JNAProductions
The Harvest Festival begins today! It lasts for five days, during which there's much to celebrate, much fun to be had, prayers and gifts to be offered for a bountiful harvest, and time spent coming together.

Normally it begins with a speech from the mayor, but Jonathan has declined to give one this year. He can be found, right now, walking among the villagefolk, mostly interacting with the kids.
Torg and Orin have temporarily closed their smithy down, keeping the clatter of metal and flames quiet for the celebration. The two are currently seated near Savannah's shrine, snuggling together.
William is standing with a scowl in front of his shop, while his daughter Maria is walking towards the open-air bar set up by Avarice.
Naishtar is regaling some credible children with stories of ancient magical power and daring adventurers-almost certainly fabrications, but the kids are enjoying it.
Avarice is running some of the festivities, notably a countertop in the center of town loaded with ales and other liquors.
Savannah is at the centermost point of town, preparing a temporary shrine for the offerings Greenhollow gives for a good harvest.

Among all the celebrations, where are you?


 

 OOC Thread 
Maou_Sama
After a long day patrolling and hunting in the boundaries of the village, Alex took a chair and sits down in the bar in front of Avarice, she is his crush from the very first second Alex saw her: "  My dear Avarice, you look more gorgeous than yesterday, can I please have a glass of your love 😉  ", he doesn't hide his feelings for Avarice.
Wrexham
Za'ne sat on the ground behind the little ones who were listening to Naishta. He liked listening to different stories than those he grew up with. He never had a true homelife until he moved here. This was his first festival as he had come to Greenhollow days after last year festival.
Illven
Bethlene for her part was helping Savannah set up the quick shrine, using her youthful strength to lift the heavy planks without complaint.

Beth's eyes keep flicking to her father, and half sister.
Lentrax
Aine strolls through the village. While she doesn't often partake in daily activities owing to her Ladyships feelings toward her Knight's appearance, she did make an effort for the larger occasions.

And fortunately, her mistress today opted to bless Aine with a delicate bouquet of flowers in her black hair, the orange dahlias and red anemones giving her a proper autumnal feel. But of course, her Lady would be remiss if she did not remind everyone of who Aine was, and so witch hazel wound its way through the strands of flowers. And, as always, perched upon her shoulder was her large raven familiar, its jet black feathers the match for his mistress's cloak.

The polished black wood of her staff marked her pace as she went through the village. She knew many of these people, having helped many of them on visits to and trips through the forests nearby. No one really questioned why she found herself so familiar with the dark places.

But she still found herself drawn to the elf telling stories. She wondered idly if he knew stories of her long lost family, but she never pried. Instead, she contented herself to sitting in a chair, and filling up a small pipe as she listened to the stories.
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by Maou_Sama 
 After a long day patrolling and hunting in the boundaries of the village, Alex took a chair and sits down in the bar in front of Avarice, she is his crush from the very first second Alex saw her: "  My dear Avarice, you look more gorgeous than yesterday, can I please have a glass of your love 😉  ", he doesn't hide his feelings for Avarice. 
 

Avarice rolls her eyes a little-she's flattered by the attention, but doesn't reciprocate. "Will ale do?" she asks, filling a mug and sliding it over.


 
 Originally Posted by Illven 
 Bethlene for her part was helping Savannah set up the quick shrine, using her youthful strength to lift the heavy planks without complaint.

Beth's eyes keep flicking to her father, and half sister. 
 

Savannah has taken a moment to sit and rest her old bones, while Beth continues the labor.
"You should talk to her more," she tells her ward. "Not him-but Maria's not the same as her father."


 
 Originally Posted by Wrexham 
 Za'ne sat on the ground behind the little ones who were listening to Naishta. He liked listening to different stories than those he grew up with. He never had a true homelife until he moved here. This was his first festival as he had come to Greenhollow days after last year festival. 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
 Aine strolls through the village. While she doesn't often partake in daily activities owing to her Ladyships feelings toward her Knight's appearance, she did make an effort for the larger occasions.

And fortunately, her mistress today opted to bless Aine with a delicate bouquet of flowers in her black hair, the orange dahlias and red anemones giving her a proper autumnal feel. But of course, her Lady would be remiss if she did not remind everyone of who Aine was, and so witch hazel wound its way through the strands of flowers. And, as always, perched upon her shoulder was her large raven familiar, its jet black feathers the match for his mistress's cloak.

The polished black wood of her staff marked her pace as she went through the village. She knew many of these people, having helped many of them on visits to and trips through the forests nearby. No one really questioned why she found herself so familiar with the dark places.

But she still found herself drawn to the elf telling stories. She wondered idly if he knew stories of her long lost family, but she never pried. Instead, she contented herself to sitting in a chair, and filling up a small pipe as she listened to the stories. 
 

Naishtar's normally slower and more deliberate movements are quite animated as he reaches the climax of his story. "And then, empowered by the might of the ancients, he struck down the dragon in one strike, like a crash of thunder! The entire cliffside grew dark, and when it lightened, there was no more monster, only the hero, standing tall and proud!"

"Mr. Oaken!" one of the kids asks. "Did that all really happen? Did you see it?"

Naishtar shakes his head slightly. "I, er, only heard the tale myself. I wasn't there, but the hero of that story was a fine fellow. Back in my wizarding days, I met all kinds of strange and heroic sorts."
Lioslaith
Calen stays near the fringes of the crowd. Barely interacting with anyone if they chose to approach him. He watches the crowd as always. Observing, trying to stay apart from the others.
Illven
Bethlene shrugs her splint jingling with the motion.  It's really not that simple, Sav  Bethlene sighs.  I'd hate to get her in trouble with her father.  She lies looking away. The truth closer to the neighborhood of while Maria may not be racist. Her and Avarice were fast friends. Would she be so civil with the one who almost ended her parents marriage.
Maou_Sama
 
 Originally Posted by JNAProductions 
 Avarice rolls her eyes a little-she's flattered by the attention, but doesn't reciprocate. "Will ale do?" she asks, filling a mug and sliding it over. 
 

  "Thanks honey!"  
  "Yeah!...few more steps and she will fall in love with this handsome short guy"   Alex thought as he turned in his chair to look at the street.

  "Oh Maria you are here!, join me with a drink!"  , He raised his drink above his head.

  "So little sis, are you done for today with the carpentry?"   Alex asked Maria trying to make a conversation with her.
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by Illven 
 Bethlene shrugs her splint jingling with the motion.  It's really not that simple, Sav  Bethlene sighs.  I'd hate to get her in trouble with her father.  She lies looking away. The truth closer to the neighborhood of while Maria may not be racist. Her and Avarice were fast friends. Would she be so civil with the one who almost ended her parents marriage. 
 

"It can be," she replies. "Give it a try. Or, at a minimum, take a break-we can finish this in a bit."


 
 Originally Posted by Maou_Sama 
   "Thanks honey!"  
  "Yeah!...few more steps and she will fall in love with this handsome short guy"   Alex thought as he turned in his chair to look at the street.

  "Oh Maria you are here!, join me with a drink!"  , He raised his drink above his head.

  "So little sis, are you done for today with the carpentry?"   Alex asked Maria trying to make a conversation with her. 
 

Maria shakes her head. "Ms. Ji needs a [CUSS] job done right [CUSS] soon. Well, not that soon-seems she's taking a break, the [CUSS]." She looks to Avarice, who's already getting her some ale. "[CUSS] good [CUSS], this is," she adds after a swig.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Maria's gonna be hard to keep forum friendly. Let your imagination run wild! :P
 
Lentrax
Aine smiles at the conclusion of the story. Stories are good. They teach while entertaining. And they kee history alive. She absentmindedly fiddles with her collar as she smokes her pipe, feeling the blue steel, with its intricate lock. One day she will find its key, and earn her freedom.

If only she paid more attention to the stories when she was younger.
Illven
Bethlene nods at Sav's order. While she knows she can continue it may be better to save her strength for later.

Seeing Maria far away from their father, she approaches.  Um, hey, Maria  Beth starts rubbing her wrists.  Oh, am I interrupting something?  She asks noticing Alex.
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
 Aine smiles at the conclusion of the story. Stories are good. They teach while entertaining. And they kee history alive. She absentmindedly fiddles with her collar as she smokes her pipe, feeling the blue steel, with its intricate lock. One day she will find its key, and earn her freedom.

If only she paid more attention to the stories when she was younger. 
 

