beholderkin
   
In the cacophony of a bustling metropolis, where the symphony of urban life intertwined with the screeching of car tires and the distant hum of conversations, an unassuming figure named Kyle stood at the epicenter of a calamitous event. His reality shattered in an instant, crushed beneath the wheels of a truck possessed by a mischievous and otherworldly spirit—the infamous  Truck-Kun .

As Kyle's life flickered between existence and oblivion, a being materialized before him, shimmering with a hazy luminescence. With an air of absentmindedness that hinted at ancient wisdom, the entity's wrinkled brow furrowed in a cloud of confusion.   "Oh, dear me,"   he mumbled, fumbling through ethereal pockets, searching for something.   "It seems that that blasted  Truck-Kun  has been, uh, devouring those  tether  thingies, you know? Can't send you back, terribly sorry. That spirit is becoming a real problem these days!"  

The being's ramblings cascaded over Kyle like a disorganized symphony, each word an errant note threatening to drown out the crucial information. With an apologetic shrug and a crooked smile, the god-like being continued, his gaze momentarily lost in the vastness of a cosmic void.   "But fret not, my wayward friend, for I shall grant you a boon, a new world for your weary soul to traverse. Just a small favor, considering my...ahem, busy schedule."  

In the liminal space that bridged realms, Kyle found himself transfixed by an ethereal manifestation—a mesmerizing screen flickering with infinitesimal fragments of possibility. It pulsed with vibrant hues, each pixel capturing the essence of unexplored landscapes and thrilling encounters. The sights and sounds of untamed realms called out to him, beckoning him to forge a new path in this uncharted domain. It was too much to process for his mind until it finally settled into a simple blue screen that had a single button in the middle stating, 'Start Avatar Selection'.

The god, now lost in thought, absently scratched his bearded chin.   "Ah, yes. Race, Attributes, abilities, appearance, equipment."   he muttered, casting a fleeting glance at Kyle before shifting his attention back to a the screen.   "Choose wisely, my friend, for this new vessel shall encapsulate your dreams, your hopes, your triumphs."  

Kyle's mind swirled with the richness of imagination, envisioning the worlds he might soon traverse. The distant echoes of arcane incantations, the verdant hues of ancient forests, and the metallic tang of battle hung in the air, all waiting to be experienced in their fullest glory. He yearned to craft a character who would not only survive but thrive in this unyielding realm.

As the god's chaotic mutterings filled the interstitial void, Kyle tried to speak but as a disembodied spirit, he had no voice. Resolving himself to do the only thing he could do, he focused on the screen before him in the limbo between realms and began making choices. Time seemed to be infinite and pass in the blink of an eye as he spent an unknown amount of time making his choices.

In a crescendo of brilliance, the character creation screen absorbed Kyle's essence as he made his final selection, imprinting his choices onto the very fabric of his rebirth. The god, still lost in his own cosmic reverie, bid Kyle farewell with a distracted wave of a hand.   "Off you go, then! Make a name for yourself in those new lands, my young adventurer. And do say hello to the talking squirrels for me, won't you?"  
 -- 
With a jolt, Kyle found himself standing on a grassy hill, his stature much shorter than before, carrying a hefty weapon and wearing armor constructed of gears and dense metal plates, but it didn't feel as heavy as it looked. Gazing up from himself, he sees a large village in the distance to the north, a dense forest to his south, and rolling plains dotted with hills to the east and west.
 
  
Deadguy
  Dead. God. Alive.. what a fever dream of experiences, but this doesn’t feel like a dream.    Kyle ran a stubby calloused thumb lightly over the blade he carried, drawing the slightest amount of blood and a sting.  It all reminded him of RPG games he had played in the past.  If only they could make character creation so intuitive.

 ”Hi ho, it’s off to work...”  He stared to walk toward the village.  Getting a lay of the land and learning what he could seemed like a sound strategy.  Besides, if this was like fantasy games, that was the best place to pick up quests and adventures.
beholderkin
The rolling plains stretched out before Kyle, though as the avatar creation had asked for a new name, he supposed he was also 'Khargrim Darkiron' now. As he traversed the undulating grassy terrain, his every step reverberated through the earth. Each footfall, encased in sturdy armored boots, left deep imprints in the fertile soil, marking his path clearly.

His armor, meticulously crafted of dense metal and clockwork mechanical craftsmanship and honed to perfection, adorned his sturdy frame. The interlocking plates of metal and gears enveloped him in a shield of protection. With each movement, the metallic clinks echoed through the open expanse, underscoring his presence and the weight he carried.

The setting sun painted the sky in vibrant hues, casting long shadows that stretched across the rolling plains. Undeterred by encroaching darkness, he pressed forward, his eyes fixed upon the distant city.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Please make a spot check &amp; a listen check.
 
Deadguy
Khargrim relished the feeling of this new body.  Picking this race was definitely the right choice.  The armor alone would have slowed the old him to a crawl, if he could have even stood with it on.  Breathing in the fresh air, he was just focused enough on the town to not stray from that direction but not so focused as to miss the new surroundings.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Spot - [roll]1d20+10[/roll]
Listen - [roll]1d20+10[/roll]
 
beholderkin
As Khargrim trudged along, impressed with his new body's stout nature, he catches a snippet of yelling on the the breeze that rippled the grass all around him. Turning to the east and taking strides up a small hillock, he catches sight of the origin of the sound. There was a man atop a wagon, swinging wildly with what looks like a horse crop. Surrounding his wagon were a small group of short green figures. While half of the group was busy jabbing at the man with crude short spears, the other half were wrangling a net over the beast of burden tied to the wagon in order to pull it and attempting to unhitch it.

As he takes in the scene, Khargrim sees a road the wagon seems to have been travelling on that snakes out from the southeast, skirting just outside the forest and winding towards the city in the distance. He was rather close to the road before, but the rolling hills obscured the road from where he landed in this world.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

The wagon and goblins are approximately 60' away once you've made your way up the hillock to see over it. The goblins have not spotted you yet, too focused on their attack.
 
Deadguy
  Let's get into some trouble straight away!   As he moved forward, Khargrim drew one of the bolts from the quiver on his hip.  With a quick invocation, it gathered up magical energy and darted from his hand toward one of the goblins trying to steal the animal.

Once he had fired away the projectile, he readied the massive spearlike polearm.  Ho ho! Look's like I stumbled into a scrum. Let's go, ya green boogers! 
 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Move Action: 30 ft toward cart
Standard Action: Cast Launch Bolt
Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Damage -  (1d8)[ 1 ] 
 
beholderkin
On the snaking road through the vast grasslands, the group of goblins swarmed around a wagon, their raucous shouts filling the air with their strange language. Armed with spears, they lunged at the lone humanoid perched on top, who valiantly fought back with a horse crop, desperate to protect himself, and possibly his livelihood.

Amidst the chaos, a sudden clanging echoed through the air and a crossbow bolt found its mark silently, striking a goblin in the shoulder blade. With a pained shriek, the injured creature spun around, its eyes widening in pain and surprise.

From the crest of a nearby hill, a heavily armored dwarf descended towards the group of goblins, hurling himself down the slope, his features obscured by his strange, heavy armor. The grasslands quivered with anticipation as the standoff between the goblins and the indomitable dwarf unfolded.

Now close enough to see them clearly, Khargrim saw that the spears held by the goblins were actually javelins as the monster he shot threw his at the dwarf in response, even as the others were still in the process of noticing his sudden arrival.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Goblin throws javelin at Khargrim:  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]  as his ready response.
Goblin Initiative:  (1d20+1)[ 13 ] 
Roll Initiative, but act even if you normally go after the goblins.
The rest of the goblins around the wagon are considered surprised this round.
 
Deadguy
The javelin bounced off the metal plates of the armor with no more effect than a toothpick might. Khargrim barreled down, clearing the distance between them quickly. Using his momentum, he drove the polearm forward as he charged.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Initiative -  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
Charge - touch attack  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Damage -  (2d6+19)[ 30 ] ; Fort dc total damage vs daze
 
beholderkin
Khargrim's boots thundered against the ground as he closed the distance, his iron-clad form radiating an indomitable aura. With a swift and forceful thrust, he lunged at the nearest goblin, aiming to impale it upon the lethal tip of his warpike.

Yet, fortune eluded him in that moment. The strike narrowly missed its intended target, the goblin just  barely  sidestepping the lethal blow, having heard the dwarf's ungodly clatter of heavy plate armor fast approaching behind it. The failed attack served as a rallying cry for the group of green-skinned bandits, their eyes now fixated on the formidable dwarf who dared to challenge them.

In a frantic scramble, the goblins tightened their grip on their spears, shuffling together into more of a defensive formation. Their beady eyes gleamed with a mix of fear and determination as they readied themselves to engage in combat. Javelins raised, they prepared to thrust and pierce Khargrim's heavy armor, seeking to exploit any weakness they could find.

