselves in any other way than to hide and build ever-higher tree-laden structures. The ranger who was dedicated to protecting their forest had been slain not too long ago, which was another reason that none of their own much less experienced warriors could hope to defend themselves against the avid hunters.

Originally, Kaji hooked up with a group of adventurers, who were in need of a healer to accompany them into a dungeon, similar to the task now presented. Though the journey was only moderately dangerous and resulted in a large payment, Kaji did not earn quite enough money to meet his goals, especially after traveling expenses and tithing. After much meditation, he determined that Sylvanus was merely preparing him for a greater mission, by having him accompany that first group. Perhaps this new quest is his higher calling... or, at least higher-paying.

(Knowledge(Religion) 1d20 -> 19 + 1 = 20). He knows something! But not much. What he does know lets him know that it is apparently a holy weapon of some sort, and should not be allowed to remain in the hands of some unclean creature. Not to mention, 15,000 gold would more than cover his financial goals! However, being of short stature and a quiet personality, he doesn't come blustering out as the others seem to have done. He simply steps forward, and raises his paw up to get the speaker's attention. "I believe your adventurers will need the blessings of Sylvanus in order to succeed in this crucial mission. I will accompany them and do my best to tend to any incidental injuries along the way to find the sword."

While he doesn't yet know how many of what sort of companions he would have this time, they couldn't possibly be worse than the last group he followed. And that trip didn't turn out too bad, and at least no one died. He can still hope for better this time!

[Kitsune Fury]

Kazin Torn-ear reflected on the journey that had brought her to this strange tower... It had been a strange few months already. All those merchants giving her strange looks with the occasional odd scream, before they realised she wanted to see their wares, and then all of them demanding quite loudly and aggressively that she trade those silly little metal disks for their goods...

That still puzzled her most of all...

WHY did the humans have such a fascination with an utter waste of good metal? Metal that could have been used to forge strong, and proud weaponry for the warriors, or armour, or useful tools...

Instead they had squandered it on these ridiculous playthings they called 'coins'. What was one to do with them?

She fiddled with them in her palm curiously, the little soft furred nezumi quirking her head to one side, brown eyes gazing curiously. Anybody might think she was as fascinated as the humans at her 'treasure', though if anybody was really paying that much attention, they'd notice a little muttering of disbeleif under her breath in some strange tongue mixed in with tiny little clicks, squeaks and chirps, the occasional shake of her head or frown creasing her young brow.

Still, there was a time and place for everything, so she placed the coin back in the pouch it came from, with a rather weighty sounding clink. She's carrying around some pretty hefty coin! She'd ditch it all because it's heavy and useless, but the humans MUST insist on trading with it. Well, far be it for her to advise them otherwise. If they're willing to give away all their useful tools for meaningless rubbish, then so be it. When she returned to the tribe, they'd have a good laugh at the humans' folly at least.

...Though to be honest she had gotten in some trouble when she got tired of the joke, and decided honestly to try and sway the merchant to more sensible means. She hadn't understood why he had not wanted to exchange her original spear with the sword. Her spear was PERFECTLY good. It was a little battered, but it was made by the hands of her tribe's most skilled smith, and had killed MANY creatures that had threatened her clan, by her own hands. It was a good, strong, proud weapon, with much spirit, worth so much more than the little coins...

The argument had gone on for a few hours with the eventual calling of the guard to quieten them both down, but she couldn't help but feel utterly confused, and a little offended that the quality of her spear had been called into question...

Still, it must only be because the humans didn't know better. She shouldn't judge them for that. It's not their fault they were lesser creatures.

At least, that's what she had previously thought before she came here...

Gather Information
( Kazin rolls 1d20+6 => , + 6 12 )

Hide
( Kazin rolls 1d20+7 => , + 7 14 )

Move Silent
( Kazin rolls 1d20+7 => , + 7 21 )

She'd heard a few rumours about a wizard tower, but not much else... and people were reluctant to talk with her. Given a little time, she finally managed to weedle some information out of a slightly confused, and very busy individual, who had given her a small snippet about the wizard tower... Naturally curious, especially to find out humans had people who could cast magic as well, she went to investigate, and thus it was how she came across the others at about the same time they were greeted by the strange, and eccentric Amakusa... .... Sadly her natural instincts kicked in and quite unintentioally, she would creep along behind them and find somewhere dark to hide within, to watch without being seen. She wasn't intentionally being sneaky. It just came naturally to her and was instinct when tracking something of curiousity...

Sense Motive
( Kazin rolls 1d20+1 => , + 1 11 )

And then came the news about that MAGICAL Sword... a sword is one thing. Useful tools. But a MAGICAL one?... This was unknown to her... To have been blessed by the spirits in such a way as to be imbued with magical forces, it must have been a legendary weapon, crafted by only the most skilled hands, and have been used in hundreds, nay, thousands of battles!

Her eyes widening in amazement, she finally steps forwards from the shadows, to reveal herself...

"Kazin will help search. Yes. Good at tracking. Good with spirits, good with steel." She states, calmly and confidently... Strange... Despite her exotic accent (and creative grammar), her common is actually pretty good, and has a strangely pleasant tone to it... Shame she was hiding a little.