"Can we get some magic, Mr. Oaken?" another one of the children asks.

Naishtar shakes his head, saying "I'm tired. But maybe Aine can show you all a few tricks?" he looks over to the human woman.


 
 Originally Posted by Illven 
 Bethlene nods at Sav's order. While she knows she can continue it may be better to save her strength for later.

Seeing Maria far away from their father, she approaches.  Um, hey, Maria  Beth starts rubbing her wrists.  Oh, am I interrupting something?  She asks noticing Alex. 
 

"Nah, nothing [CUSS] big," Maria says without looking. When she does realize who spoke, she downs her glass in one motion, and gestures Avarice for another.

"How, uh... [CUSS], [CUSS], um... How are you, Beth?" she asks. "Everything... You know..."
Illven
  I'm uh doing good   Bethlene says stuttering slightly.  How um about yourself?  Bethlene rubs the back of her neck.
Maou_Sama
 
 Originally Posted by JNAProductions 
 Maria shakes her head. "Ms. Ji needs a [CUSS] job done right [CUSS] soon. Well, not that soon-seems she's taking a break, the [CUSS]." She looks to Avarice, who's already getting her some ale. "[CUSS] good [CUSS], this is," she adds after a swig. 
 

  "Don't worry, tomorrow I will pass by to the workshop and give you a hand!!, maybe you'll need more wood??"  
  "Hey Avarice can I count with Bessie to carry back some wood from the forest?"  , Alex having conversations everywhere, Ale is starting to work on his head:


 
 Originally Posted by Illven 
 Bethlene nods at Sav's order. While she knows she can continue it may be better to save her strength for later.

Seeing Maria far away from their father, she approaches.  Um, hey, Maria  Beth starts rubbing her wrists.  Oh, am I interrupting something?  She asks noticing Alex. 
 

  "Beth!, glad you're here, join us with an Ale, it's especially delicious tonight"  
JNAProductions
"Yeah, sure," Maria says, not really paying Alex much mind. "Just... [CUSS], life's been doing it's [CUSS] thing. I, um..."

She leans in to whisper to Beth.

 
 Spoiler: Beth Automaticall, Alex With A DC 14 Perception Check If He Wants To Make One 
"I've been sending letters to this [CUSS] guy. Over in the big [CUSS] city, you know? [CUSS] might be getting [CUSS] serious."
 


"And dad's been... [CUSS] same as always, same as [CUSS] always."

Avarice nods when asked about borrowing her mule. "For a good cause, I certainly don't mind loaning her. Just treat her right-but I know you will."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Lemme know when y'all are good to stop the chit-chatting and move forward a bit.

I'm happy to RP for a while, if you're enjoying!
 
Illven
 
 Originally Posted by Maou_Sama 
   "Beth!, glad you're here, join us with an Ale, it's especially delicious tonight"   
 

 Sorry, I try not to drink.  Beth says putting up her hand in a warding gesture.


 
 Originally Posted by JNAProductions 
 "Yeah, sure," Maria says, not really paying Alex much mind. "Just... [CUSS], life's been doing it's [CUSS] thing. I, um..."

She leans in to whisper to Beth.

 
 Spoiler: Beth Automaticall, Alex With A DC 14 Perception Check If He Wants To Make One 
"I've been sending letters to this [CUSS] guy. Over in the big [CUSS] city, you know? [CUSS] might be getting [CUSS] serious."
 


"And dad's been... [CUSS] same as always, same as [CUSS] always." 
 

 Anyone that's ever been to Greenhollow?  Beth asks Maria playing the part of the protective sister.
JNAProductions
"Yeah... Like, [CUSS] four years ago. Short guy, real [CUSS] short for a human. Dad didn't like him much... [CUSS] of course," Maria says. "Don't think you interacted with him."
Wrexham
Za'ne got up, one of the children went and touched his hand, it was ice cold to the touch and the child shivered in delight.  The young ones were accepting of his odd looks and chill touch, the teens were a different story. He was hoping Aine would accept the challenge and show off some magic to the children.  Come
on Aine, let's see some magic!  
Illven
 
 Originally Posted by JNAProductions 
 "Yeah... Like, [CUSS] four years ago. Short guy, real [CUSS] short for a human. Dad didn't like him much... [CUSS] of course," Maria says. "Don't think you interacted with him." 
 

 .....Are we sure I'm your dad's kid. You know if liking short people runs in the family.  Beth snarks starting to uncross her arms.
Maou_Sama
 
 Originally Posted by JNAProductions 
  
 Spoiler: Beth Automaticall, Alex With A DC 14 Perception Check If He Wants To Make One 
"I've been sending letters to this [CUSS] guy. Over in the big [CUSS] city, you know? [CUSS] might be getting [CUSS] serious."
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I Pass on the check, Alex is not the type of guy that stick the nose in other people's business, unless getting involved
 


 
 Originally Posted by JNAProductions 
 Avarice nods when asked about borrowing her mule. "For a good cause, I certainly don't mind loaning her. Just treat her right-but I know you will." 
 

  "Thanks my dear!, You know I'll treat her like a queen, I have some of her favorite snacks, after all you two where my saviors when I crawled here..."  , Alex mood changed with the remember of that tragic day, He start digging his Ale and cease all conversations, eyes focused on the bottom of his jar.


 
 Originally Posted by JNAProductions 
  
 Spoiler: OOC 
Lemme know when y'all are good to stop the chit-chatting and move forward a bit.

I'm happy to RP for a while, if you're enjoying!
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'm okay to move forward if party is ready also
 
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by Illven 
  .....Are we sure I'm your dad's kid. You know if liking short people runs in the family.  Beth snarks starting to uncross her arms. 
 

Maria laughs and smiles. "I'll take that. Take the [CUSS] out of that!"

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'll probably move us ahead when I update tomorrow, or, if we get some more posts tonight, in a couple of hours.

Soon. :)
 
Lentrax
Aine tried not to show too much discomfort at being a direct object of fascination, but these were children. And while she could do some things that no child should ever need see, she did know a few things…

 Magic, eh…? Let’s see… 

She took a look at the gathered children, determined which looked the most serious, and pulled a copper piece out of his ear. She put it in the hand of another child, closed the girls hand around it and tapped the back of her hand, making the copper piece vanish. She did that a few times, with a couple of them accompanied by a flash of sparkles. She waved her hand over one of the kids and made it look like he was encased in a glass box. She then made the entire box purple, and then banished it.

She created little arcs of lightning that sizzled as they arced up her fingers and into her staff.

And her raven.

Aine snapped her fingers and the raven disappeared. She snapped again and the raven reappeared above her in the air. She made little balls that she tossed to the raven, and he dutifully caught them and dropped them back before Aine snapped her fingers and the balls vanished again.

 
 Spoiler: ooc 
And that is a whole lot of Prestidigitation.
 
JNAProductions
The festival starts to get into the swing of things.

Beth goes back to help Savannah complete the building, with Maria offering to help with her carpentry skills.
Alex spends some time drinking with Avarice, though he's careful to not get too plastered.
Aine and Za'ne help Naishtar handle the kids for some time.
And Calen does his usual.

The first day is a good time, with a large sampling of desserts brought out on platters near the end of the day. Everyone takes some, the kids especially so. But in time, darkness falls. The kids are brought home by their parents, and most of the village goes to bed. All that's left is the five of you and Avarice, at the bar that was set up.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
As a reminder for anyone who isn't used to how I handle ability checks, there will generally be more spoilers than just the initial one. You can either declare Passive or roll, but NOT both.

 
 Spoiler: Wisdom (Perception) DC 8 
The village is quiet and peaceful.

 
 Spoiler: DC 13 
It's quite dark. Like, darker than usual.

 
 Spoiler: DC 18 
And that would be because a lot of the normal lights that would be casting dim illumination in Greenhollow are extinguished.
 

 

 

 
Lioslaith
To no one in particular Calen says,   ”The festival seems to be going well.”  
Lentrax
Aine sits quietly to herself, her staff leaning against the bar next to her as she idly toys with the rim of her glass. She doesn’t pay much attention to it, most of her is focused on the world around her. And she notices the dark.

Ordinarily she doesn’t mind. But she does look up to check the phase of the moon. Something feels off about the dark, but she isn’t too fussed about it. After all, she can see well enough in any darkness with her electric blue eyes. Yet another… gift from her Ladyship. But as for the others…

 Something is amiss. 
Illven
 Amiss how?  Bethlene asks Aine cocking her head. She idly scans for any sign of danger with her tiefling eyes but it's a quiet night in the town.
Wrexham
 What do you mean Aine? 
Za'ne looks into the surrounding area, his darkvision is the best of the group.