The air crackled with tension as Khargrim and the goblins stood poised for battle, the weight of their actions hanging in the balance. With the first clash of weapons, the struggle would ignite, unleashing a tempest of violence upon the hillside.

The farmer, atop the wagon called out,   "Sir Knight! 'Ware their shaman!"   Flicking a glance at the man—an elderly human wearing farmer's clothing, but with long thick leather vest with the distinct look of light armor—to see him point behind the wagon with his wagoneer's horse crop, outside of the dwarf's immediate view.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Good Alignment entities win combat dice ties with evil entities in my games due to the forces of Karma (and if both are good/evil or neutral, Lawful entities win ties with Chaotic forces for the same reason - Evil and Chaos have the same benefits against Good and Law in social dice rolls.), so Khargrim goes first now that the surprise round is done.
 
Deadguy
He stabbed at one of the goblins before him and nodded in understanding to the man’s warning.  This really was like the fantasy games he’d played before the truck had made him a road patty.

After his attack, he withdrew toward the back to get eyes on this magic threat.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Standard action - touch attack  (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Damage -  (2d6+19)[ 26 ] ; Fort dc total damage vs daze
Move action - move to rear of wagon
 
beholderkin
The goblin he thrust his warpike into manages only a bubbling gurgle as he pulls the warpike out the mess of lung and heart he had destroyed and the gore hits the ground in wet splatters as he pumps his strong legs to maneuver around the side of the cart to the back.

As he does, he catches his first sight of the goblin shaman he had been warned about, already chanting something in a language Khargrim doesn't understand and wiggling its disgustingly grubby fingers in odd gesture. As the goblin caster brings his hands down towards the dwarf, he feels a sharp blow as if being struck from above.

The other goblins, not becoming idle, start to charge at the dwarf, but half veer off after seeing the mess he made of their companion and chose to jab at the farmer atop the wagon half-heartedly as they eyes the battle with the new dwarf combatant even as the farmer smacks at one with his riding crop with a muttered curse.

The two more courageous (or stupid) goblins charge him with their javelins, using them as short spears.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Shaman uses Ancestral Vengeance spell that does  (2d6)[ 4 ]  points of magic damage (DC 13 Fort Save for 1/2)
Goblin Spearman 1 Stabs with Javelin with  (1d20+3)[ 6 ]  attack, doing  (1d4)[ 1 ]  piercing damage if connecting.
Goblin Spearman 2 Stabs with Javelin with  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]  attack, doing  (1d4)[ 3 ]  piercing damage if connecting.
 
Deadguy
Showing no mercy, Khargrim struck at the fleeing goblin.

 He turned back to the injured shaman, seeking to cut him down before another spell could be chanted.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Attack of Opportunity - touch attack [roll]1d20+5[/roll]
Damage - [roll]2d6+19[/roll]
Standard action - touch attack [roll]1d20+5[/roll]
Damage - [roll]2d6+19[/roll]
 
beholderkin
Reeling back, the shaman stumbles and staggers back after taking a gaping wound in his chest. Blood burbling from its mouth as it chanted something. As the goblin's chant ended, his chest wound shrank and became less severe, but did not completely close.

The goblin spearman  not  immediately and completely obliterated by another thrust of the dwarf's warpike upon approach seemed to have finally realized the type of  overwhelming  danger it now found himself in. Flicking its gaze to the still-wounded shaman, It seems to have come to a decision and bolted, aiming its flight towards the forest's treeline.

Jabbing half-heartedly at the farmer atop the wagon as they kept side-eyeing the battle happening at the back of the wagon, the other two goblins see the shaman take a bad chest wound and their compatriot bolt and seemed to come to the decision that prudence is the better part of valor and also bolted towards the forest's tree line, giving the dwarf a wide birth.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

While the adjacent goblin spearman is making a Withdraw, it still triggers an attack of opportunity once it leaves the last threatened square of the warpike's reach.

The shaman took a 5' step out of reach and used a healing spell or effect that was obviously not completely effective.
 
Deadguy
Showing no mercy, Khargrim struck at the fleeing goblin.

 He turned back to the injured shaman, seeking to cut him down before another spell could be chanted.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Attack of Opportunity - touch attack  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Damage -  (2d6+19)[ 27 ] 
Movement - 5 ft step
Standard action - touch attack  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] 
Damage -  (2d6+19)[ 25 ] 
 
beholderkin
Not escaping the range of Khargrim's warpike, the fleeing goblin is struck down just inches away from freedom. As the dwarf turns to strike down the shaman, it shrieks in panic. As the warpike replaces its throat with cold adamantine metal, its scream is cut off.

As the dwarf looks behind him, the two fleeing goblins make it to the treeline and vanish into the foliage. The grateful farmer, perched atop his wagon, extends calls out to the passing adventurer who just saved him from the clutches of the thieving goblins.   "Thank you kindly, brave warrior,"   he says with a relieved gap-toothed smile.   "I was in a right pickle before you came along! Please, allow me to repay you. I'm William, and I own a farm a few miles down the way there. I'll gladly give you a ride into town and save you the boot leather, if you've a mind."  

Hopping off his wagon on unsteady legs, the man starts pulling the large net the goblins had used to entangle the ox pulling the man's cart and begins checking the beast of burden over for wounds. He calls out, as he works,   "You'll want to LIBERATE the bodies before we go, or  LOOT  'em as the young people are prone to say these days, the lazy little sods. Their cores ain't worth  much , but a sight better than nothing at all for your trouble, to be sure. Especially that there caster. Might even be a bounty at one of the guilds, if you're lucky!"   Catching the emphasis on the words 'LIBERATE' and 'LOOT', knowledge not his own pertaining to this new world seems to unlock within the dwarf's mind, unfurling to offer itself up to him.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

L.I.B.E.R.A.T.E. - Larcenous Invocation Bestowing Enriched Rewards And Treasures from the Expired, also colloquially known as L.O.O.T. - Lifeblood Offering to Obtain Treasures. The act of willfully giving up the tangible 'victory' of your battle in order to receive a reward.

By offering the remains of a life form you have personally slain to higher powers, it is replaced with something deemed appropriate to the general difficulty of slaying such a being. Simply touch the corpse and will it to be given over, and an appropriate higher being will accept it and provide a reward they see fit. A 'core' is the most common reward, though sometimes objects tangentially related to the life of the being are also given, depending on the higher power that actually accepts the offering.

A 'core' is a perfectly spherical gemstone. They are often traded and sold, and in some places even take the place of traditional coinage as the mainstay monetary option in places where monsters are extremely plentiful. They are so universally accepted, and so uniform, they can be used as easily as any coinage.

When the cantrip spell Detect Magic is used on a core while it is being held be the person that harvested it, the viewer sees a ghostly image of the being it came from and the general area it was slain projected above the core, allowing cores to be used as verification of any relevant bounties.
 
Deadguy
Khargrim nodded, accepting the offer of a ride. He moved to the bodies, unsure of what to do. He offered up a quite prayer like the acronym seemed to suggest.
beholderkin
As Khargrim focused on the bodies, he feels his intent push against something outside the scope of his own mind and the bodies shimmer in front of him one at a time as if he were looking at a heat mirage in the desert. In a moment, the bodies have vanished, leaving behind only the stains of their blood and gore, as well as several small objects seemingly laid neatly on their tattered equipment.

Having removed the net and thoroughly checked over his beast, the farmer circles the wagon and retrieves a slightly battered double crossbow. Walking away from the wagon a ways, Khargrim notices the odd shimmer effect in the tall grass the farmer stood in front of before he bend down and seemed to retrieve a few items before striding a few paces away and repeating the same ritual he himself just had.

Coming back with a grunt and hopping up into the wagon, the farmer carefully studies the crossbow and gives it a good once-over before nodding and uncocking it carefully and hanging it on a hook near his driver's seat.   "Damned goblin hooked her out of my hand with a damned spear, while I was reloading. Managed to get the first two with ol' Bianca though. Damned pests."   He pats the crossbow with a smile.   "Come on up, lad and we'll get ourselves off to the guilds and see if we can swap these cores for a few coins to line our pockets, eh?"   He pats one of the crates in his wagon that actually has a lid as if it were an inviting bench. Most of the crates were topless and carried a variety of obviously fresh vegetables.

As the dwarf takes a seat in the wagon and the farmer clicks his tongue and starts the ox plodding along the road, he rambles on in a friendly tone.   "My son normally rides with me and I hardly ever have to break out ol' Bianca, but he's off on some damned request for the lord to magic up some new stone wall after some beasty tried to get at the lord's horses or some such. He's always runnin' 'round with any ol' excuse to magic up somethin' or 'nother. Must say, havin' him 'round makes tillin' the field easier 'n ice melts in the summer, but that's only when he's  not  off gallivantin' 'round."    The farmer chatters about his son, hid farm, and mostly complains about various things as old men tend to do, but his speech is relaxed and friendly, nonetheless.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

  You receive a total of 700xp  
 Goblin Spearmen 
 
 3 x small javelins 
 2 x tiny core gems that are an occluded muddy green in color 
 11gp, 3sp, 7cp 
 
 Goblin Shaman 
 
 1 x small core gem that is an occluded mottled green in color 
 1 x seemingly empty small grey sack, stitched with blocky runes 
 1 x scroll in a language you do not understand 
 1 x vial of liquid: ultramarine-colored with a bilious odor that is watery and layered in appearance 
 33gp, 4sp, 1cp 
 
 
Deadguy
Khargrim Climbed up onto the crate.  ”So your son is a mage?” 