She of course excitedly, and gleefully flicks her tail, as she regards her apparent compatriots, while simultaneously scribbling her name and her profession as 'Diplomat for Torn-Ear Clan' - or a close approximation of. She's used her own native language, so the strange symbols are nigh on impossible to read for most, without appropriate skills or spells. e.e; Funnily enough, it's not 'Kazin' she writes down as her name... It's merely a K. In common. An initial, how curious.

Her warm brown eyes curiously regard first the furred stranger beside her, seeing him as some kind of scout; lightly armoured and armed, yet clearly skilled, judging by the way he holds himself...

Then there was the strange girl with the blades, small figured and seemingly confident, if a little arrogant... A human as well. Two humans in fact. Both female!

The realisation struck her quite suddenly and she straightened, regarding both the smaller, and the taller, much more muscular one with great intensity, noting their features, then gazing down at her own body curiously, one ear twitching a bit...

After a little introspection, she nods, then looks up (way up) to the tall barbarian, nodding respectfully... Clearly she is a strong and powerful warrior of her tribe, and commands respect, so Kazin will give it. Huma as Maya might be, she is clearly a proud warrior, and all warriors, regardless of species, are kin to her, even if she herself is not technically one. The shorter human woman she regards more curiously, twitching her nose a little to pick up, and remember, all their scents...

"Can track over distances, good scout, good warrior, will bring blessings of spirits to fellows in search. Keep evil at bay, keep from hunger, keep safe." She nods, reaffirming her use to the wizard and party. "Not need silly metal discs. Useless. Only need good tools, food, water, knowledge of spirits."

Again with the 'spirits'... whatever could she mean?

She seems totally unbothered by the offer of coin however... What does she need with it? She's more interested in that sword.

Of course, once she had their names, she'd make sure to do a little asking around before they set off, if she could, to find out more about them. Surely they'd have SOME history...

[Bunnie]

A very tall figure would enter after all the rest, having taken the time to cast a simple spell upon himself first.  
((Spot Check DC= 35 for those interested.))

Dark and shrouded with black cloaks, shadows covering his face and black leather gloves, though only one is visisble at the moment.  The one holding his shortbow by the wooden arc.  The sound of thick boots hitting the assumed wooden floor, just barely visible beneath that long cloak of his.  Around his waist was a leather belt, and to the left side of it was strapped a coiled whip.  It looked standard and masterfully made, about 15 feet in length for those who could eyeball such things, and on the right side of his belt was a scourge.  A nasty looking handled weapon with several short reached thin straps, laden with metal barbs wound around and sticking out of the length of them.

His eyes breifly scanned over the rest of the group, and he stood up entirely straight now, as if reinforcing his height.  Ha!  He was already above all these fools!  Clearly, taller means better!

Sense motive: 23:10:05 ( Memory rolls 1d20 => 1 ) +1.  Fails.  Miserably so.  How incredibly embarassing.  At least no one knows.  >>;;

He would move closer to the wizard and the others standing around him just before he began speaking to them.  Listening intently, and quietly pondering on his words.  The sword, the sword...

Knowledge (Local):  23:16:09 ( Memory rolls 1d20 => 14 ) + 4= 18 Some success.

Knowledge (Religion): 23:17:33 ( Memory rolls 1d20 => 18 ) + 4 = 22 Moderate success.

Bardic Knowledge check: 23:19:50 ( Memory rolls 1d20 => 9 ) + 5 = 14. Crap success.

Well, at least he's able to figure out a little bit from his Knowledge religion check, and determines that this sword is of significant value, even to someone such as himself.  As someone who found interest in such things, even in the pursuance of more knowledge about anything just about, he'd voice his part.  A very calm and handsome sounding voice was emitted from the darkly cloaked figure.

"Well, I beleive I'm interested in going on this little trip, if you'll have me.  It sounds like a fine opportunity for experiences and to learn new things."

Despite his rather grim appearance, he gave off a rather normal and even an optimistic sounding tone in his voice, also reaching out to take the contract once everyone else had their turn.  He'd too take his time to read it carefully, trying to find the fine print, should there be such on this peice of paper.  Upon finding little to argue over, he'd take the pen in hand, shifting the bow from his right hand to his left, and quickly sign his name.  His signature had a rather artful appearance and simply read 'Zion', with no middle or last name, lacking even other initials.  Next to his name, he'd clear up his occupation with the similar graceful writing, short and sweet.  Bard.

Holding the document last and taking another swift look around the room and looking back at the paper, counting the names and then the number of occupants IN the room before handing it back to the wizard.  Just to be polite, he'd chime out in a somewhat melodic and kindly tone.  "Has everyone signed who wants to participate before I hand it back?"  If he'd see no objections, he'd hold out his hand and grace it back upon the wizard type hiring them for the mission.

His eyes lingered a bit on the rat-girl, and as his memory was still fresh, he'd try to see if he could discern the names to the faces, as just a fun guessing game for himself.  ...  Well, Kazin's was a dead giveaway anyways since she'd said it, and upon noting that there was no 'Kazin' on the sheet, he'd determin that the simple 'K' was hers.

The barbarian can't write, and has spoken her name as well, so that was a given for sure...  And the last feminine name belonged to the other human.  Kaylin.  Hmm..  They all start with K's except the barbarian and himself.  Well, it hadn't turned out to be as interesting as one might think.  Oh well.  Attempt at staving off boredom... Failed.