 
 Spoiler: spoiler 
Za'ne has 300 feet dark vision due to twilight cleric.
 
Lioslaith
  ”Most of the normal lights that would normally be lit are out.”  
JNAProductions
Avarice looks around. "Yeah, you're right. And we'd normally have more this time of year, what with the festival and all."
Illven
 Did the pole watcher get drunk on the job?  Bethlene sighs getting up off her seat to go find them and give them a tongue lashing.
Maou_Sama
Alex notices the environment is darker, he gets up from his chair,   "something is off here, well I think is time to work"  ,   "Hey Pretty, can you hand me a candle please and hide in safety?"  , tells Avarice with a serious face.
Wrexham
Za'ne gets up and walks towards the outskirts of the village, where his darkvision will be of better use than in the lite areas.
JNAProductions
As you start to investigate, a horde of eight small, shadowy figures appear from hiding spots all around. They launch inky blobs of blackness-most miss, but Alex and Calen find their heads enveloped by the darkness, blinded.
Not only that, but the lanterns keeping the bar area lit go out, leaving even those not blinded by the globs in darkness.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
No damage dealt, yet.
DC 11 Strength Check that replaces an attack to try and get the blinding darkness off. You can do it yourself or an adjacent ally can as well.

The creatures are in all directions, ranging from 30' to 45' away.
 


Some of the shadow creatures rush forwards, attacking at the blinded people.
Maou_Sama
 
 Spoiler: OCC 
Strength check:  (1d20)[ 10 ] 
 


Alex tried to remove the thing around his head whitout success...   "What the hell!"  
 
 Spoiler: OCC 
Bonus action to activate Bladesong
 
Lioslaith
Calen sighs as the darkness envelopes his head.

 
 Spoiler: Str check to remove it 
 (1d20+1)[ 17 ] 
 
JNAProductions
Three of the little gribblies have approached in, slashing at Alex and Calen. Only one manages to do much of anything, and while the physical pain of the slash isn't much, it imparts a mental anguish just as deadly.

Five more of them are scattered about the area, ready to close in but hanging back for the moment.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Beth  is up.
 
Illven
Beth growls as she jostles to the front of the group. She intones a sacred word to Elhonna as she taps Calen's shoulder. Her sword streaks through the air ebony black arcs trailing behind it.

 
 Spoiler 

Bonus action Shield of faith on Calen.
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 22 ] 
Damage  (2d6+4)[ 9 ] 
 
JNAProductions
One of the creatures is hit, wounded badly, but still active.

Another creature charges in, aiming for Beth, as one of its comrades moves in just a little to hurl a glob of darkness.

The darkness sticks, and the impish creature attacking more directly gets a blow in.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]  Glob Of Darkness

 (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  Claw Attack
 (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  Advantage, if applicable
 (1d6+1)[ 5 ]  psychic damage and 1 slashing

 Za'ne  is up!
 
Wrexham
Za'ne moved about twenty feet from the others as he drew power from his body. Darkness swallowed him up in a fifteen foot bubble.
JNAProductions
Aine is smacked with the dark mass, but is entirely unperturbed by it.
However, looking at the shadowy creatures' eyes, they don't seem bothered by Za'ne's darkness either.
Lentrax
Sine ignores the glob of darkness on her face. Her electric blue eyes pierce the darkness and she chuckles to herself as she points toward one of the shadow creatures

 Ive spent years in darkness greater than this.  Shallenta.   she says softly, marking one of the creatures. As a dart drops out of her sleeve, she pulls back her hand and whips the dart forward toward the shadow creature she marked.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Bonus: Hunters Mark.
Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 9 ]  Damage:  (1d4+5)[ 6 ] 
Hunters makrk:  (1d6)[ 2 ] , Favored foe:  (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
JNAProductions
The missed monster leers at Aine as her shot thunks into the wall next to it.

Avarice has ducked under the table and is staying the hell there, out of the way of the fighting.

Two of the imps in melee try their best to attack, but don't do so well.
A slightly larger, more substantial-looking one charges from hiding, shouting at the injured one.

 
 Spoiler: Infernal 
"Keep going or it's to the sun with you!"
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Alex and Calen  are up!
 
Lioslaith
Calen hears the talking in a language he doesn't understand and casts faerie fire on as many as he can.

 
 Spoiler: Spell and DC 
Each object in a 20-foot cube within range is outlined in green light. Any creature in the area when the spell is cast is also outlined in light if it fails a Dexterity saving throw DC14. For the duration, objects and affected creatures shed dim light in a 10-foot radius.

Any attack roll against an affected creature or object has advantage if the attacker can see it, and the affected creature or object can't benefit from being invisible.
 


Bonus action to disengage from the one that is trying to hit me.
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
You'll get SL1 and then SF1, 2, 4, and 5.

SL1  (1d20+2)[ 11 ] 
SF1  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
SF2  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
SF4  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
SF5  (1d20+2)[ 22 ] 
 Init Order 
22-SF1 [Faerie Fired]
20-SL1 [Faerie Fired]
20-SF2
 19-Alex 
18-Calen
18-SL2
17-SF3
15-Beth
14-SF4 [-3]
11-SF5
10-Za'ne
9-SF6
9-SF7
7-SF8
4-Aine
 


Most of those hit avoid the lights, but the more solid one and one of the minions get got.

They hiss and spit when the light settles on them, enraged by its presence.
Maou_Sama
 
 Spoiler: Strength check 
 (1d20)[ 7 ] 
 


Alex keep trying to remove the stuff on his head, but this time he is moving like dancing, making him harder to hit
JNAProductions
Despite his nimble moves, he takes another psychic slash to the side.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Init Order 
22-SF1 [Faerie Fired]
20-SL1 [Faerie Fired]
20-SF2
19-Alex
18-Calen
18-SL2
17-SF3
 15-Beth 
14-SF4 [-3]
11-SF5
10-Za'ne
9-SF6
9-SF7
7-SF8
4-Aine

Beth is up.
 
Illven
Beth for her part tries to ignore the inky black cloud on her head. She focuses her large ears on trying to hear the movements of the shadowed figures and takes a swing at the already injured one.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Disadv  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Damage  (2d6+4)[ 13 ] 
 
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Init Order 
22-SF1 [Faerie Fired]
20-SL1 [Faerie Fired]
20-SF2
19-Alex
18-Calen
18-SL2
17-SF3
15-Beth
14-SF4 [-3]
11-SF5
 10-Za'ne
 9-SF6
9-SF7
7-SF8
4-Aine

Za'ne is up.
 


Beth's attack is fierce, but goes wide, failing to land any harm on her target.

More of them attack back, but not much harm is caused in this flurry.
Wrexham
Za'ne drops his darkness and looks to see if he can engulf at least two of the creatures with faerie fire.
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Init Order
22-SF1 [Faerie Fired]
20-SL1 [Faerie Fired]
20-SF2
19-Alex
18-Calen
18-SL2
17-SF3
15-Beth
14-SF4 [-3]
11-SF5
10-Za'ne
9-SF6 [Faerie Fired]
9-SF7 [Faerie Fired]
7-SF8 [Faerie Fired]
 4-Aine 

Aine is next.
 


Three of the creatures are hit with a blast of light, faintly sparkling now. They hiss and shriek, throwing themselves at Za'ne with a reckless fury, though only one manages to do anything.
Lentrax
Aine will not be deterred.

Her hand reaches back and another dart appears. With yet another flick of her wrist, the dart flies forth toward her targeted prey

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Attacking the same creature I have marked.

Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
Damage: (1d4+5)[ 7 ] + (1d6)[ 3 ] + (1d4)[ 3 ] 
 
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Init Order
22-SF1 [Faerie Fired]
20-SL1 [Faerie Fired]
20-SF2
 19-Alex
18-Calen 
18-SL2
17-SF3
15-Beth
14-SF4 [-3]
11-SF5
10-Za'ne
9-SF6 [Faerie Fired]
9-SF7 [Faerie Fired]
7-SF8 [Faerie Fired]
4-Aine

Alex and Calen are up.
 


The dart tracks one of the glowing fiends precisely, nailing it through the gut, but it keeps going, wounded.