He knew his class had a type of magic, but it was convoluted and slow, only meant to enhance him prior to battle. It did next to nothing while in combat.
beholderkin
  "Oh aye, my boy's a whatchamachallit, a uh...Drood? Uses some special earth magic. Even has a little mudman fellow that follows him around. Call the little guy Rocky. Helps heaps during planting season. Just drags one leg and hobbles in a straight line and I don't even need a plow no more. Fantastic, I tell ya."   chuckling fondly, the man seems proud of his son, even if he doesn't seem to understand much about exactly how he does the things he does.   "Takes on odd jobs where earth magic is helpful now an' then 'cause the coin for such things is pretty decent, ya know. But, mostly he just does his magickin' round the farm. Help is help, no matter how ya do it, in my book."  

The cart bounces along slowly, the distant village getting closer as the man rambles on about the farm and his son. As you pass by the edges of the village, people stop and wave at Willam, who waves back with a broad grin and a tip of his floppy hat. A rather large older woman waves coyly and starts waddling towards the road, waving for him to stop, but William's smile becomes strained and obviously fake as waves her off and calls ourt,   "Can't stop, Claira - got myself a passenger on a schedule today!"   He turns his attention to the rains as he mutters low and through his teeth to his Dwarf passenger,   "That  there  is Claira Mayfield. Thank the gods she can't walk but more than a street or two without gettin' winded. If she could woddle her bullk to my farm to try and force her damned wretched cooking on me at all hours of every damned day, I think I'd have to  let  the Goblins kill me next time."   Hiding his mouth with a hand, Khargrim see's the man's face go a bit pallid as a small retching sound escapes the man at the thought of the portly woman's cooking.

The city's buildings are very reminiscent of medieval European architecture, with the first level always being stone, with the few taller buildings having a second level made from some manner of lumber frames and pale plaster walls, with little exception. The streets, like the road, are tightly fitted cobblestones that are remarkable even and well-worn. A pleasant surprise is the smell, or rather the lack of it. No filth in the street seems a bit out of place for a medieval village, but the lack of any odorous assault is something worth appreciating if any of the literature of the typical stench of such places in his own history is anything for Khargrim to judge by.

A few streets pass on the sides as Willam's wagon comes to a stop at a large building with a large cign out front. Though it bears no name, it does have a crest of a sword crossing a shield in front of what looks like a sphere that looks a lot like the cores he got after enacting the ritual on the goblin corpses.   "If there is a bounty on Goblins, or any goblins in particular, they'll know it here at the Adventurer's Guild. I've got to get this haul to market,"   he gestures ahead down the same main street they'd come into town from before continuing,    "so I'll let you off here to handle your affairs."    Reaching under his seat, the farmer fishes something out and tosses it to you.   "You use that to buy yourself a drink on me, yeah? I'd buy it for you myself, but work don't wait for no man and I don't go buyin' just anybody a round."   Flashing a grin, he tips his floppy hat to you.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 Loot Gained:  Goblin pouch with 1 vial of murky purple liquid with brown fleck that has an acrid burned flower odor, and 14gp, 2sp, 6cp
 
Deadguy
Khargrim bit his lip slightly to avoid smirking at the man's comments about the old woman. Once they had stopped, he hopped off the wagon and took the offering.  "Thank you for the ride good sir, and for this." 

With that, he adjusted his armor and headed to the doors of the Guild. He had seen enough anime and played enough video games to imagine such place. He was excited beneath the stoic dwarf exterior. Pushing the door open wide, he entered and looked about for a person who would be working there.
beholderkin
   
Within the small Adventurer's Guild, what seemed like a receptionist stood poised behind a large counter that divides the room, exuding an air of confidence and knowledge. Her friendly smile brightened as she noticed Khargrim's entry, and she wasted no time in extending a warm greeting.

  "Ah, a new face in our midst! Welcome to the Adventurer's Guild,"   she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.   "If you're seeking our services, may I suggest a few options?"  

Her gaze swept over the array of notice boards lining the walls, displaying an assortment of requests and bounties. With a simple gesture, she directed Khargrim's attention to the boards around the room.

  "For those seeking to join our esteemed ranks, we offer membership sign-ups,"   she explained, her tone filled with pride.   "As a member, you'll gain access to exclusive benefits, networking opportunities, and a chance to forge lasting bonds with fellow adventurers."
  
She leaned forward, her voice lowering as if sharing a secret.   "And of course, we have the renowned request board, or as some call it, the 'Quest Board'. It's updated daily with various requests and monster-related jobs, ranging from simple tasks to daring adventures for those so inclined. If you're eager to test your mettle and earn your keep, the Quest Board is the place to be."
  
Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she continued,   "Of course, if you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to ask. Our seasoned guild members and mentors are always ready to lend a hand and share their wisdom."   With a graceful wave of her hand, she indicated the modest guild hall.   "Take a moment to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and explore the possibilities, dear adventurer. When you're ready, I'll be here to assist you every step of the way."
  
Despite her excited pronouncement, the guild hall is actually fairly empty and far from vibrant in atmosphere. There is an old man with a very pointy hat and long greying beard loudly snoring on a bench in one corner, and two teenagers in very simple leather armor debating quietly with each other while gesturing at various notices on one of the boards. Each board has a specific number of stars etched into the top, ranging from one to five stars in total, with the amount of posted notices dropping sharply between each. the two teenagers are standing before the board bearing one star, which has the most notices posted, though even then the notices are so sparse that they barely covers a third of the board's space. There are doors and archways leading to other parts of the building, but the open reception area filled with mostly empty notice boards, some benches and small tables, and a separate unmanned desk in one corner takes up at least a quarter of the building's size on the first floor.

As Khargrim looks around the room at the notices and signage, he notices immediately that the language is strange and seems incomprehensible to his English-speaking brain, but he can still read it, despite never having actually seen the language before. He instinctively somehow knew the name of the strange and foreign language in question: Common.

   
beholderkin
  "Oh! If you're not already a member, sign up couldn't be easier. You just need to pay a 10gp fee for a Guild Card, and place your hand on the Assessment Stone. If you don't already have a Guild Card, it will bind one to you. If you already have a Guild Card and just want to update it, when you think you might have gone up in rank, it's the same fee and process, and your Guild Card will update automatically. Fair warning, membership does come with responsibilities."   She smiles and shrugs,   "A emergency summons can and will be issued through your Guild Card if you are in range of a Declared Emergency and failure to heed the summons results in fines. But that is pretty rare outside of the borderlands. But, membership comes with perks, too! You get free appraisal for all non-magical items, you can take on Guild requests on top of the bounties that everyone has access to, and your Guild Card acts as identification that grants its own benefits in various circles, depending on your registered Adventurer's Rank."   Her smile fades as she continues,   "And, should a poor fate befall you and your Guild Card is retrieved and brought to any Guild, it can be used as a focus to resurrect you, if it is found in time. Though that incurs a fee to be paid later, once you've recovered."  

Her spiel done, she starts sorting through the loot, the receptionist starts mumbling to herself as she sorts the items. Flicking a hand, a few motes of light dance around her eyes as she focuses on them, sorting them further.   "Please hold up the cores one by one in your hand, and I can determine if there are any bounties for them."   
  "Three uh... goblin  javelins. That is a scroll of Magic Weapon, this is a potion of Endure Elements, a potion of...ah! Potion of Barkskin."   Turning to Khargrim as he starts holding up the three cores, she seems to peer into the space just above the cores one at a time, nodding and gesturing for him to hold up the next one until she had peered at each in turn.   "Two goblin warriors and a Goblin Shaman - good job with that. Those can be tricky to handle for the locals. And we've a current bounty for each!"  