[Eiji]

The wizard makes spot checks against Ms. Sneaky Sneaky and Mr. Mysterious.  No listen check because he's not trying.

00:26:37 ( Eiji rolls 1d20 => 8 ) + 0
8 vs DC 14.  Failed to see Rat Girl.  The only reason he knows of her is when she turns in her paper, which he seems surprised there was another there.

00:26:41 ( Eiji rolls 1d20 => 17 ) + 0
17 vs DC 35.  Failed to figure out Mystery Man.

Results of any successful Sense Motives (Holly) spell out something wrong.  He's not LYING, but he's definitely leaving something out, and he's anxious about it.  Ironically it is the barbarian who hits the nail on the head out of pure luck.

"Why the sword, ah..." he trailed off, quickly cleaning his glasses out of nervous habit.  "Magic swords are more than just for war.  There's a legend the sword controls the powers of life itself... I am... I am taking care of someone dear to me.  As they are now, they will not survive.  It is for my Ophelia... I can only prevent her decline for so long, so I try what I can to help stop it, reverse it."  He got a bit red faced, mumbling something about being embarrassed, before clearing his through.  He must preserve his honor and not appear weak in front of these strangers.

"So I'll do anything, even go on these searches... oh, ah, miss... do not worry, an X mark for your name will suffice.  It is merely a matter of formality." he added.  He looked them over for a moment... "That's curious, I thought my familiar told me there was one more of you.

Meanwhile, somewhere outside a Xeph was dealing with the sudden and unexplained ambush of fiendish plushites, who were busy transforming his clothes into some new flavor of green.  Looks like he's late.

"Oh well.  I should hurry and give you my report on the matter, so you can be on your way.  Here..."

He clapped his hands together, muttering something arcane (DC 16 Spellcraft to ID as "Silent Image"), and opening his palms like a book.  An illusion rippled forth, painting a landscape which swung deftly over the treetops and over to a small encampment on the edge of a cliff in the middle of nowhere.

"This is Broken Pass, very close... an old trade route.  The ruins are here, but as you can see, my scout discovered a goblin encampment nearby.  I don't think they realize what they are standing upon, and if they do, I doubt they could get in.  This is a magic lab for Sanso the Gold, and magic labs are always build deep underground and hidden... usually to protect the world from any experiments on awry."

The image zoomed up to roughly the center of the camp, just south of the commander's tent... a well.

"And here it is, this entrance actually leads to an underground lair where Sanso's lab is.  I cannot image what is down there but the goblins haven't gotten anything magically unique or powerful, so it is safe to assume they have not purged it.  I leave it up to your wisdom on how you are to bypass these bandit monsters.  Your goal lies in there.  I cannot scry within it, so it is safe to assume you shall meet some magical resistance, be it living spells, summoned beasts, constructs, or the dead.  Simple be careful, Sanso in his later years before his sudden vanishing was not known for his sanity."

The illusion changed to a simple map, and then faded as he produced a copy of the map, handing it to whoever was willing.  "I can transport you just outside of the encampment.  I wish you best of luck, and my thanks.  Godspeed." he said, motioning behind him.  A room with a marked teleportation circle.  All was prepared, now you can step on through and get right to the trouble.

(EDIT: And here's the map.  The red dot is the well.)



(Not seen in the map, a cliff on the north side and loads of trees everywhere else, at 40 ft. distance.)

[Alec]

Maya doesn't really pay too much attention to the newest arrivals, other than noting that one of them was really tall, one of them was really stealthy and ratty, and one of them... looked like a squirrel. What kind of a weird group is this, full of creatures that would probably find themselves to be on the other side of one of her arrows in any other situation. But, the musclebound barbarianess can hardly complain, and shifted her weight with a light grin as she dropped her heavy ax to the ground with a loud clunking sound in order to bring forth her hand, dip her fingertips in ink and settling upon the paper a simple handprint, pressing her five fingers against the sheet. If doing that would let the formalities speed up, she was all for it. Her body was starting to get itchy; Maya did not like to sit still. It often gave her a terrible temper, and tension was mounting in her thick limbs, which she folded in response to this in order to try and keep her cool. Eventually, she grabbed her ax again, in order to lean it back on top of her shoulder, and closed her eyes in a somewhat impatient grunt "Oi, be quick about it. I'm getting bored, now." She articulated, with a slight flex of her free arm and a clenching of its fist. She was all for saving some woman's life; after all, she liked to do some good in the world now and then. Stretching out, the tribal-type serpent's maw tattoo on her heavily toned stomach centered around her belly button cringed along with her diaframe, as her entire body relieved itself of stress, before slumping down on a seat without much regard for its sturdiness.

As everything was sorted out, she listened to the things that were said. The silly rat thing appeared to be around the bend about coins, which kind of amused the barbarianess. Even she understood the importance of commerse, despite her dense upbringing. She grew up on the very fringes of civilization, in the wilderness of the rocky badlands, where the sun scorched dry almost every attempt at colonization. Even there, at the end of all things, people used coin as leverage in bargains. Anyway, it was not Maya's problem that the obstinate Nezumi could not adapt. The law of nature is to adapt or perish, right?... "Water you take from a stream. Food you hunt. For the rest, you can take those 'silly metal disks' and turn 'em into anything you want or need. It's really simple. Even an idiot like me can understand. Or did you think that someone somewhere simply pulls the stuff you happen to need out of their ass, ratling?" She grunted and averted her eyes towards the others. By the gods, seriously. If you don't want the reward, why bother showing up?