One of the monsters strikes for Beth, missing, but the one wreathed in extra shadows fires off another glob of darkness, hitting her head and blinding her. It follows up with a nasty slash.
Another aims for Alex.
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Init Order
22-SF1
20-SL1
20-SF2
19-Alex
18-Calen
18-SL2
17-SF3
 15-Beth
 14-SF4 [-3]
11-SF5
10-Za'ne
9-SF6 [Dead]
9-SF7 [Faerie Fired]
7-SF8 [Faerie Fired]
4-Aine
 


One of the mosnters finally goes down, while another tries attacking Calen.
Illven
Beth still tries to focus her sword strikes through the ever present darkness around her blonde head. She goes for a reaping slash.

 
 Spoiler 

On the injured one.
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Disadv  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
Damage  (2d6+4)[ 15 ] 
 
Maou_Sama
REPOST FORM OCC:

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Action = Cast Invisibility on himself
Bonus Action = Dash (backwards from attacking source)
 

As Alex feels he dodges another attack, he disappears in in middle scene and moves out,   "I need focus to remove this thing..."  
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Init Order
22-SF1
20-SL1
20-SF2
19-Alex
18-Calen
18-SL2
17-SF3
15-Beth
14-SF4 [-3]
11-SF5
 10-Za'ne 
9-SF6 [Dead]
9-SF7 [Faerie Fired]
7-SF8 [Faerie Fired]
4-Aine
 


As you've been fighting, Avarice has been struggling to relight any of the lanterns. Her hands, shaky from nerves, finally manage to strike flame into the bullseye lantern, and it springs back to light.

She moves it to focus the light on the ones she can see best, the two still struck by  Faerie Fire , who react with great distress.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The two that have bene hit by  Fire  and light will be fleeing, and can be safely ignored thanks to Avarice's light.

There is one more bullseye lantern about, if you want to try grabbing one yourself.
 
Wrexham
Za'ne goes on the offensive and casts mind sliver at an uninjured creature.  If someone can cast some kind spell he is less likely to shrug it off. 
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Init Order
22-SF1 [-4,  Slivered ]
20-SL1
20-SF2
19-Alex
18-Calen
18-SL2
17-SF3
15-Beth
14-SF4 [-3]
11-SF5
10-Za'ne
9-SF6 [Dead]
9-SF7 [Fleeing]
7-SF8 [Fleeing]
 4-Aine 
 


The first one to charge, as of yet unhurt, takes the brunt of the psychic attack.
Lentrax
 Creatures of darkness. I see you, and soon, so will all.  Elperintha.  

With the last word, Aine holds up her left hand, her fingers clawed, twists her wrist 180 degrees and snaps her fingers, calling forth a cloud of sparkling lights that settled on the creatures that she alone could see.

 
 Spoiler: Action 
Casting Faerie Fire. Trying to line up the cube to hit only enemies, and as many as possible.

Rolling some saves for them. Use however many are appropriate.

 (4d20)[ 1 ][ 7 ][ 13 ][ 11 ](32) 
 
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Init Order
22-SF1 [-4, Slivered]
20-SL1 [Fired]
20-SF2 [Fired]
19-Alex
18-Calen
18-SL2
17-SF3
15-Beth
14-SF4 [-3]
11-SF5 [Fired]
10-Za'ne
9-SF6 [Dead]
9-SF7 [Fleeing]
7-SF8 [Fleeing]
4-Aine
 


The lit creatures, save for the leader, shriek at the touch of light. Their leader rushes Aine, trying to dispel the light, but misses.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Beth and Alex, if you can see, can make an AoO on the leader.
 
Illven
Beth swings her greatsword in another reaping arc, this time the sword shines bright with white energy cleaving the shadow beast in two.

Beth clearly never having felled a creature before, operates on pure instinct.

She practically bounces on the shadow beast locking her lips on it as she hisses.  Give me your life force!  as she seems to suck parts of the creature whole.

 
 Spoiler 

Activating Dark one's blessing for 5 temp hp.
 


As her chest heaves, Aine can see Beth's face is one of horror.
JNAProductions
The creature's remains, what's left of them, dissipate into virtually nothing, leaving nothing more than a small black stain on the ground.
The remainder seem to take this as their cue to get the hell out, taking flight and fleeing.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
The battle is won.

Feel free to roll a few attacks if you'd like to attack the fleeing ones, or if you wish to capture one, that'd be a little more involved.

But, their morale is firmly broken.
 
Illven
Bethlene has seen nothing on these creatures that would show true communicative sentience.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack with green flame blade on SL1, targeting SL 2 on a hit.

Attack  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Damage  (2d6+4)[ 12 ] 

Then AoO
Attack  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Damage  (2d6+4)[ 10 ] 
 


After those two attacks Beth will focus on her teammates, but seeing that none of them are bloodied or worse turns to Avarice.

 Are you alright?  Beth asks clipped as she splits her attention from Avarice to the area around.
Lentrax
Seeing the creatures fleeing, Aine cackles, the flowers in her hair seeming to almost bloom as she shakes with mirth.

 And don’t come back.  Maraithist!  

She spits the last word and a bolt of jagged, unnatural  something  shoots forth from her crooked fingers.

 
 Spoiler: Action 
Casting Eldritch Blast at one of the retreating figures. If the one Aine hit with a dart is still in range, then that one, otherwise, any will do.

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d10)[ 9 ] 
 
JNAProductions
You manage to cut down one more as they flee, and the quiet stillness of the dark night returns.

Avarice gingerly sets the lantern down, and with shaking hands, goes to relight the others. "That... Are we safe? Is everyone else safe?"
Maou_Sama
Alex reappeared on thin air, still with a black stuff in his head,   "I cannot seem to take this thing out...do we won!??!, can you help me please?"  
Wrexham
Za'ne looks at the others,  I have been away from battle for to long, next time i will be ready. I am sorry for my inept actions. 
Lentrax
 Darkness is not something that can often easily be fought. We should perhaps instead look to see what these things are and proceed from there. 

And with that, Aine walks past the others, pausing only to cup Beth's chin in her free hand and turning the tiefling woman's face up to get a better look at it.

 Still,  is all she says, releasing Beth to continue to one of the creatures, kneeling down to investigate the creature.
Illven
Bethlene relaxes into Aine's grasp as she holds her face. When they part she takes a moment to calm down with a hearty sigh.

 While, Aine does that.  Beth points to Aine's investigation.

 We need to make sure the other townsfolk are safe. Whose with me on that? 
JNAProductions
Avarice looks out across the houses of Greenhollow, and says "We should light the torches and lanterns. Most of them are out."

As you all move through the village; all carrying a lantern, torch, or some other source of light; you reignite the other lights and look carefully for any signs of forced entry.
Luckily, it seems the creatures were focused on attacking you. Less fortunately, that means they're smart enough to attack the most competent fighters of the village. Which, in turn, means they have information that wouldn't be well-known to anyone outside the village. Not a secret, but just not something others would be aware of.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
If anyone would like to, now that the heat of battle is over, make some checks to identify knowledge on the creatures, feel free to.

Arcana and Religion would be applicable proficiencies. If you have proficiency in both, you can roll with Advantage as well.
No Helping one another, and only one check per person.
 
Maou_Sama
  "I will go to check outside the boundaries of the village for suspicious things...😡"  , Alex seems to be pissed off by the fact he got caught off guard once more...
Illven
 Those Shadow fiends  Bethlene commented.   They're supposed to be idle.... For them to attack so actively usually needs a mage ritual.....I think I need to talk to my dad if he's gotten any strange tomes in the last few shipments  Bethlene does not look thrilled at the prospect.
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by Maou_Sama 
   "I will go to check outside the boundaries of the village for suspicious things...😡"  , Alex seems to be pissed off by the fact he got caught off guard once more... 
 

The shadows look just as they should, outside the village and on the outskirts. There's a bit of movement, but it's just a deer that wandered close.

After around an hour of checking, you're all pretty sure that Greenhollow is safe for the moment, though you do set up some watches for the night.

Morning comes, with everyone save for you all and Avarice none the wiser of the night's attack.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Beth is, unless I'm reading the last post wrong, going to go ask her dad about shipments.
I would heavily advise someone to go with her, to mediate between the two, if nothing else.

Outside that, it'd be prudent to let the mayor know about the attack at a minimum.

If you have other plans, lemme know as well. :)

I have to leave for work in five minutes, so figure out who's going where, who's being told what, and make your posts. I'll get to it when I arrive home.
 