Pushing the small grey pouch stitched with blocky runes to the side, she nods.    "With the bounties for the goblins, and the market value of the rest, I can give you 413gp, 2sp, 5cp for the lot,  excluding  the bag. It's a bit better than the rest, and I'll need to Identify it. The fee for Identifying items is 100gp. You might be able to figure out what it is on your own with enough trial and error, or talking to other adventurer's, but the only guarantee would be Identification. Would you like me to proceed? And would you like to Register?"    This last is said a bit excitedly, and Khargrim gets the impression from the lack of people and filled request boards that this small town doesn't get many new members looking to register terribly often. She gestures to a crystal dome glowing with a faint blue light set into a metal base atop the counter, sitting at the end of the counter. The metal base has a rectacle indintation on the surface before the crystal dome.   "If so, just place your hand on the crystal and it will issue you a Guild Card."  
 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 LOOT SALE 

Rank E Goblin Shaman Core (50gp + 50gp Bounty)
2 x Rank F+ Goblin Warrior Core (30gp + 20gp Bounty)
1 x scroll in a language you do not understand (Scroll of Magic Weapon - 12gp, 5sp)
1 x vial of liquid: ultramarine-colored with a bilious odor that is watery and layered in appearance (Potion of Barkskin +2 - 150gp)
3 x small javelins (7sp, 5cp)
1 vial of murky purple liquid with brown fleck that has an acrid burned flower odor (Potion of Endure Elements - 50gp)

 Total Sale Value:  413gp, 2sp, 5cp


 OPTIONAL TRANSACTIONS 

1 x seemingly empty small grey sack, stitched with blocky runes (Unidentified - 100gp)
Membership Fee (10gp)

 Total Costs:  110gp


 Total Profit after Optional Transactions:  303gp, 2sp, 5cp + Market Value of Identified Pouch
 
Deadguy
Khargrim snorted slightly at the goblin being difficult. He knew he could appraise the bag himself, given enough time, but helping the local economy could also have benefits. He nodded to her question and put his hand in the stone. That and he liked to keep his own abilities as close to the chest as possible… for now.
beholderkin
Khargrim reached out and touched the crystal with his rough, calloused fingers and felt his mind instantlky pulled from his new body.

In an instant, his surroundings faded away, replaced by a realm of pulsating energy. Before him, a now-familiar spectral screen materialized, offering a myriad of options to reshape his new avatar. It was the same screen that odd spirit had shown him before, and net to it were words floating in the air that simply said,   "Now that you have gotten a feel for things, make any final changes you wanted. One last chance to live your best life. Best of luck!"   The choices the system offered were just as extensive as before, allowing him to customize his appearance, from race and abilities, to the color of his skin and the shape of his features to the intricacies of his armor and weaponry within the same set limit.

The screen seemed to understand his desires, providing intuitive suggestions and adjustments as he made his choices. It was as if the system assisting him in his new life in the fantasy world responded to his very thoughts, molding itself to match his vision. He could almost taste the thrill of adventure and the weight of responsibility that awaited him.

After meticulous consideration, Khargrim made his final selections. With a determined nod, he confirmed his choices, signaling his readiness to embark on this new journey.

As the avatar creation screen dissipated, Khargrim found himself back in the Adventurer's Guild, the crystal humming beneath a newly shaped hand. A small crystal plaque materialized in the rectangular recess in the crystal's base, and as it finished forming, clear etching in the opaque crystal the size of a playing card listed out the new name that was freshly chosen, along with several other personal details, including an 'Adventurer's Ranking' of E.

The woman behind the counter, tucking back a lock of hair behind a slightly pointed ear, smiles and claps her hands gently once.   "And there you go! Looks like you skipped F rank altogether! That's impressive for this area! I finished identifying your bag, as well. It is a Back of Tricks, and if you'd like to sell it, I can add another 450gp to your total. Did you want to sell, or keep the bag?"  

Looking directly at the newly remade adventurer, the woman seemed to somehow not take notice of the change in physical appearance, and even equipment.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 IC:  After identifying the items, as the woman speaks their name, the knowledge of what they do and how they operate unfurls in your mind as if it was your own knowledge that you were somehow just now remembering in the same way the ritual to LIBERATE (or LOOT) the foes of your enemies had.

 OOC:  You can now make any final edits or changes to your character for this game, using the same criteria as before. You still have the same XP as before. Anyone who met you before will remember you as if you had always been exactly as you have now become.
 
Deadguy
 "Yes, I'd like to..."  The change in voice gave her pause. Outstretching an intricately tattooed hand with manicured nails tipping each finger, she chuckled. The deepest parts of the mind conjured this. It felt... right. Like this is how it had always been.

 "I'd like to sell it all."  Smiling, she inspected the card.  "Do you rank up by completing request missions, or is there other ways?"  Glancing back at the youths and the board, she measured their response to her true appearance. The ability to hide it was present, but she wouldn't do that until leaving the guild hall. Common folk tended to panic easier than adventurers in all of the stories and games she had played in the other life.

Closing her eyes for a moment, she focused on the languages she knew. A name was needed. Something simple. Something terrible. N'gatha. Dark Ballad. While not a bard herself, the songs that would be sung of her would be exactly that.
beholderkin
As her name settled into place in her mind, flickering light from the Guild Card caught her eye. Glancing back at it, the name had changed, reflecting the choice she had just internalized. The crystal card resonated with a sort of mutable energy that seemed...fluid, somehow.

  ================
Name:  N'gatha
 Alias:  The Dark Ballad
 Adventurer Rank:  ✯✯ (F)
 Race:  Fey'Ri
 Height:  5'7"
 Weight:  110lbs
 Eyes:  Blue
 Hair:  Black
 Sex:  Female 
 ✯:  
 ✯✯:  
================  

The woman beamed, now that the identification card had been successfully created.  "Since it is fully imprinted on your core, its information will automatically updade. So if you have a few too many cakes and gain a pound or two, it will reflect accurately on the card. Sorry about that! But, it prevents having to update cards for anything other than rank ups."  Flashing a smile at her own joke, she glances at N'gatha's horns and her eyes go vacant for a moment, as if in a trance. "Huh. We don't usually see, uh... Teiflings  around here. You must be from the south, right?" As she said the word 'Teifling' it was emphasized as more of a question than a statement. Shaking her head as if to clear it, she shrugs. "Well, Adventurers are a far-flung bunch at the best of times. The Guild's Code of Conduct is posted on the board behind me. Have a read before anything else, and I'm here to answer any questions you might have afterwards!"

The Board behind her listed several rules and was simply labeled 'Guild Code of Conduct':

 
  Respect the Guild:  Members must show respect towards the Adventurer's Guild and its officials. Follow their instructions and adhere to their guidelines and protocols. 
  Uphold the Guild's Reputation:  Conduct yourself with honor and integrity, as your actions reflect not only on yourself but also on the entire Guild. Avoid engaging in illicit or dishonorable activities that could tarnish the Guild's reputation. 
  Complete Assigned Missions:  Take your chosen quests and missions  seriously . Strive to complete them to the best of your abilities, as failure to do so could result in dire consequences for the Guild and its clients. 
  Maintain Confidentiality:  Safeguard any sensitive information or secrets of our clients and fellow adventurer's you may come across. Revealing confidential details can endanger the reputation or standing of the Guild and compromise the safety of its members. 
  Collaborate and Cooperate:  Foster a spirit of teamwork and cooperation among fellow adventurers. Support and assist each other in quests and battles, recognizing that collective strength often outweighs individual prowess. 
  Respect Local Laws and Customs:  When venturing into new realms or dimensions, respect the laws and customs of the lands you explore. Adhere to local regulations and traditions to maintain diplomatic relations and prevent unnecessary conflicts. 
  Strive for Personal Growth:  Continuously hone your skills and abilities through training and experience. Seek out opportunities for self-improvement, as a strong and capable adventurer benefits not only themselves but also the Guild as a whole. 
  Maintain Equipment and Gear:  Regularly inspect and maintain your equipment to ensure optimal performance during battles and requests. Neglecting proper care can put yourself and your companions at risk. 
  Display Good Sportsmanship:  In victory or defeat, show grace and sportsmanship. Celebrate achievements with humility and offer support and encouragement to fellow adventurers when they face setbacks or challenges. 
  Report Discoveries and Dangers:  If you uncover any significant discoveries, dangerous creatures, or potential threats during your adventures, promptly report them to the Guild. Sharing vital information helps protect the Guild's interests and ensures the safety of others. 
 

As you read the posted guidelines, you do not fail to notice that these are clearly guidelines and no system of punishment for breaking them is listed. As you finish, the receptionist has finished storing the sold items and eventually plunks down a pouch filled with coins in front of you.   "As an F rank, you qualify for any 1 star or 2 star requests. To take a request, just bring it to me and we'll add it to your Guild Card through the crystal. You're allowed to have 1 request of every rank you qualify for 'claimed' on your card. If enough time lapses, it can and will be re-posted for someone else to take, so don't take requests you don't think you'll be able to complete in a reasonable time. When you complete a request, bring the required proof to any branch of The Guild and they'll clear it from your card and issue you the appropriate payment. But be sure to check the boards before turn-ins. If you happened to have already completed any by happenstance, we can clear them out immediately, so while you can only officially have 2 requests, you can clear as many as you like - just don't go around intentionally stealing request objectives out from other members."  