For the adventure, probably. Maya'd even have been here if they simply promised adventure. Give or take a few good rumps.

It seemed that the barbarianess was most attuned to the other human that was in the party. This individual, although a lot more slender and with not nearly enough meat on her bones, appeared to possess an air of wanting to get started, which Maya could respect. About the squirrel, she didn't know what to think. He did look funny. One thing's for sure; she's never seen a squirrel pray to any God. With a resounding Meh, she simply waited for things to conclude and, when it did, would step through without much of a single doubt, towards what laid beyond the veil.

[Bunnie]

The tall Bard crossed his arms over his cloaked chest listening to the harrowing tale of the wizard and his longing to save another.  

"Ah, love."  he mused.  "A reason for one to do many things in this world, it is."  He spoke with the same almost cheerful and melodic tone as he had before, and would smirk if you could see it and give a light chuckle at the embarassment of the wizard.  That was kinda funny.  

He nodded idly as the wizard clapped his hands and making his own check for something.

00:57:24 ( Memory rolls 1d20 => 15 ) + 8 = 23
He made the DC for sure on that one, recognizing the spell immidiately and watching the sight curiously and quietly as the wizard explained, taking great interest.

He let out some small slurp at the mention of goblins, but spoke quickly afterwards.

"Goblins...  Awful creatures they are.  We should make sure that they get nowhere near your desired object.  Who knows what they'd try to do with it if they found it.  Try to use it perhaps...  Or even pawn it off for something of far less importance..."    It was likely that if the entrance was near the camp, they'd be fighting them regardless, but all that was even MORE reason to fight them.  All in the name of keeping the magic safe and out of the wrong hands.

...And it certainly sounded like this Sanso person wasn't the person that should have this stuff.  o.O;  At least the guy was dead or something, hopefully.  He knows all about that the dead can come back in other shells and by other means.

As the wizard formed the map and held it out, he'd reach one of his long arms out to take it up willingly, careful not to snatch it as he didn't want to seem too abrupt or rude.  He'd look it over and study it.

"Where outside?  In a position that is preferable to our successful advancement I hope."  He didn't want to be set RIGHT outside where they'd obviously be able to see the party.  Perhaps if there were a good hiding place close enough for them to spy out and plan their assault.  That would be idealistic.

He'd look up from the map as the wizard motioned behind him to the teleportation room, and giving a glance to the barbarian who seemed really eager to get a move on and taking some good humor in it even though it could prove to get them into trouble later, and her tone with the rat was a little disconcerning as well.  He was sure the little rat didn't mean any harm by her demeanor at all, but he also thought that perhaps Maya hadn't intended to call her an idiot.  Maybe so though, who knows.

"Well miss Maya, he's ready.  Maybe a better place to sit would be in the room that will be taking us to where we're supposed to go, no?"  The friendly and optimistic tone might be taken for sarcasm, though that's certainly not how it was intended in the least.  Especially towards someone who looks like they could prove to be a difficult challenge.  He's a bard for crying out loud.
After such statement was given, he would himself eye the rest of the party members and step in the direction of the room, pausing just inside of it, waiting for the others to join him so they can get going on the adventure.

[Faelus]

Being from an obviously less than normal foresty land, the relative strangeness of the creatures comprising the party don't make Kaji bat an eye or even take a second glance. There's absolutely nothing out of the ordinary, here!

Kaji is also rather oblivious to the more subtle going-ons between the man explaining their task and the people arriving to join the group, probably distracted with his own concerns. No one so far seems to be an immediate concern, as far as the capabilities and safety of the party goes.

The explanation of the goblin situation is call for some apprehension on his part, however. "Though many goblins may indeed be troublesome, there is no reason to assume this group to be among those who needlessly attack others.  It would be best, I think, to try and discover their intentions, before intruding on what they perceive to be their territory. If we simply barge in, or even sneak in, we would be the instigators, not them."

The party may not be interested in being diplomatic with the goblins, but Kaji would be just as much to blame in the event of a catastrophe if he didn't voice his opinion on the matter beforehand.

[Bunnie]

Zion is a bit delayed in entering the teleportation room as the little squirrel seemed to have a good point, and since he had something to say perhaps he'd like to look at the map for an ideal position for them to end up.

He'd bend over slightly and hold the map out to the small creature and tilted his head.  He honestly really just wanted to just kill the goblins, but if he was going to keep this up, it should just remain as a secret and he should try and play along.

"Well my little friend, Goblins aren't known for being the friendliest or most diplomatic of creatures.  Chances are they will likely attack us no matter where we end up or what we try to do.  However it might be possible if you have a good tactic on finding out their intentions other than simply asking them."

He knew the barbarian would be in favor of simply smashing the camp, and the other human didn't seem to him to care one way or the other, so long as something got done.  He imagined that it was the same for the rat girl too, so long as her safety was taken into consideration.