Lioslaith
  "I can go with you if you want, Bethlene."  
Illven
 That would be highly appreciated. Father doesn't uh exactly enjoy my company. And I doubt he'll take too kindly to me asking if he screwed up.  Beth chuckles sadly.
Lioslaith
  "I can ask him, he might take it different if coming from me."  
Lentrax
The  caw  from Aine’s shoulder is loud as Aine smiles as she looks toward Beth.

 Badhbh is right, my dear warrior,  Aine says, reaching up to stroke her raven familiar.  His opinions of you or your history don’t matter a fig when it comes to the safety of the village. I may not care for the occupants of the place, but you do, and you have the right to question him of it. 

As she strokes the black birds feathers, Aine goes on.

 If you like I can send Badhbh with you while I go to speak with our mayor about what occurred last night? 

Badhbh cawed again, though it was both shorter and somehow happier than her last cry.
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Oh, you can all have had a short rest, by the by.
You'll probably get to have a long one too before any more danger springs up, but for now you've only had four or five hours. Elves could normally long rest in that time, but you were active for a decent chunk of it patrolling, so just short rest.
 


With the other villagers starting to rouse, you go on your separate tasks.

Aine and any who join her head for Mayor Jonathan's home, finding him tending to some yellow flowers on a windowsill.

Beth, Calen, and Aine's familiar all head for the Brightley home. They find Maria opening the shop with William still asleep for the moment. "[CUSS], everything okay?" she asks.
Lentrax
Aine approaches the Mayor’s home, approaching him with the usual crunching of her boots and her staff on the path.

 Mayor,  she begins. She does her best to sound cordial, but she knows her relations with some of the village have strained others, though she does her best to at least not be a burden to the entire hamlet.

 Did you sleep well last night? 
Illven
 We.... need to speak with um.... William.  Bethlene said clearly a bundle of nerves.
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
 Aine approaches the Mayor’s home, approaching him with the usual crunching of her boots and her staff on the path.

 Mayor,  she begins. She does her best to sound cordial, but she knows her relations with some of the village have strained others, though she does her best to at least not be a burden to the entire hamlet.

 Did you sleep well last night?  
 

"It went alright," he says. "Went to bed a little later than normal, after all the harvest festival activities."
He turns away from the flowers to face Aine. "Thank you for your concern. Is everything okay?"


 
 Originally Posted by Illven 
  We.... need to speak with um.... William.  Bethlene said clearly a bundle of nerves. 
 

Maria c o cks her head to the side. "Why the [CUSS] do you need to speak to dad? Something [CUSS] serious?"
Illven
 We found evidence of necromantic rituals being conducted. We need to make sure William wasn't careless with a tome he might have sold.  Bethlene explains.
Lentrax
 Not particularly,  is Aine’s simple reply.

She then details the nights events, and ends with her description of the fiends.

 From what we can tell,  Aine finishes,  We were the only ones attacked. Perhaps because we were the only ones out and they would have done more had we not driven them back. But something is going on. Something has started. 

She looked at the mayor with a level gaze, the flowers in her hair wilting and beginning to fall.

 Something is coming. 
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by Illven 
  We found evidence of necromantic rituals being conducted. We need to make sure William wasn't careless with a tome he might have sold.  Bethlene explains. 
 

Maria curses a few times. "Really? [CUSS], are we gonna be okay?"

William, overhearing the swears, comes into the main shop room. "Maria, don't... Oh. It's you," he addresses, barely, Beth.


 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
  Not particularly,  is Aine’s simple reply.

She then details the nights events, and ends with her description of the fiends.

 From what we can tell,  Aine finishes,  We were the only ones attacked. Perhaps because we were the only ones out and they would have done more had we not driven them back. But something is going on. Something has started. 

She looked at the mayor with a level gaze, the flowers in her hair wilting and beginning to fall.

 Something is coming.  
 

The mayor carefully sets his little watering can down. He looks at the flowers for a few moments. And then, he says "What can we do to keep the village safe? I don't want to panic everyone, but I will not leave them in the dark about the dangers that might be coming."
Illven
 I need to talk to you.  Beth says with a carefully level face.
Wrexham
Za'ne heads to the place where he lives and puts his armor on, he puts his cloak on to make it less obvious.
Lentrax
 Considering how little we know right now? I don’t know that anything  can  be done, save making sure folk know not to go out at night. At least for now. 

Aine cast her senses out, wondering if Beth was still near enough to feel Badhbh. But a heartbeat later, she carried on.

 But why about you? You have years of living here that many of us do not. Do you know of anything nearby that may be a cause for this? 
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by Illven 
  I need to talk to you.  Beth says with a carefully level face. 
 

"Get the hell out of here," is the response Beth gets.

Maria stands off to the side, not wanting to get in between, but looking sympathetic towards her half sister.


 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
  Considering how little we know right now? I don’t know that anything  can  be done, save making sure folk know not to go out at night. At least for now. 

Aine cast her senses out, wondering if Beth was still near enough to feel Badhbh. But a heartbeat later, she carried on.

 But why about you? You have years of living here that many of us do not. Do you know of anything nearby that may be a cause for this?  
 

"There's always been danger in the world," Jonathan tells Aine. "But it usually stays far from here. That said, there are a few mushroom circles-you'd know of them, of course. And my grandfather had a story about a passage to below. He sealed it, in his youth, before founding Greenhollow near where it had happened. I don't know how true it is-the details weren't always the same, but whether that's just old age, embellishments, or actual fiction, I couldn't tell you. I could try looking for some of grampa's old maps, if you think that would help."
Illven
 This isn't about our family squabble, we were attacked last night. And we need to know if there's any tomes that passed through here recently!  Beth said her voice starting to rise.
Lentrax
The chuckle that escaped Aine at the mention of her knowing of mushroom rings was not quite a cackle, but likely fairly close to it.

 A passage to below…  the warlock mused.  That would make some sense. If the seal were to give way… 

She rubbed her free fingers in a nervous gesture over the knuckles of the hand gripping her staff.

 Empty night, Lady Autumn ,  she whispered.  Is this why you sent me here? 

She looked up at the half elf mayor.  You say he may have left a map? I think that would indeed be useful to us. If you don’t mind searching for it, I will go make sure Beth is well. She was going to… speak with… her father.  The mayor is probably one of the few who recognizes the tone of affection in the warlocks voice when she speaks of the tiefling.
JNAProductions
 
 Originally Posted by Illven 
  This isn't about our family squabble, we were attacked last night. And we need to know if there's any tomes that passed through here recently!  Beth said her voice starting to rise. 
 

"I said leave!" he shouts. "I don't care what you brought on yourself, I don't need it here!"


 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
 The chuckle that escaped Aine at the mention of her knowing of mushroom rings was not quite a cackle, but likely fairly close to it.

 A passage to below…  the warlock mused.  That would make some sense. If the seal were to give way… 

She rubbed her free fingers in a nervous gesture over the knuckles of the hand gripping her staff.

 Empty night, Lady Autumn ,  she whispered.  Is this why you sent me here? 

She looked up at the half elf mayor.  You say he may have left a map? I think that would indeed be useful to us. If you don’t mind searching for it, I will go make sure Beth is well. She was going to… speak with… her father.  The mayor is probably one of the few who recognizes the tone of affection in the warlocks voice when she speaks of the tiefling. 
 

The mayor nods, though when Aine mentions Beth's current task, he frowns. "I hope she didn't go alone. I don't want anyone getting hurt."
Illven
 I didn't bring anything on myself!  Bethlene lets out.  It already IS here regardless of what you want! Someone used a necromantic ritual and we needed to know if you sold any tomes.  Bethlene exclaimed.
JNAProductions
"You have one more chance to leave," William says, "or gods help me, I will  make  you leave!"
Lentrax
 Not entirely,  Aine said.  Calen was with her, and I sent Badhbh with her to be my own eyes. 
Illven
Beth throws up her arms, recognizing that she's not doing any good here she leaves the store.

 Not even accusing him of anything. Just wanted some damn leads.  She snarls once outside.
Maou_Sama
After laying for a while in a tree branch, Alex climb down and returned to the village to catch up with the news, he approached Major Jonhatan. "  Hey Jonh!, how are you?!??!, good to see you safe!, maybe we can get together later and cautivate some chicks!  !", Alex tries to make Major into the game again.
JNAProductions
Jonathan, who was just about to head back into his home, shakes his head. "There's something much more important to do right now, I'm afraid."
Wrexham
Za'ne looks at the others to see if anyone else is hurt.
 Do any of you need healing? 
Lentrax
 Indeed so,  Aine says in response to the mayor’s reply to Alex.