She gestures at the two boards near the front door labeled with '✯' and '✯✯', respectively.   "Oh! And to store your guild card, just press it against your bare skin - anywhere will do. It'll be stored in your Core, and you can call it out by simply willing it seperate again. If you accidently leave it somewhere, it will fade away and return to your Core automatically, so don't worry about losing it or anything."  
 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 Loot Gained: 
 
 753gp, 2sp, 5cp 
 Guild Card 
 
 
Deadguy
Picking up the card, she gave the woman a smile.  ”Thank you for the assistance. I’ll be right back with my selections.” 

She turned and went directly to the 1 and 2 star boards, to see what was available. If the youths were still there, she’d give them a curt nod of her head but otherwise keep her distance.
beholderkin
The two youths, a little wide-eyed, hurriedly nodded back and moves clear to allow N'gatha to browse the boards in peace.

 
 Spoiler: 1-Star Quests Available 

 Client:  Farmer Griswald
 Request: Clear the Rat Infestation
 Location:  Griswald Farmstead, north of the village is plagued by a growing dire rat infestation. The farmer, Griswald, seeks the help of adventurers to eliminate the rats that are destroying his crops and infesting his barn, and destroy their nest completely.
 Reward:  40 gold pieces and a week's supply of fresh produce.

 Client:  Mayor Elysia
 Request: Retrieve the Stolen Heirloom
 Location:  Abandoned Manor in the Southern Woods, an eerie and dilapidated mansion rumored to be haunted. The mayor of the town, Elysia, needs adventurers to recover a valuable family heirloom stolen by unknown thieves who have been found via divination magic to have taken refuge within the manor.
 Reward:  65 gold pieces and a written commendation from the mayor, increasing the adventurers' reputation with the town government of Stone Hollow.

 Client:  Blacksmith Garret
 Request: Retrieve the Lost Anvil
 Location:  Goblin-infested Cave, a treacherous underground labyrinth infested with mischievous goblins, just inside the border of the woods south of town. Garret, a skilled blacksmith, has lost his precious anvil when a merchant wagon was successfully raided by goblins that are reported to live inside the cave and requires brave (and strong) adventurers to retrieve it.
 Reward:  30 gold pieces and a masterfully crafted weapon, shield, or armor piece of the adventurer's choice.

 Client:  Innkeeper Soren
 Request: Investigate the Haunted Inn
 Location:  Stone Hollow Inn, a centuries-old establishment rumored to be haunted by restless spirits. Innkeeper Soren seeks intrepid adventurers to uncover the truth behind the ghostly occurrences and restore peace to the inn.
 Reward:  20 gold pieces and a week's stay at the inn free of charge.

 Client:  Herbalist Elara
 Request:  Gather Rare Herbs
 Location:  Southern Forest, a woodland teeming with magical flora, and unfortunately, goblins. Herbalist Elara requires skilled adventurers to gather rare and potent herbs needed for her healing remedies and potions, as the goblins make it nearly impossible for her to do it herself. List of herbs given by receptionist.
 Reward:  Gold pieces and a small selection of minor potions based on the exact herbs and the amount gathered.

 Client:  Captain Roland
 Request:  Escort the Caravan Safely
 Location:  Mountain Pass, a treacherous route plagued by bandits and other territorial creatures. Captain Roland, a seasoned caravan leader, seeks capable adventurers to protect his valuable cargo and ensure a safe journey through the perilous pass. The caravan ends in the city of Brookhaven.
 Reward:  50 gold pieces per person and a percentage of the caravan's profits.
 
 
 Spoiler: 2-Star Quests Available 

 Client:  Scholar Aurelia
 Request:  Retrieve the Ancient Tome.
 Location:  Ruins of Eldoria, an abandoned temple set in the depths of an Southern Forest, beyond. Scholar Aurelia seeks skilled adventurers to recover an ancient tome rumored to hold powerful divine knowledge held by the lost faith.
 Reward:  150 gold pieces and a magical trinket that enhances spellcasting abilities.

 Client:  Baroness Adelina
 Request:  Defeat the Bandit Leader
 Location:  Bandit Hideout in the Blackthorn Mountains east of the Mountain Pass, a hidden stronghold ruled by a notorious bandit leader named Gorn Redhand. Baroness Adelina, a noblewoman seeking to restore order, is hiring experienced adventurers to eliminate the Bandits that reside there and dismantle his criminal organization.
 Reward:  750 gold pieces, a landless minor noble title within the baroness's domain, and the possibility of future political favors.

 Client:  Guildmaster Thaddeus
 Request:  Investigate the Mysterious Disappearances
 Location:  Eerie Marshlands, a marshy region plagued by unexplained disappearances two days ride west of Stone Hollow. Guildmaster Thaddeus requests capable adventurers to uncover the cause behind the vanishings and put an end to the mysterious threat.
 Reward:  280 gold pieces, a magical amulet that grants resistance to poison and disease, and the opportunity to take Special Requests. Special Requests are issued by the guild rather than a client, and are only given to members in good standing that have proven themselves to that particular guild branch.

 Client:  Sage Lysandra
 Request:  Retrieve the Crystal Heart
 Location:  Caverns of Numinos, an ancient underground network of caverns filled with magical traps and powerful guardians. Sage Lysandra seeks courageous adventurers to recover the Crystal Heart rumored to be within, a magical tool said to possess unique magical energy.
 Reward:  250 gold pieces and a rare wand containing an arcane spell that renews its charges each day at dawn.
 

You can't help but notice that each request comes with not only a monetary reward, but also something  other  than coinage, for some reason. Though, a lot of these secondary rewards lack specific details. The purely monetary rewards seem fairly low considering how much money she made just on the way into town. Perhaps the secondary rewards are vague to pique people's interests. Or perhaps the more lucrative jobs had already been picked over? It was difficult to tell.
Deadguy
 “Hmmm… these seem an efficient pairing.”  She selected the caravan escort and the bandit hideout, returning to the desk where the lady had helped her.

 “I would like to accept these two requests.”  The reward didn’t matter as much as the proximity to each other. Having a noble title would be nice though.
beholderkin
The receptionist beams as the requests are brought to her and nods. Gesturing for you to place your hand on the crystal once more, she slots the paper requests into a slot behind the counter one at a time and the crystal pulses each time, sending a thrum of energy into you.   "There ya go! The caravan is leaving at dawn, so rest up and be sure to purchase any equipment you need today before the shops close. You can find all your basic gear in various places on market street, as well as the inn...though, as you might have read, it currently might be a bit..uh...haunted."   She gestures in the direction that farmer William had driven his cart.

  "The caravan is setting up here in front of the guild before they head off. As the guard request was multiple adventurer's signed up, its just easier for them to set up here. Though, the request for the bandit leader is a one-and-done, so you're the only one with that particular request. But, if the captain allows, some of the caravan guards might be persuaded to party with you for that quest. It's up to you whether to share the quest or not. If you do, just tap your Guild Card to someone else's and if you've both agreed, the quests will be shared on the card if they have an appropriate request slot free."   Gesturing broadly at the reception area, she finishes,   "Is there anything else I can help you with today?"  
 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Guild Card Update:

  ================
Name:  N'gatha
 Alias:  The Dark Ballad
 Adventurer Rank:  ✯✯ (F)
 Race:  Fey'Ri
 Height:  5'7"
 Weight:  110lbs
 Eyes:  Blue
 Hair:  Black
 Sex:  Female 
 ✯:  Escort the Caravan Safely
 ✯✯:  Defeat the Bandit Leader
================  

You instinctively know that focusing on a requests held within the card, the information from the original request notice will reveal itself somehow.
 
Deadguy
N'gatha thought for a few moments.  Other adventurers on the same quest. More like competition .

 "Could you tell me how long the caravan will be traveling?" 

Once the answer was given, she was ready to depart and investigate the town further. Stepping back from the guild woman, N'gatha called on her infernal magic to change her appearance to an elven woman.

 

The transformation complete, she stepped outside and walked down the street toward the town center. While she didn't need to rest, she still wanted to reserve a room at the inn for the foreseeable future.
beholderkin
  "If all goes well, it'll be about three days to Halfway Peak - the small dwarven outpost that the caravans also supply. It's about halfway between here and Brookhaven another three days afterwards on the other side of the mountain. The dwarves have people under the mountain range, but because of the land agreement, they don't patrol aboveground, so unfortunately their outpost is the only safety to be had until someone deals with the bandits for good. Good luck with that, by the way!"   Flashing a smile, she waves as the new adventurer departs.

Shifting forms was a very  odd  experience, and after it was finished, her skin felt tight, like she was actively stretching, even though she wasn't. After a few minutes, the sensation went away, however, and she felt as if this form was as comfortable as her original.

As N'gatha stepped away from the Adventurer's Guild, she found herself not far from the area farmer William had indicated. A wide cobblestone street stretched before her. To her left as she walked, a blacksmith's workshop emitted the rhythmic clang of metal. Sparks danced in the forge as a skilled woman worked on a new weapon. On the right, a row of small shops displayed their wares—a cheery baker, an apothecary filled with esoteric things in various shaped glassware, and a market stall exuding the scent of urine with leather being stretched on wooden frames stacked against all available surfaces.