He'd wait for the squirrel to lay out a plan of how they were to go about things more diplomatically with goblins of all creatures.

[Holly]

Mere trivialities. These things were of no concern to Kaylin; love, power of life, whatever. They were all mere tools and getting in the way of getting the job done quicker. Kaylin ruffled in her cloak for a bit; continually listening to the conversations around her. She had little to say at this point in time; merely observing the others for their own actions and sizing each one up to the appropiate job that they will serve. Such would aid her in decisions at a later date.

The rat thing; she wasn't sure about it. It seemed to be a hunter of sorts, stealthy; but oblivious and barbaric in the civilized world. Possibly more-so than Maya, who she'd still counted as a powerful ally. Another creeper would be slightly advantageous to any plans; especially with her own martial training in the Shadow Hand schooling. The squirrel... thing didn't seem to be doing much either; more inattentive and apathetic. She was suspicious of squirrels that were bipedal. The last one; this fellow that was quite the one with wording. Some sort of noble, she pegged him for. That could be it; could be useful in situations that require a charismatic response.

Now, they were all forming a little plan, Kaylin batted an eyelid before raising from her squatted position, stretching herself out slightly and slowly tapping herself towards the teleportation circle. Magic. Always had to be magic.

"Illusions. Goblins don't kill Goblins." Kaylin mutters to herself; she didn't know how to illusionize, so she didn't bother announing it outloud. It was a suggestions that she presumed most would probably shrug off as too risky or something like that.

[Alec]

Maya was at certain times hard to consider a true barbarian. Her dealings with the civilized world have left a mark of impact on her, and she had lived on the fringe of the city for quite a while after the Tribe and the homeland had been wiped off the face of the world. Tribeless and lost in her own sense of freedom, perhaps, she reached out for modern society. She even wore a gleaming chain shirt. Well, top. With a light huff of her shoulders, she stood back up at the tall figure's words and heaved her ax back on her shoulder, making sure that her possessions were reined down tight on her person. Her trusty composite bow gently wobbled back and forth as she walked, and the quiver of arrows hung with a leather strap diagonally over her shoulder. The arrows themselves looked as if she made them herself; any marksman stupid enough to run out of ammunition in the middle of nature's plentiful resources deserves whatever comes at her from a distance. So Maya made her own. very decent stock, with strong, feathered baulks and a tip of smooth sharpened rock. Maya deposited her Ax into straps on her back as well; she liked to have her hands free until she can assess which weapon is best for the current job, and cracked her knuckles, bringing forth her fist to slam into her other, open, hand. "Alright, let's do this!" She said, as she stepped through and was made partial to the sensation of a method of transportation she never, ever used before.

As she laid eyes upon the open land, she took a thankful breath. Maya often felt claustrophobic in cramped spaces she didn't know about. She needed to feel the flow of air; that's why most dungeons don't bother her. They bring goosebumps to her skin. Damn cold in thar. Putting her hand on her large, muscular hip and adjusting her brown leather pants, she looked out over the camp with a slanted expression. "Feh, if they want to try and attack us on sight, let them. I have no qualms about it. I could use a good fight." she said, rolling her large, broad shoulder, suppling up her flesh. She felt stiff from the wait, and from having to listen to the wizard. Maya was a barbarian, yes. But she was not stupid. She made no move to aimlessly charge the place. Her family motto wasn't 'Walk softly and carry a big axe.' for nothing.

"So, anyone got any plans or are we just going to crash through the front door? I could set fire to some arrows and knock a few into their tents. Nothing relieves the enemy of cover like a few good flaming arrows. Hehe. If I do, they might even spill out in the open." The barbarianess surely seemed to be in her element on the battlefield. Her behavior suggested that, despite her young age, she had seen plenty of them. She was halfway of sending her hand to rendez-vous with her composite bow, waiting in the meanwhile to hear what her newfound companions thought of her idea. "Anyone got a pint of oil and a tindertwig? Hehehe.."

[Faelus]

The diminutive anthro is quite obviously intimidated by the large, violent woman, who seems to have no taste for diplomacy that doesn't involve someone at the end of a spear.

He declines the offer to review the map, shaking his head. "I'm afraid I'm no tactician... I was just suggesting that assuming that we're going into battle will only ensure that there will be one. Wouldn't it benefit our purpose if we were able to complete the task without a violent conflict, if possible?" He's making no attempt to hide the fact that he's not a fan of fighting, though in preparation for the role among his people as an adventurer and defender, he would be quite capable in those situations.

It seems that most of the group is gearing up to combat the goblins, however, and so he resolves to follow their lead. The assumption that they are evil and will attack on sight is founded as much in fact as it is in prejudice, so in all likelihood a frontal assault may be the only viable approach.  Whatever the case, he's prepared to provide the support, as promised, to help everyone achieve their goal in finding the sword.

[Holly]

Kaylin steps through the teleportation circle behind the Barbarian. And so, she would have the delightful experience of teleportation. She didn't care for it; it was boring. But, she supposed it did get one to the place faster than normal, so it wasn't all bad. Kaylin squatted down beside the Barbarian, closing her eyes and thinking; going back to the map in her mind.