 Mayor. Please find me if you find a map or two that may be of use. I will go check on Beth to ensure she comes out without breaking more than she already is. 

She then extends her thoughts out to call for her familiar, trying to find their location.
JNAProductions
Aine's mind doesn't find her familiar at first, but as she draws closer to the Brightley's general store, she's able to establish the connection. Her raven, who has stayed suitably out of the way of the people present, relays the events that transpired while she was talking to the mayor.
Lentrax
Aine, now knowing where she is going, goes immediately, waiting for nothing.

 Beth?  She calls out when she gets close.

 How bad this time? 
Illven
 He refused to even talk to me.  Beth said hiding her face as best she can.
Lentrax
 Badhbh!  The raven dutifully cawed back at the name as Aine patted Beth on the shoulder, rubbing it.  Stay with Beth, my friend. I am going to go... chat with William. 

The raven obeyed the command of her mistress, and went to perch on Beth's other shoulder.

Aine begins marching up the walk to the door of the shop, her staff striking the ground forcefully with each step.
JNAProductions
The door is still swinging gently when Aine pushes her way in. William looks at her entrance, rolling his eyes. "Great. The witch is in."
Lentrax
 Indeed she is,  Aine says coldly, her staff thunking on the floor as she walks to the counter.  And you should heed well my words. This sleepy little hollow you adore so well that you treat it with scorn, was assaulted last night. I know you care little for the people who live here, let alone your own flesh, but perhaps you care for your own life and soul enough to speak with a modicum of civility. 

She comes to a stop at the counter. With a slight flare of her magic, her staff makes a much louder  thump  than it would have on its own.
JNAProductions
"If anything did happen, you ever stop to think why? Maybe if we didn't have two devilspawn living here, we'd be able to live our lives in peace," he retorts. "And you're not really helping anything either, are you?"
Lentrax
 And perhaps if you did not let your petty arrogance blind you to the truth, you would be able to truly see what it is that lays before you.

You would see your daughter, doing everything she can to make her father proud. You would see a woman who has lived her life in peace, protecting travelers from the dangers of the woods. You would see a village that always comes together to protect all who live in it from the cruelties of a savage pathetic creature that does not wish to see the truth. 
JNAProductions
William's already angry face twists into an even more heinous expression. "Out. Get out! I want nothing to do with you or her!"

While Aine tries to break down the brick wall of William's bigotry, Maria slips outside. "Hey, uh, sis? [CUSS], I could try to look through the records. See if anything [CUSS] weird shows up."
Lentrax
 And once you have won against your own child, what then? Will you turn to your other? To your friends? 

Aine sighed disgustedly.  Hate can only spawn hate. If you let it consume you, it will consume all about you. You would do well to remember that,  Master Brightley.  

Aine spins on her heel and begins walking back toward the door.

 Just hope that your habit of selling anything you can get ahold of is not what he led to the weakening of the seal against the Underdark. Else you may have need to break your will against what hell may come. 

Aine leaves the shop, and heads down the walk. Some things cannot be mended so easily. But at least a heart can have salve applied to it.

Aine walks over to Beth, taking the tiefling’s chin up in her fingertips again. She kisses Beth.

 We will do fine, love. Remember that. Remember that you have my heart in yours. 
Illven
 
 Originally Posted by JNAProductions 
 William's already angry face twists into an even more heinous expression. "Out. Get out! I want nothing to do with you or her!"

While Aine tries to break down the brick wall of William's bigotry, Maria slips outside. "Hey, uh, sis? [CUSS], I could try to look through the records. See if anything [CUSS] weird shows up." 
 

 That would be appreciated. I doubt he did anything willingly. But I also don't think our father is qualified to discern necromantic tomes.  Beth comments wiping her eyes.


 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
  And once you have won against your own child, what then? Will you turn to your other? To your friends? 

Aine sighed disgustedly.  Hate can only spawn hate. If you let it consume you, it will consume all about you. You would do well to remember that,  Master Brightley.  

Aine spins on her heel and begins walking back toward the door.

 Just hope that your habit of selling anything you can get ahold of is not what he led to the weakening of the seal against the Underdark. Else you may have need to break your will against what hell may come. 

Aine leaves the shop, and heads down the walk. Some things cannot be mended so easily. But at least a heart can have salve applied to it.

Aine walks over to Beth, taking the tiefling’s chin up in her fingertips again. She kisses Beth.

 We will do fine, love. Remember that. Remember that you have my heart in yours.  
 

Beth relaxes into the kiss, holding onto Aine tenderly.
JNAProductions
Maria looks a little awkward when Beth and Aine share a smooch. She blushes and looks the other way. "Check back in a few hours, okay? [CUSS] should've settled by then."

With the immediate leads being investigated, there's not much to do for until either bears fruit. And the Harvest Festival is still happening, with people coming out from their homes; yawning, stretching, and smiling, looking forwards to the second day of celebration.

If you look down the road away from Greenhollow, there's a small carriage, a few miles out and heading through.
Lentrax
 I doubt it, Maria,  Aine says, taking up Beth’s hand.

 But if you could find anything out for us, I cannot stress how important it is for us to know. As I told Jonathon not ten minutes ago, something is coming. 

She doesn’t seem interested in the carriage. Whoever it is, be they important enough to ride in such style, surely won’t be stopping in Greenhollow for anything more than water for their team before they continue on.
Illven
 Wonder who that is?  Bethlene muses idly at the carriage.
Lentrax
 Probably no one we need to mind. Odds are they are just going to pass us by. 
Illven
 It's an arcanist group. Perhaps they'd be able to help?  Beth muses outloud.
Lentrax
 Only if they offer anything first,  Aine says cautiously.

 Best not announce our troubles so quickly and openly. 
JNAProductions
The carriage rolls along, drawing nearer. The two horses providing it with locomotion, one with a jet black coat, the other a white spotted with brown, look well-cared for.

When it reaches calling distance of Greenhollow, a man pokes his head out. "Hail and well met!" he says to the nearest person, who in this case is Torg.

Torg waves back. "Aye, well met to you too! What brings you to our humble home?"

When the carriage reaches the village proper, two men disembark. One is a man of moderate height, his body a bit pudgy, and wearing a simple grey cloak absolutely festooned with pockets. The other is a much, much taller man, his body looking much like a lengthy stick. In his hands is a small staff or cane, tip-tapping along the ground. The pudgy man in the cloak answers Torg, saying "We, ah, we came here to investigate a rumour. A path to the Underdark, supposedly sealed here some time ago."

"Aye? Well, I don't know much about that. I'm Torg Ironheart, by the way of introductions," Torg tells him. "We're actually celebrating our annual Harvest Festival for now. You're welcome to stay and join in, though it'd be appropriate to give some tribute to the shrine."

The tall man nods wordlessly. The pudgy one says "Well, we can certainly do that! I'm Martin Carpenter, and this is my instructor, Doctor Faust."
Illven
 Why are you looking for a SEAL to the underdark? Are you planning on unsealing it?  Bethlene interjected herself into the conversation.
Maou_Sama
  "Underdark is a very familiar word to me"  
JNAProductions
"Of course not," Doctor Faust replies, his voice a crackly tenor compared to Martin's earnest baritone. "But we have information that indicates it may have been opened from the other side."

Martin is quick to add "We don't think there's any immediate danger. I'm sure Greenhollow is perfectly safe! If someone does have information on it, we can help make sure it stays that way."
Lentrax
Coming literal minutes after her warning about strangers speaking of their exact problem, Aine is on her guard. Though the two do not seem to be overly suspicious, the merest fact they are here mere hours after the problem emerged is enough for her.

 Well. Best not speak of such things here. As Torg says, it is the Harvest Festival. Let’s go sit ourselves somewhere we can speak over a drink and a smoke. 

Aine turns toward where they can do just that, the bar where they came under attack just last night.
Illven
 Come, I'm sure you must be tired after all your travel.  Beth reasons.
JNAProductions
The Doctor looks down at Beth, seeming weighing his words. However, before he comes to whatever conclusion he's searching for, Martin replies. "I mean, more the horses than us. Is there a place we can stable them, or let them graze or anything? I... Hang on," he starts searching his pockets, eventually retrieving two sugar cubes. "Ah-ha! A treat for a job well done."
He turns back to the carriage and the two horses, giving each of them a sweet treat.