As she strolled further, she noticed children playing tag, an elderly couple sharing stories on a bench, a fairly talented musician serenading a crowd on the deck of a building larger than most. It sat across from what seemed to be the village square, and the signage indicated it was the local Inn. The town square was a small but vibrant marketplace with colorful awnings, fresh produce, and local artisans showcasing their various creations.
Deadguy
While she didn't have need of anything at the moment, N'gatha took some time to window shop to learn what was available in this town. Once she had visited the stores, she made her way to the inn and entered without hesitation. There was a quest here that she might take up if it was still available on her return, but that would have to wait.
beholderkin
As she browsed the local markets, she saw they held a good variety of typical sundries someone in a sizable village might need.

Shelves within the small shops and in the stalls outside are lined with candles of different sizes and scents, soap bars, matches, and flint and steel for lighting fires. Cooking utensils, pots, pans, and cutlery are neatly displayed for meal preparation. Clay and wooden plates and bowls are available for serving food. Bundles of rope, buckets, and barrels are stocked for various tasks. Fabrics and garments in muted hues are ready for sewing or replacement. Basic tools and writing materials cater to craftsmen and those who need to record information. Medicinal supplies, including bandages, salves, and herbs, offer remedies for minor ailments. Brooms, brushes, and cleaning cloths are available for cleaning needs. One larger store also carries farming implements such as hoes and shovels, yokes and equine grooming supplies, fasteners like nails and screws, and other miscellaneous items that might be useful. The blocksmith she had passed had had a sign depicting armor and weaponry, so she assumed that those were to be had here as well.

As N'gatha pushed open the heavy wooden door of the Stone Hollow Inn, the sound of creaking hinges echoing through the quiet room. The innkeeper, presumably the 'Inkeeper Soren' of the request posted at the Adventurer's Guild, looked up from half-heartedly wiping down the worn countertop, his tired eyes lighting up at the sight of a potential customer.

A glimmer of hope flickered in Soren's gaze as he observed the figure stepping into the dimly lit inn. His weary face, lined with worry, seemed to brighten with a newfound optimism. As N'gatha's footsteps echoed across the wooden floorboards, Soren's eyes followed her every move, a mix of gratitude, anticipation, and an unspoken plea for aid. Standing up straight, he bows slightly at the waist and beckons her to the counter as he speaks in a tired voice with only a hint of quavering.   "Hello, ma'am. Welcome to the Stone Hollow Inn."   Clearing his throat slightly and speaking more firmly, he continues,   "How may I help you this uh... fine day?"  
Deadguy
She could see that the town had geared their wares to the beginning adventurer. Luckily, she didn't need be bothered with most things thanks to her veteran status.

When she entered the inn, N'gatha looks around for a moment before she answers the question.  "I require a room. For the foreseeable future. At least a week, to be precise." 

She focuses on the innkeeper.  "I'd prefer the privacy of a suite, if you have any..." 
beholderkin
Wincing slightly, Soren nods slowly.   "We, ah... do  have a suite, ma'am. And if you are a sound sleeper, it shouldn't be an issue."   Taking a deep breath, he continues hurriedly, seeming to just want to get it all out,   "Perhaps you had not heard, but we currently have a small problem of a possible...haunting. Nothing malicious, mind you! No harm to the patrons or anything od that sort, I assure you. Just some disturbing noises at night where noises shouldn't be, is all. I do have some ear plugs of hard wax I will provide free of charge, of course. And a...uh...discount on the room for the inconvenience, of course."   Dry-washing his hands slightly, he straightens and takes another breath before continuing.   "It will be half the normal rate for the suite, at only one gold per night for the suite. However, complimentary meals will be provided twice a day for breakfast and dinner. Though, as my cook has...uh...taken a  leave of absence  suddenly, I'm afraid what I am able to provide is rather simple fare for the moment."  

Offering her a sallow smile, he take a key from below the bar and offers it to her with a nod towards the stairs,    "Should you like to inspect the room first before making a decision, it is the only door on the third floor. It has a balcony that overlooks the square. They key works for both locks, so please keep that one locked when not in use. Someone's familiar learned to open the door up there to steal someone's leftovers at one point, so if you happen to see a talking raven around the balcony area, please do not encourage it by feeding it."   
Deadguy
 ”I’ll take the room.”  She took 10 gold from her purse and placed it on the counter and accepted the keys. She then headed up to the room.
beholderkin
N'gatha ascended the worn wooden staircase, the steps creaking softly under her weight. The sound of her boots echoed slightly through the empty building as she reached the third floor, where her solitary suite awaited. The hallway was dimly lit, sunlight filtering through a few far-flung windows, casting faint beams that danced upon the well-worn carpet.

The key, heavy and tarnished, turned smoothly in the lock as N'gatha's fingers deftly worked the mechanism. The door swung open, revealing a spacious suite that occupied the entire floor. The air held a faint scent of old wood and polished brass, intermingled with a hint of lavender from the clean linens on the large four-poster bed.

To the left, a cozy sitting area beckoned, adorned with plush armchairs and a small table where a vase of slightly withered wildflowers stood, their once vibrant colors contrasting nearly blending in with the muted tones of the room. A modest fireplace, dormant for now, nestled in the corner, promising warmth and comfort on colder nights.

The suite indeed boasted a private balcony, overlooking the lively town square of Stone Hollow. From here, N'gatha could observe the comings and goings of the villagers, their bustling activities accompanied by the distant hum of their conversations. The balcony was adorned with delicate ironwork, offering a tranquil space for contemplation or perhaps a moment of respite.

The walls of the suite were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of bygone eras, their faded threads whispering stories of valor and ancient magic, whether historic or make-believe, she couldn't tell. Soft well-worn but upkept rugs covered the wooden floor, muffling footsteps and lending an inviting warmth to the space. A small writing desk with parchment and quill stood near the window, inviting creativity and introspection.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Make a spot check in your next post, along with anything else you do please. :)
 
Deadguy
Without anything to carry or put away, N'gatha's runic tattoos began to glow as she called upon their magic to clean the bed and herself.

Once clean, her magic took on a more sinister feeling. The runes transferred their energy to the floor, forming a calling circle of eldritch power around her. From the shadows, a vaguely humanoid figure took shape. It avoided the lingering daylight of the windows, but bowed to her slightly.

 "Ensure this room is empty. Check the walls for other entrances other than the door. Once complete, you will guard the room until your calling expires. Attack any who attempt to enter other than myself." 
 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Spot -  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Prestidigitation (cleaning self / bed)
Lesser planar ally - Dark Shadow (24 hr)
 
beholderkin
The shadow creature, summoned by N'gatha's dark powers, materialized in the center of the room. As it solidified, it bowed with an eerie semblance of reverence, its movements flowing and wispy, yet somehow lacking true life. The gesture, though normally done as a gesture of respect, seemed somehow wooden and hollow, a disconcerting contrast to its otherwise naturally flowing movements.

Upon straightening itself, the shadow creature began its task with meticulous determination. It glided silently across the room, its incorporeal form passing through objects as if they were mere illusions. Its elongated shadowy fingers grazed the walls, searching every nook and cranny for hidden passages or concealed entrances, its wisps of darkness swirling and pulsating as it examined the room's boundaries.

Amidst its search, N'gatha's attention was drawn to a raven perched on a nearby rooftop, its beady black eyes seemingly fixed intently on her balcony. The raven's presence seemed more than coincidental, its watchful stare raising questions about its intentions, especially considering the Innkeeper's warnings about just such a creature.

As the shadow creature finished continued its meticulous search of the walls, it took to one corner near the entrance and sunk into it so that only its incorporeal face was visible in the shadows. A slow shake of its head was its only answer as to the results of its search.
Deadguy
 "Good, good."  N'gatha praised the creature of the void.  "You may hide yourself in the shadows until you are needed."  She allowed it to take refuge from the sunlight shining through the balcony doors.

Producing the key from her pocket, she opened the doors and stepped out. She looked down first, taking in the bustling life of the street before looking over directly at the raven. Motioning with one hand for it to come over, she stepped slightly away from the guardrail so it would have somewhere to land.
beholderkin
With a rustle of feathers, the raven ruffled its plumage and took sudden flight. Its ebony form soared gracefully, carried by the wind, until it vanished over the roof. N'gatha's gaze followed the bird's departure, but could not discern where it had decided to go other than 'away'.

As she gazes down at the square, the village folk mill and flow, going about their daily lives in their small idyllic town. Of note in the crowd, she sees a portly man surrounded by young men hauling goods around after him. Balding and with a no-nonsense air, several spare wagon parts are purchased and packed away, as well as feed. Perhaps this was the Captain Roland of tomorrow's caravan, procuring last-minute supplies.
Deadguy
N'gatha returned inside and shut the door, locking it with the key.   It'd be a shame to waste the evening... I don't need rest.  
  I should go hunting for those goblins that fled.   She closed her eyes and focused on the area that she had first met the farmer. The runes on her skin began to glow as she channelled the arcane energies to send physically across the realm.