"The encampment has no barricades; we could easily get in under the cover of night if we are in no rush, but otherwise there must be a fight. Goblins do not negotiate with us, from what I recall about their breed.[/i]" Kaylin muttered outloud, she begins to draw in the dirt with her finger; a square with a few of the larger tents of the map on them; especially the mess hall and the command tent. "If we are so set on battle, it would be best to do so with diversionary tactics. Our musclebound friend is right in her idea; the two larger tents can be set alight from afar using arrows, one expects. I can produce the oil and fire needed.[/color]"

Kaylin taps her make-shift map slightly and looks up, to get a better thought process. "However. Stealth is always an option.[/color]" Kaylin mutters to herself again; she didn't expect anyone to pay attention to her, she was more used to working with herself than having to explain and forumlate plans with others. It all seemed a bit too much hassle.

[Alec]

Maya spoke out loud, and probably easily drowned the Squirrel's timid voice of interjection with the volume of hers. "Nonsense! Battle is clearly the only path to victory! Nothing communicates like a chop to the ass with a big axe! And if that doesn't work, I still have my negotiator right here, complete with a full quiver of arguments." she said quite happily, the last part referring to her bow and arrows, her heavily built frame angling itself towards the wall, ready to lay down some serious pwnage. Perhaps the barbarianess deluded herself into believing that she had invented long distance communication. She was almost pawing about a bit with her booted feet, with movements comparable to those of a boxer warming up to a fight, constantly shifting her weight from one leg to the other with impatient foot movement.

She grasped a hold of the tough, hard wooden composite bow with its tightly spun filament. Despite Maya's growing zeal to kill some goblins, she was sane and wise enough to keep her voice low calm, narrowing her eyes in order to focus on the task ahead. Even though she was quite brazen in attitude, she did not let the finer aspects of the trade slip by her unnoticed. When the other human commented on the possible tactic of stealth, she answered, although somewhat sarcastically. "Yeah, I'm a total master of stealth. I carry this axe to hide behind when I sneak around..."

[Bunnie]

Zion waited patiently for the others to discuss and respond as needed.  Had he heard the suggestion of illusion, that would work...  He wasn't sure how much his disguise would work though.  Goblins were short and green and spoke in their native tongue.  Admittedly he didn't know goblin, and he was far taller than one to be sure.  Oh well.

He listened with a mixture of amusement and distaste at the barbarians tactics.  It was like a dirty joke, it's funny, but it really is plain bad and in poor taste.  Oh well, it takes all types.

"If it is so needed I can also provide oil and tindertwigs.  I purchased them for just such an occasion."

Zion reached back to fiddle with the arrows in his quiver.  It was strapped or somehow attached to the black bag he wore on his back.  He'd be sure to fold the map and tuck it away someplace safe as he shifted the bow from his left hand to his right.  He gave a glance down to the small squirrel creature giving a bit of a tilt of his head.  

"Don't worry.  I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to use diplomacy once the thrill of battle has worn out for the rest.  Be not disheartened, there may still be a chance yet."  He would have given the squirrel a pat on the head but he thought  better of it as that might make the squirrel feel like more of a little person, or a child, and certainly that wasn't the case.

Stepping through the portal now and being transported to the other side of it near Kaylin and Maya, he ducked down so that his height may not be seen.  "Perhaps we might try the diplomatic approach regardless."  he whispered to the two women.  "I'm almost certain they won't negotiate with us, but should we try and fail there will be a battle anyways.  It is a fair proposal, is it not?"

He had no other reason to suggest it other than the squirrels sake.  He didn't want him to think they were a group of blood hungry evil feinds afterall, and one might draw that conclusion by the eagerness for a fight.  "Besides...  If only one goes out to try and negotiate, we can place ourselves strategically and form a nice tactical ambush, which seems to work well with your preference..."  He motioned to Kaylin.

He had a plan.  "What if we let our little squirrely friend go out in an attempt to negotiate.  Should the attempt fail, we will let our brave Maya charge in to his rescue to batter back offending goblin.  You-" nodding once again to Kaylin "-seem to like being sneaky, so perhaps you will want to start moving around to the back of the camp and take them from behind when their focus is up front on Maya, and I will fire with my arrows within the cover of the bushes."

Hopefully the plan was intruiging enough and gave everyone the roles they wished.  Kaylin to be sneaky, Kaji to be the diplomat, and Maya to be the skull bashing barbarian, and him...  Well he would do what he could to help out.  He had some oil flasks and tindertwigs as suggested by Maya and even a spell that might be able to cover more area than one simple flask of oil.

Nothing more to this then than to hear the responses of the people involved in his plan.  The ratty girl seemed quiet, and maybe she could be another hidden ace in the hole if she remained hidden, or even wished to participate in the battle.

[Kitsune Fury]

Kazin of course had very little idea why the mage was so surprised to see her... She also seemed VERY taken aback at Maya's sharp, harsh, and actually insulting tone, though despite her rather brutish response, Kazin keeps her cool, blinking her large brown eyes at the Barbarian, and calmly responding in not-so-great Common, but a calm and measured tone nonetheless...