You, knowing some good spots for the horses to be at rest, lead the carriage and its steeds. Martin stays apace, but Doctor Faust informs you "I will be speaking with your local authority-you have a mayor, yes?"

"Aye-Jonathan Greenhollow, descendant of the founders," Torg tells him. "Big house in the middle of it all, just past the well."

The tall doctor departs for there, moving with surprising grace despite his gangly stature.

Martin's attention remains split between the horses and you all. "I hope we aren't causing too much trouble. If it'd be appropriate, perhaps I can do some little magic tricks for any kids here? I'm not the best mage, but I've mastered a few fun cantrips."
Wrexham
Za'ne makes his way to the open bar, he hopes that few people will recognize that he has changed into his armor.
Illven
 No trouble whatsoever.  Bethlene assures the man warmly.
JNAProductions
You end up simply leading the horses near the shrine. Savannah is dousing the candles, and smiles when Beth and the others approach. "Good morning, all. Who's the new chap?"

"Martin Carpenter! Visiting from the Academy Of Torn Pages," he says. "I can leave the trusty steeds here?"

"Oh, of course, of course. Just make sure they don't eat the flowers," she replies with a small smile.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Does anyone have anything they want to accomplish for the moment? Investigating Martin or Faust, asking them questions, or anything else?
If yes, we'll do that. If no, I'll move us ahead a bit.
 
JNAProductions
The festival starts anew, and it's hard to find time to warn people of the potential dangers.

The mayor is not seen by the time the sun crests over into noon, but Maria finds Beth and the rest with a few rolled parchments. "I [CUSS] nicked these from the [CUSS] drawer. [CUSS] is messy as [CUSS]. Only things that stuck out as [CUSS] weird-rest of it was normal [CUSS]-flour, traveling supplies, [CUSS] like that."

You quickly find a quiet, shaded spot to look over the pages. It takes a little bit to parse William's shorthand notes, but the writing is nothing too esoteric. What's written within is a bit of a different story.

Among the ordinary sales and purchases is a surprisingly large amount of black onyx. It was bought for a large sum, but sold for much more. There is also an old tome, listed as being entirely blank on the inside, but sold for much more than a simple blank book should. The final oddity is a blackened stick with amber at the tip.
Illven
 That is very strange that William is dealing with black onyx. Shouldn't he like know it's a bad omens?  Bethlene asks confused.
Lentrax
Aine looks over the list as well.

 He likely doesn’t care, Beth. 

She looked at the sums of money involved.

 Considering he was willing to pay so much to acquire it, he knows it’s value, and to know that, one likely must know what it is useful for. I think there is more to our shopkeep than meets the eye. The occasional component or esoteric item is one thing. But this? This is something else together. 
Wrexham
 This is beyond my understanding, if only I studied more or talked with others, I have skills let me help you and this wonderful village.   Za'ne says looking at the others.
Maou_Sama
Alex appears from nowhere, like a fly attracted to the honey, eyes full of joy   "Hey!!!!, we have some goodies here!!!???, oh, just notes, well..."  , his expression changed as he hoped to put hands on for some interesting magic stuff.
Illven
 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
 Aine looks over the list as well.

 He likely doesn’t care, Beth. 

She looked at the sums of money involved.

 Considering he was willing to pay so much to acquire it, he knows it’s value, and to know that, one likely must know what it is useful for. I think there is more to our shopkeep than meets the eye. The occasional component or esoteric item is one thing. But this? This is something else together.  
 

 But....but no...Like he wouldn't have brought it if he knew what it was for.  Bethlene protests seeming to have trouble coming to terms with her father's hypocrisy.
Lentrax
Aine does not like coddling, an influence of her Lady, she knows.

But she also cannot bring herself to push too hard against Bethlene. She... cares for the tiefling too much to be too harsh to her.

 Perhaps,  she says slowly.  Perhaps not. It will take us time to find for sure. 

She looks up to gauge the position of the sun and the shadows on the ground, and does a few calculations.

 But for now, come, my darling. Now is the time for a good meal, a mug of tea, and a pipe. 
Illven
 You're right....we didn't get nearly enough sleep last night.  Bethlene agrees.
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
While you haven't had a perfect night's rest, you have had enough of a chill morning to get your Long Rest in once you've had a bite to eat.
Resources to MAXIMUM! :P
 


Luckily for your stomachs, there's plenty of food being given out for the festival.

Torg and Orin have a good chunk of food in front of them, mostly untouched as it seems they're pretty deep into a technical smithing discussion.
William seems to be trying to lure Martin into buying something he probably doesn't need. Lots of pockets means lots of money, right?
Maria is taking the steam out of Naishtar's sails, pointing out his malarkey.
And Savannah is currently tending to the food. There's a big pot of stew, plenty of bread, cheeses and fruits, and vegetables galore assembled on a table.

"Beth," Savannah asks, "Could you watch the table for a few? I feel I need to encourage our dwarven friends to actually eat before it gets cold."
Wrexham
Za'ne listens to the various conversations as he grabs a bowl of stew, leaving the right amount of money for a tip as well. He wanders looking for an invite to sit as he isn't sure of where to sit.
Illven
 Of course Savannah.  Beth beams politely taking over for her.
Lentrax
Aine, having finished her plate of bread, cheese and fruit leans back, filling her pipe to enjoy the lunch break to its fullest.

She does wonder how the mayor is doing, and hoping he has found some map they could make use of.

The bowl filled appropriately, Aine lights it with a snap of her fingers, happily drawing on it.

 The entry must be close. For them to be as affected by light as they were, they could not have travelled far until twilight. Perhaps we are closer than we think. 
JNAProductions
Some time passes. Your meal is pleasant and filling, with anyone going for seconds able to get a nice full plate.

Savannah returns, a satisfied smile on her face, and glancing over to the dwarves, you can see them chowing down between their words. She takes back over from Beth, and asks "Has anyone seen the mayor? I haven't seen him yet today and am a little worried, he's being a recluse again."
Illven
 Perhaps I should check in on him?  Beth says a little concerned about the unusual times they were having.
Lentrax
 I will go with you. He mentioned the possibility of a map leading us to where one of his ancestors, the founder of Greenhollow, sealed an entrance to the Underdark. I asked if he would try and find it. So it would not be unreasonable for me to check on him. 

She stands, waves her hand over her pipe, cleaning it out with a quick  Prestidigitation.  She then offers Beth her arm.

 Shall we? 
JNAProductions
Aine, Beth, and any of the rest who join head for the mayor's home. Jonathan isn't visible outside the home, so one of you knocks.

You have to knock twice more before there's an answer. "Yes?" Jonathan asks as he opens the door. "Is there something you need?" he adds, his voice genuinely concerned.
Illven
 We were just concerned youve been absent for the festivities.  Beth remarks.
Maou_Sama
  "Jon my friend, do you need help with something?, you seem very busy lately, you know you can count on me pal!"  , say Alex with a happy face
JNAProductions
"I've been busy, that's all. I promise I'll attend tonight," he replies. "I appreciate you taking some time to see me. I really do."

He closes the door, his smiling face vanishing behind it.

 
 Spoiler: Perception DC 18 
It's hard to notice, but the movement to close the door gave the biggest spot.
His shadow was moving slightly out of sync with his body. It went to close the door before he moved.
 
Maou_Sama
"  What???...  " Alex fixed his eyes on Jhonatan's action until door is already closed, "  You guy know I'm a little bit paranoic, but definitively there was something off here, I mean Jon's shadow...maybe we want to check out inside...with Jon's pardon of course  "
Illven
Either there's an innocent in danger, or the mayor has sold them all out.

Regardless of which one it is, there's only one option for a paladin.

Beth throws her whole shoulder into the door attempting to force it open.

 
 Spoiler 

Strength check to force down the door.  (1d20+4)[ 7 ] 
 
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Remember how I said there might be situations where checks get ignored?
This is one of them.
 


Beth and Alex are the first to spot something amiss, with Beth the first to act. She steps into the doorway with force, stopping the mayor from closing the door. "Is... Is something wrong?" the mayor asks.
Lentrax
 Beth?  Aine asks, seeing the shorter woman trying to push the door back open.

 What is it? 
Illven
 A corrupted shadow.  Beth will use her paladin divine sense.
JNAProductions
 
 Spoiler: Divine Sense 
RAW: There are no fiends, celestials, or undead within range.