Once she appeared, the same circle of glyphs surrounded her as she called two of the deathly shadows forward.  "You will protect me and kill all that I attack or attack me." 

To better help her allies, she conjured up an orb of darkness to surround her and them. She dismissed her altered form and stretched her wings, taking to the air in the direction the goblins had fled to. She will fly just above the treeline, searching for their camp.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Teleport
Lesser Planar Ally - Dark Shadow (x2)
Darkness
Dismiss Alter Self
Fly
 
beholderkin
As N'gatha ventured deeper into the dense forest, the air became thick with the musty scent of ancient trees and the symphony of rustling leaves. The canopy above cast dappled sunlight that played across the forest floor, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. She navigated the narrow paths with ease, her keen eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of goblin presence.

It didn't take long for her to stumble upon the raucous gathering of goblins she sought. They were a raunchy and disheveled lot, their camp nestled within a hollow that exuded an unmistakable odor of unwashed bodies, spoiled sustenance, wood smoke, and the unmistakable tinge of death. The camp lay a mere mile at most away from the bend in the road where Farmer William had fallen victim to their ambush. Circling discreetly around the perimeter of the camp, N'gatha's gaze fell upon a hidden cave entrance nestled at the edge of the hollow, beckoning with an air of mystery. The mouth of the cavern yawned wide, tempting her with the secrets it held within its depths. Thankfully, none of the goblins look up to see the blot of darkness floating above the treetops.

Within the chaotic camp, a sizable cookpot hung precariously over a meager fire, belching forth a noxious cloud of burnt and putrid aromas. A handful of goblins of various sizes and dispositions lounged haphazardly, engrossed in their own antics—some feasting messily, others locked in petty skirmishes, and a few engaged in meaningless tasks. Amidst this disarray, N'gatha's eyes locked onto a figure slightly larger than the rest, nearly blending with the cave's entrance. It leaned casually, engrossed in the delicate art of carving a hefty bone with a wickedly curved dagger. The scene painted a vivid picture of the goblins' uncivilized existence, a jarring contrast to the tranquil beauty of the surrounding forest.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

6 various small goblins
1 large goblin

Roll initiative . If you engange without overtly revealing yourself beforehand, you get a surprise round, and can post one extra stadnard action for the first round, and that action can be a second attack.
 
Deadguy
 "Drain them all."  N'gatha whispered through the shadows of the darkness orb, sending her new allies out to feast on the life energy of those below. They swarmed over the nearest of the small goblins, using their inherent advantages to drain one at a time, savoring the chance to feed.

For her part, she remained hovering above the camp enveloped in the shadows. She leveled a hand at the large goblin and let loose a blast of arcane energy followed by a second, once her attack was registered by the enemy.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Initiative  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 

Shadow 1 (flanking) - Touch Attack  (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
Strength Damage -  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
Shadow 2 (flanking) - Touch Attack  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Strength Damage -  (1d6)[ 5 ] 

Surprise Eldritch Blast - Ranged Touch  (1d20+6)[ 12 ] 
Damage -  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
Round 1 Eldritch Blast - Ranged Touch  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
Damage -  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 
beholderkin
A burst of eldritch energy crackles through the air, striking one of the goblins lurking inside the cave. With lightning reflexes, the creature darts further into the darkness, narrowly evading a second blast that follows closely behind. The goblin cook, tending to a cauldron of bubbling stew that is obviously burning, is caught off guard as two shadowy figures descend upon it.

In a macabre display, the shadows drain the life force from the cook with unnatural speed. The goblin's sagging skin and withered muscles bear witness to the rapid deterioration, until it collapses into a hollow husk, clad in tattered, filthy rags. The remnants of its burnt stew seep from its fallen bowl mingling with the dirt.

Stunned by the sudden and brutal attack, the remaining goblins react instinctively. They perceive the shadows as the obvious threat and unleash a coordinated assault. Two spear-wielding goblins that had been skirmishing with one another separate and fan out, rushing towards one shadow, attacking from opposing sides, showcasing an unexpected display of teamwork. Meanwhile, the other two goblins, armed with slings and javelins, launch their projectiles.

Goblin howls fill the small forest valley as they make their counterattack.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Goblin Cook drained of all 11 points of strength dies immediately.

 Goblin Initiative:   (1d20+1)[ 2 ] 
 Goblin Slinger vs Shadow 1:  
 
 Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 18 ]  
 50% Miss Chance:  (1d100)[ 35 ]  
 Damage if Hit:  (1d3)[ 2 ]  
 
 Goblin Spearman 1 vs Shadow 2:  
 
 Attack (Flanking/Charge):  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  
 50% Miss Chance:  (1d100)[ 19 ]  
 Damage if Hit:  (1d4)[ 3 ]  
 
 Goblin Spearman 2 vs Shadow 2:  
 
 Attack (Flanking/Charge):  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  
 50% Miss Chance:  (1d100)[ 51 ]  
 Damage if Hit:  (1d4)[ 1 ]  
 
 Goblin Javelin Thrower vs Shadow 1:  
 
 Attack:  (1d20+2)[ 5 ]  
 50% Miss Chance:  (1d100)[ 71 ]  
 Damage if Hit:  (1d4)[ 1 ]  
 
 Feisty !

 Note:  Miss Chance rolls need to be  higher  than the miss chance percentage to succeed.
 
Deadguy
N'gatha continued to hover over the action. She sent an eldritch bolt of energy at one of the goblins wielding a sling. It was less about eliminating a threat and more about moving things along quickly, so she might be able to explore the cave sooner than later.

It was almost fun watching the creatures struggle for their survival against hopeless odds. Her unnatural aura infused and strengthened the shadows further as they drifted through the melee to flank one of the remaining goblins holding a spear.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

N'gatha Ranged Touch  (1d20+6)[ 26 ] 
- damage  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Shadow 1
 
 Touch [roll]1d20+7[roll]
- str damage  (1d6)[ 4 ] 

Shadow 2 Touch [roll]1d20+7[roll]
- str damage  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
[/spoiler]
beholderkin
Weary and weakened, the goblin spearman slumps, his flesh seemingly liquefying under the touch of the two shadows. With faltering steps, he staggers backward, mustering the last vestiges of his strength to launch a feeble stab at one of the encroaching shadows. Meanwhile, his companion, filled with confusion and desperation, attempts to bullrush the other shadow, only to find itself passing through it entirely, bewildered by this inexplicable result.

The slinger goblin, bloodied and battered by the eldritch blast that had descended upon it from above, raises its gaze, following the trajectory of the attack. Its eyes settle upon a blot of darkness nestled amidst the lofty treetops, the source of the enigmatic assault. Just as it prepares to begins to loudly voice its frustration, its attention is abruptly diverted.

The slinger goblin's yells are silenced, replaced by a mix of surprise and disbelief as its gaze falls upon the javelin-wielding goblin. The latter, betraying the fight, turns abruptly and darts toward the safety of the cave, abandoning its comrades to fend for themselves against the encroaching darkness.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

No Attacks (that would even hit, let alone damage anything - bro has a strength of 5 and is now considered encumbered and his max damage is 1d4-1)
 
Deadguy
N'gatha drifts down lower, touching the ground and folding her wings back. She sends a blast toward the same goblin she had injured a moment ago.

She allowed the Shadows to finish their meal of the weakened goblin. Once they were done, she called them toward the cave mouth.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

N'gatha - Eldritch Blast  (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Damage -  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

Shadow 1 - Touch [roll]1d20+7[/roll]
Strength Damage -  (1d6)[ 5 ] 

Shadow 2 - Touch [roll]1d20+7[/roll]
Strength Damage -  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
 
beholderkin
N'gatha's unleashed Eldritch Blast strikes the goblin slinger once again to great effect, causing it to crumple in agonizing pain. Gasping and gurgling, the slinger emits a final breath before succumbing to its demise.

The two Shadows, their incorporeal limbs reaching out once more, drain the life essence from their targeted spearman. The goblin's insides wither and shrivel, leaving nothing but a lifeless husk that collapses to the ground, mirroring the fate of the unfortunate cook.

Witnessing the chaos and despair that has unfolded within such a short span of time, the goblin javelin thrower retreats swiftly into the safety of the nearby cave, vanishing from sight.

The remaining spear-wielding goblin, its gaze darting frantically between the fallen comrades and the encroaching darkness, succumbs to a crushing wave of hopelessness. With a desperate and defeated demeanor, it drops to its knees, bowing its head in resignation. Releasing its grip on the spear, the goblin appears to have relinquished all will to fight, its survival instincts seemingly shattered. The Shadows make quick work of it before following their mistress towards the cave mouth.
 