"Metal for weapons, for tools. 'Coin' no use. Nezumi trade tool for tool. Story for Story. Use for Use. No need for waste of metal. All is used, all is useful. If trinket, is for personal meaning. Story behind it. This spear worth more to Nezumi than silly coin. Kill many. Made by skilled paw - J'rrik of Torn-Ear. Finest Crafter in all tribes. Strong spear, bring Kazin much luck, save life many time. Merchant say not worth spit. Very insulting, but not Kazin's place to point out merchant's folly. Just as not place to point out yours. Strange, human give coin so much, but want keep so much of it... Not sure why. Seem more valuble to human than useful tool?... Make humans greedy. Tool not do this. Perhaps Coin bad?" She raises an eyebrow, finishing on that calm statement, and turning to the wizard with a nod. "Kazin keep useful tools find on quest, and want see blade when recovered, but give to you, to save Kin.  But give coin to others. Kazin not want it if cause greed."

Barbaric she may appear, but she seems ... so oddly calm.

As the party discuss murdering the goblins, and the Cleric tries to encourage a diplomatic nonviolent solution, she cants her head to one side, then over the din of the argument, she suddenly lets out a babble of perfectly fluent goblinoid...

If the others silence, she smiles gently, "As said, Kazin speak Goblin. Need trade with sometime. Tribe not like goblin, but need great sometime, in famine or poor season, for tribe to live. Kazin agree with Shaman..." She indicates to the flying squirrel... Apparently that is her word for a Priest. "Not need kill if can talk. If nothing else, good distract. Keep Goblin busy while rescue sword." She now indicates to the thief girl. "If go wrong, can beat goblin head in like drum if truly must, just as man say" She now indicates to the barbarian, then the bard... My... she DOES have barbs on that tongue at times! But always so calm... Then she regards the bard curiously.

"Strange man with moon tongue, smart... Not sure what doing, but Kazin like way think... Good head on shoulders. Kazin hope it stay there." She nods to him respectfully and kindly.

Moon tongue?... Your guess is as good as mine what she means by that.

"We go now?"

[Faelus]

The furry priest is glad someone else stepped up to actually be the diplomat- he doesn't know Goblin, either, and he can barely bring up the courage to talk to his own allies!

Though his own abilities might be of some use should the need for fire actually arise, he's still hoping for the less confrontational approach to the situation, and so will keep quiet about that particular aspect of his disciplines.

Are they actually coming to a decision? >.>

[Bunnie]

Zion would have arched a brow as the rat simply spoke fluid goblin.  Hmm..  That would probably be more useful than not knowing the language...  Perhaps he would pick up on it soon.

"Then perhaps she should be our diplomat..."  He nodded to Kazin.  that certainly would work better for the whole diplomacy aspect of it.

He gave his head a slight tilt as Kazin adressed him very oddly.  It would have made him smile if his face were at all visible.  He had no idea what she meant, and could only make a few educated guesses on what exactly 'Moon Tongue' was for, but it was a compliment none the less.

"Why thank you, Miss Kazin.  Your compliment is truely appriciated."  He gave a bit of a bow back as she did.  Certainly he didn't want to seem arrogant, though...  The compliment boosted his ego quite a bit.  That would remain a little secret between himself, and himself, though his tone was quite pleased.  

"Yes I beleive we are going now.  It is up to the others if they also agree with my plan or not."  He said nodding to Maya, Kaylin, and Kaji.

[Holly]

Kaylin merely listens; she didn't bother with anymore words, her suggestions were generally meaningless to anyone except her; mainly because they were about her. And other people complicated good plans.

However, these plans that were being formulated were all sounds and had some kind of basis to them. Kaylin wasn't too bothered really, as long as she got to live, it was all easy. She shifted her stance slightly, before leaning over and brushing off the mini-map she'd made on the floor out of dirt. "The squirrel tells the rat what to say. The tall lady stays ready to reign firey death, along with the verbose man.[/color]" Kaylin reiterates what she thought of the plan. Kaylin removes the pack from her back; it was black too and well placed to avoid being too sightly. She placed it on the floor and extracted from it two things; a pint of oil and a tindertwig, placing one atop the other. "Very well. Let's get this over quickly; no need to bog ourselves down in minor conflicts.[/color]"

[Alec]

Maya just looked ahead of herself and seemed to listen to the conversation only with one ear. With that one ear, she managed to pick up on the ratling call her a man, with that pseudo calm voice of hers, and speak more about why she disliked coins. She knew a few things about metal, having worked in a quarry when she had no better methods of earning money for herself. "Look, if your kind likes to make weapons out of silver and gold, then go right ahead. Let's see how it lasts against real weapons. Those metals are just too pliable. Useless for anything but jewel and coin." She grasped her composite bow, a strong, powerful looking weapon, the bowarms of which had a meaty look to them. They created much tension, and therefore much force. It was clear that the weapon was meant to be wielded by someone strong. As she held it idle, her free hand moved towards the oil and tindertwig that had been supplied. She strapped the pint bottle underneath her belt at her right hip, so she would easily be able to get at it when the time comes. This was going to be an interesting event, with promises of lots of axe slinging and ass kicking. She was looking forward to it in a great many ways.