More than RAW, because RAW is adequate at best: You feel a little touch of shadowfell malarkey on the mayor's shadow and his being. It feels rather like the creatures you fought last night.
 
Illven
 You've been touched by the corrupted shadows.  Bethlene explains to her allies she then glares daggers at the mayor.  You will submit to purification.  Beth's tone makes it clear this is not a debate.
JNAProductions
"What?" Jonathan still seems unsure of the circumstances. "I... Beth, what does 'purification' entail?"

 
 Spoiler: Insight DC 10 
He is quite worried.

 
 Spoiler: DC 14 
But, beneath the current of worry, you can tell he trusts Beth. He doesn't think she'd really harm him.
 

 
Illven
 Taking you to Savannah.  Bethlene explains.  March. 
JNAProductions
"I trust you," he says, and starts walking.

The sight is a little incongruous-Jonathan's tall stature compared to Beth's short one, with Beth being the one marching him towards his destination. Savannah is taking care of the remnants of food, packing some away for later tonight, when Beth arrives with the mayor. "Good afternoon, Mr. Greenhollow," she says before she notices the serious nature of the visit. "Is everything okay?"

Jonathan sounds uncertain with his reply. "Beth says that my shadow is corrupted. I don't fully understand-but she believes you can help. Do you know how to handle something like this?"

Savannah frowns, saying "I'm not entirely sure. I'm well-versed in various rituals, but it's been some time since I've needed any besides blessings for the harvest. Do you think there's any danger to be aware of, Bethlene?"

 
 Spoiler: Perception DC 16 
The shadow is doing its best to mimic the mayor exactly. And largely succeeding, but not quite. Something is definitely up.
 

 
 Spoiler: Religion DC 10, Beth Rolls With Advantage 
You don't know if there's any immediate danger. It's obviously an issue if left unchecked, but for how long? Unclear.

 
 Spoiler: DC 13 
You do know that, provided the mayor isn't conniving with the shadows, it shouldn't be too hard to strip him of their influence. Might take a while and feel weird for him, but won't be especially difficult.

 
 Spoiler: DC 17 
And the danger is really only there if left unchecked. The small amount of corruption present is far from an issue when nipped in the bud like this.
 

 

 
Illven
 Not unless he's been communing with the shadows. No danger at all.  Bethlene remarks.
Lentrax
 I need to check your house, Jonathan,  Aine says after Beth says he may have been communing with shadows.

 I need to find that map we spoke of earlier. Do I have your permission to go look for it? 
JNAProductions
"What map?" he asks. "There's the map of Greenhollow, but you know your way around the village just fine. There's some more in the attic, of various places. Feel free to look through-you know I've nothing to hide."

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Gimme an Investigation check to sort through the attic and find stuff and things.
 
Lentrax
Aine frowns. This is not going the way she thought it would.

 You told me earlier that you may have had a map from your grandfather that may lead to a sealed entry to the Underdark somewhere at home. Had you forgotten? 
JNAProductions
Jonathan looks confused. "We didn't talk today before just a few minutes ago. At least, I don't recall."
Illven
 Any other memory lapses?  Bethlene asks him directly.
Lentrax
 This is troubling. And I have reason to suspect some things. But this is not the time or place for it. See to your shadow, Mayor,  Aine says, putting a hand to Jonathan's shoulder.

 I will see if I can find what I seek.  And with that, Aine turns to leave, extending herself along the telepathic link to Badhbh.

 My friend,  she thinks to her familiar.  Take flight, find our visitors. Warn me if they come near while I search. 

Aine heads toward Jonathan's house to search for the map.

 
 Spoiler: Investigation check 
Straight d20 roll. I have no modifiers to it.

 (1d20)[ 20 ] 

Figures.
 
JNAProductions
When asked about remembering his missing memories, Jonathan shakes his head. "But then again, would I know I forgot?"

Savannah takes him to the shrine, leaving you to search his home.

Within, Aine quickly finds the stockpile of maps. It's neat and orderly, but looking close, someone  has  been through it, and recently too. She is not able to find any maps with the location marked, even after a half hour's search.

Badhbh, staying near the mayor's home and circling above, contacts Aine near the end of her search.  The man with the pockets on his cloak is coming perpendicular to here. Not sure if he's going to enter. No sign of the other one. 
Lentrax
 But would I know if they took any, or that they searched and didn't find it either...  Aine thought to herself.

Then Badhbh sends the warning. The one with the pockets? Which one was that? The master, right? Time to leave. There is no map here. If there was, they took it. If there wasn't, they were no worse off than they were before.

Aine goes out the back of the house.
Illven
Beth will follow Aine out the back of the door.
JNAProductions
You exit the house, with Badhbh fluttering down to join with their master.

The outside air is a refreshing change of pace from the somewhat stuffy attic, and you hear the sounds of the festival going on. It's more subdued than normal, without Jonathan or Savannah present in the party, but Greenhollow as a whole seems to still be unaware of any particular danger.
Wrexham
Za'ne is quietly drinking at the bar, really only talking if someone else starts talking to him.
Lentrax
 Well,  Aine starts.

 No map. But was it taken or did it just not exist? And either way, it tells us nothing. What is our next move? 
Illven
 I'd say track the newcomers? See if they took the map?  Bethlene muses outloud.
Lentrax
 Probably. My only concern is if they did take it, they know where the Underdark is. And why they would want to know something like that. 
Illven
 Do you think they intend to use it for dark purposes?  Bethlene muses outloud.
Maou_Sama
 " Definitively they are up to no good, I'd say follow them, in any case, I know where the Underdark is, I come from there " , Alex appear in the scene, he was watching the village as always.
JNAProductions
Currently, you don't know the location of either visitor.
Illven
 Perhaps we should beat them to the seal then?  Beth suggests openly.
Wrexham
Za'ne looks up from his ale, "Yes, let's beat them to it."
Lentrax
 Then we should gather what we need and go quickly. 
Maou_Sama
  "Now that I recall, that path was sealed because of the Instability, there was much risk taking it, and people who happened to walk it didn't return, I doubt they make it to the other side, unless they know a specific path..."  , Alex was focusing on a rock in the ground while trying to remember the details of the way to the Underdark
JNAProductions
With Alex taking point, you set off for the sealed passage. He doesn't remember perfectly where it'd be, especially on the bright side, but he's confident he can at least get you all near to it.

There's about two hours of travel outside of Greenhollow before he announces you've reached its location, more or less. The area is quite hilly, away from the flatter fields that host much of Greenhollow's farms.

 
 Spoiler: Ability Checks 
Up to two people can attempt a Wisdom (Survival) check to try and find the passage. Others can Help, use magic, whatever inspires you.
If anyone wants to try another kind of ability, roll it with a note about what you're rolling and I'll adjudicate accordingly.

But, for the Survival...

 
 Spoiler: DC 8 
Someone has been through recently, but the heavy wind blowing makes the tracks hard to follow.

 
 Spoiler: DC 12 
Not too hard for you, though!

You aren't able to tell how fresh they are, other than relatively recent, so it might be risky to follow them too fast.

 
 Spoiler: DC 17 
On closer inspection, they'd match up pretty well with someone else leaving just before you in Greenhollow. Whoever's ahead, they aren't far ahead-not enough time to make a good ambush, at least.
 

 

 

 
Maou_Sama
Alex glimpses some tracks along the path:   "We have a lead here, looks like we are tailing someone to the Underdark, let's follow it, but careful to not expose us..."  
Illven
 Should we keep hidden then?  Beth whispers in a low voice.
Lentrax
 They aren’t too far ahead of us. And we have already not been very stealthy. But it would perhaps not be too remiss, my dear. Badhbh,  Aine says to her familiar.

 Fly, my friend. Tell me what your eyes see. 
JNAProductions
With a nod, Badhbh takes flight. Aine is able to see through the bird's eyes, and quickly finds that it won't be much help. The tracks, once first spotted, are simple enough to follow. And they lead directly to a small hollow under a hill, which Badhbh lands in front of. Within the hollow is a tunnel, going down, down, down.
Wrexham
Za'ne looks at the others,  "Can we all see in the dark? Or do we need some help, I can grant the ability if you need it."
Lentrax
Aine returns to her senses as the question is posed.

 I see well enough in the dark, do not waste your talents on me. But we must hurry. The tracks already lead into the darkness. 
Maou_Sama
"  My eyes was trained in the Underdark, I can see pretty far  "