[Eiji]

The DM is amused.  0:3

The wizard will bid you all farewell and godspeed as he hurriedly rushes for the comfort and privacy of the higher levels of the tower, through a solid iron door in the back.  With your plan settled I take it you will all be taking a trip upon the Teleportation Circle.  Step lively, step well my friends.  As you feet touch the ground your vision filled with colored lights and the world seems to melt about you into a mass of colors, repainting a picture of green and brown, a forest thicket.

According to the map you are just south of the encampment, and with a scent downwind you can smell the burning campfires.  It is late afternoon, the sky the faintest orange and the air warm.  Specifically, you are 60 ft. south of the camp... there is 40 ft. of clearing and 20 ft. of forest which you currently have sufficient cover behind to not get spotted.

You may make hide, move silently, and spot checks out here now.  The first too so you won't be noticed by the sentries, the last if you want to see what's going on.  You all gain a +4 circumstance bonus to your Hide checks due to the terrain and a -4 to Spot.

If you choose to move 10 ft. forward you can get lose the Spot penalty but also lose the Hide since you have less cover closer up.

Spot Checks everyone, because you can see....

DC 5
Oh look, the goblin camp is 40 ft. ahead.  There isn't much for cover between the treeline and the camp.  It's been cleared out by the goblins.

DC 10
Right off the bat you see three goblins by the southern watchfire... two archers and a warrior from the looks of it.  A bunch of tents too.  And there's the well.  It's not guarded, obviously.

DC 15
I can see there are similar groups around all the watchfires (2 archers, 1 warrior).  It looks like those junk piles of goods they're storing between tents (the big messy square areas on the map) has a few goblins in it.  Can't tell what they do from here.  The tent in the middle is for the chief given the decor... it's probably occupied.

DC 20
Given the shadows within the tents, the rustle of activity, and whatnot, you estimate the goblin's numbers to be between 15-20 minimum.  There's apparently some large object in the commander's tent.  No idea what that is.

DC 25
The archers are equipped with shortbows and handaxes.  The warriors are equipped with morningstars and javelins.  Of the 3 goblins (1 each) in the junk piles one is carrying what seems to be a sounding horn, one has a rapier which seems too nice and is probably stolen, and one has absolutely nothing but seems a bit more intimidating than the others.

Those archers are looking for intruders for sure.  Plan out your means of getting past... it's a 60 ft. dash to the camp and another 60 ft. to the well.  Good luck, suckers!

[Kitsune Fury]

Spot:
( Kazin rolls 1d20+1 => , + 1 20 )
Hide:
( Kazin rolls 1d20+11 => , + 11 26 )

Kazin of course is seemingly a natural at hiding, so the moment she warps into the target area, she's behind cover and crouched like nobody's business, brown eyes focusing on the troops ahead... She whispers quietly to the others, twitching her whiskers, one of her ears, and her tail, picking up the scents of the goblins, wrinkling her cute little nose a little...

"Troops. Many... Seem to have raid... Many goblins. Out number, four to one, maybe. If fight, need take many in one. Some... large thing in big tend... maybe boss tent?... Not sure what is." She murmurs, loud enough for the others to hear... "Watch fire, two bows, one blade... Much activity. Well not guard, too much space here to camp... Trouble... Plenty space to sneak in camp. ... Kazin try see more..."

So she tries that 10 ft movement, very carefully.
Move Silent:
( Kazin rolls 1d20+7 => , + 7 25 )
Hide :
( Kazin rolls 1d20+7 => , + 7 21 )
Spot:
(if this isn't as good, she sees nothing more)
( Kazin rolls 1d20+5 => , + 5 11 )  (the dice aren't having it anyway. XD )

She gives a very quiet little frustrated squeak as the cover is still too thick to see through, and shakes her head...

"Kazin not see... Want know what thing is in tent... We run plan? Speak with goblins?" she turns her head to look inquiringly at the others.

[Holly]

Hide: 14:23:30 ( Varsus rolls 1d20+13 => , + 13 28 )
Move Silently: 14:23:53 ( Varsus rolls 1d20+9 => , + 9 28 )
Spot: 14:24:35 ( Varsus rolls 1d20+4 => , + 4 10 )

Kaylin was stealthy as always, but she needed to see more; bushes were obscuring her view, some petty goblins at the front were not something she really cared about. The rat had gone ahead; Kaylin shuffled her stance, warping a certain darkness around, making her more shady than before. She left the tindertwig and oil for Maya or anyone who desired it before scooting off (Stance Change: Child of Shadows. 20% miss chance after moving 10ft or above). Kaylin keeps herself crouched, as she naturally does, watching her feet and creeping along with an unnatural quietness to it, before eying up a perticuarlly good tree to clamber up. She leaps onto the bark, gripping it and ascending it quickly and with ease. She nestles herself upon a branch and eyes outwards to the encampment.

Climb: 14:31:09 ( Varsus rolls 1d20+8 => , + 8 25 )
Second Spot: 14:31:43 ( Varsus rolls 1d20+8 => , + 8 20 )
Second Hide: 14:31:48 ( Varsus rolls 1d20+9 => , + 9 23 )

Kaylin takes note to herself, muttering lightly. Few goblins, command tent; good place to fire arrows. Her attention draws down to any others that have decided to creep forwards; her form flickering slightly with a shadowy apperance from her stance. She hoped they'd agreed on a plan by now and that whatever it was would not involve being killed. That sets things back alot.