----------- 
Entering the goblin's cave, the surroundings transform into a realm of darkness. The air grows damp and stale, carrying the earthy scent of the underground. Jagged walls, coated with layers of grime, loom overhead. The ground underfoot is rocky and uneven, making each step precarious. Dim light filters through the entrance, casting eerie shadows that dance across the rugged surfaces. Patches of moss and fungus cling tenaciously to the cave walls, thriving in the dampness. The occasional drip of water echoes through the chamber, creating a rhythmic soundtrack to the underground realm.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

  Victory!  
 XP Gained:  200xp
 Loot:  None gathered so far.
 
Deadguy
N'gatha avoided touching the ground by unfolding her wings and hovering effortlessly. She knew that traps were often set to trigger when someone walked over them, and would rather avoid such inconveniences.

She motioned to the Shadows as they moved forward.  "Check for secret passages along the walls. Kill anything you come across." 

As they went forward, she continued at a slower pace, glad that her new undead status meant she had no difficulty moving through such darkened spaces without outside light.
beholderkin
As N'gatha steps cautiously into the dark cave, her senses heighten, attuned to the unknown dangers that may lurk within. The air grows stale, carrying a faint odor of dampness and mildew. The uneven walls of the cave glisten with moisture, trickles of water seeping through cracks and crevices, creating a constant echo of drips as the shadows move deeper within, fading from view.

The moderately narrow passageway twists and turns, leading deeper into the belly of the earth. The ceiling hangs low in some areas, forcing N'gatha to land and crouch as she navigates the winding path, the walls having eventually become too narrow and the ceiling too low for flight. The sound of scurrying creatures echoes in the distance, their skittering footsteps reverberating through the cavernous space.

Dim light flickers ahead, casting eerie shadows that dance along the walls. Drawing closer, N'gatha's eyes adjust to reveal a chamber filled with makeshift structures fashioned from rocks and salvaged materials. The goblin bandits had obviously claimed this natural cavern as their hideout, their presence evident in the chaotic arrangement of their camp. Rising to hover above the ground once more, she takes in the chamber.

Crude wooden platforms and hammocks hang from the walls, serving as resting places for the goblins. The flickering flames of a meager fire pit provide the only source of illumination, casting a warm glow that plays upon the rough-hewn surfaces. Piles of stolen goods and meager treasures are scattered haphazardly, serving as both makeshift furniture and storage.

The air is thick with the pungent scent of unwashed bodies, mingling with the acrid smoke of the fire. The goblins themselves, small and wiry, move about with a frenetic energy. In their midst were her two shadows, banding together to completely drain one of their number of his life force.

As she observes, a large goblin flanked on both sides by a translucent wolf that walked through obstacles as if they were not there, much like her shadows, and a small creature resembling a blue-skinned humanoid with hair like waving seaweed. The large goblin sneered at the chaos unfolding in what was obviously his domain and he makes a sharp gesture at the blue-skinned creature which sinks into a puddle that forms in the ground underneath it, vanishing as if it had dropped into a pool of water that vanishes behind it. The large goblin raises his claws in the air and begins chanting something as the translucent wolf bounds towards the shadows.

Around the cave, the chaotic ranks of the goblins cheer at the sight of their leader and ready their weapons to attack the invaders.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 Goblin Group Initiative:   (1d20+3)[ 11 ]  (If your initative is better, post an action. If your initiative is worse, just post a reaction to seeing the scene and make the rolls indicated via underlining below, if desired)

You see:
1 x Fat Goblin Caster  ( Knowledge - Arcane check  to know more)
1 x Translucent Incorporeal Wolf ( Knowledge - Nature check  to know more)
8 x Small Goblins with various melee weapons.
1 x Now shriveled dead goblin killed by the shadows.
? x ? ( Spot check  to look for more)
 
Deadguy
N'gatha was initially surprised at the number of enemies within the cave. She noted that one goblin had already been killed. The wolf seemed like a threat to be dealt with quickly, and she assumed the one casting a spell was a shaman of some kind. He would have to die fast as well.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 Initiative - 5 

Knowledge Arcana -  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Spot -  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 
 
beholderkin
As she watches the scene unfold, a tingle in the back of her mind unfurls itself into information similar to studied knowledge being recalled...though it is not knoweldge she was aware of before now. As she takes in the goblin caster, the blue-skinned humanoid next to it with seweed like hair that vanishes into a puddle of water catches her attention and knowledge unspools: Gen Familiar - A gen familiar is an intelligent outsider that resembles a small elemental. The creature serves as a companion and servant to its sha'ir master. Sha'ir - A sha'ir's is a variation of arcane spellcaster whose spells must be retrieved from the elemental planes by his gen familiar. A sha'ir is capable of extraordinarily versatile spellcasting because he can use arcane spells as well as a limited selection of divine spells. It seems the gen was just sent to retrieve a spell. Eyes flicking to the translucent wolf, no such information unspools about it, however.

As the knowledge unfolds in N'gatha's mind, the goblin caster finishes his spell and four translucent missiles explode from his hand veering through the air to separate into two groups of two in order to strike both shadows. Unlike traditional weapons, these missiles slam into the shadows with no resistance. The goblins cheer as the spell is cast and the spirit wolf lunges at one of the shadows with snarling translucent teeth.

The rest of the goblins in the room rush at the shadows or heap ranged attacks upon them - all of which pass through them harmlessly, as they all seem to be mundane weapons. Her eyes catch movement from one corner of the cave and she sees the goblin that had been whittling in the cave entrance with a hand crossbow trained on her as it takes cover behind some large debris. The crossbow's string snaps and a bolt is sent hurtling her way.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 Goblin Caster 
 2 * Magic Missiles to Shadow 1:   (2d4+2)[ 7 ]  force damage.
 2 * Magic Missiles to Shadow 2:   (2d4+2)[ 8 ]  force damage.

 'Unknown Spirit Wolf' 
 (Incorporeal) Wolf Bite vs Shadow 2:   (1d20+6)[ 26 ]  doing  (1d6+2)[ 8 ]  piercing damage if successful.

 Hand Crossbow Goblin 
 Hand Crossbow Attack vs N'Gatha:   (1d20+7)[ 15 ]  doing  (1d3+1)[ 4 ]  piercing damage if successful

 8 * Other Goblins 
Fruitless attacks.
 
Deadguy
 "Attack the one casting spells."  N'gatha gave a stern command to the Shadows, annoyed that the lowly goblins had some way of dealing with her minions.

She took to the air herself, landing next to the sha'ir as her hand glowed with blue runes. She reached out to sap energy from the mage to make it easier for the Shadows to consume its strength.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

N'gatha - Movement adjacent to Sha'ir
N'gatha - Shivering Touch  (1d20+8)[ 26 ] 
- Dexterity Damage  (3d6)[ 5 ] 

Shadow 1 - Movement flank Sha'ir
Touch  (1d20+7)[ 10 ] 
- Strength Damage  (1d6)[ 3 ] 

Shadow 2 - Movement adjacent to Sha'ir
Touch  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
- Strength Damage  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
beholderkin
The goblin caster's movements become sluggish and jerky at N'gatha's touch, stumbling back from her and presses against the cave wall, now cornered even as the shadows attack as well, one successfully touching him as well, causing his muscles to deflate and sag. Panting, the goblin fires off a small orb of electricity that slams into N'gatha, even as he chants and a field of force shaped like armor surrounds him.

The twang of a crossbow from across the cave precludes a bolt being fired at N'gatha from the poorly concealed sniper. The other goblins, seeing the very obvious magic being thrown around seem to lose any courage that they had mustered at the command of the now flagging goblin caster, and some turn to flee, while others cower, hunching down behind whatever cover they can find near at hand.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 Goblin Caster 
 Free Action:  5' step back, out of melee range of N'gatha &amp; Shadow, backing up to the cave wall.
 Swift Action:  Casts  Kyper's Quick Blast , dealing  5 [Electricity] damage to N'gatha 
 Standard Action:  Casts Mage Armor


 'Unknown Spirit Wolf' 
 AoO vs Shadow:  (Incorporeal) Wolf Bite vs Shadow 2:  (1d20+6)[ 12 ]  doing  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  piercing damage if successful.
 Movement:  Moves to Shadow 1
 Standard Action:  (Incorporeal) Wolf Bite vs Shadow 1:  (1d20+6)[ 21 ]  doing  (1d6+2)[ 7 ]  piercing damage if successful.

 Hand Crossbow Goblin  
Hand Crossbow Attack vs N'Gatha:   (1d20+7)[ 11 ]  doing  (1d3+1)[ 2 ]  piercing damage if successful. No sneak attack damage (spotted).
 Movement:  Skittering from cover to cover, the crossbowman edges closer to the entrance.

 8 * Other Goblins 
 (1d8)[ 3 ]  goblins flee towards the exit
The rest cower in fear of forces beyond their ability to resist.
 
Deadguy
Seeing the fat goblin faltering and on the defensive, N'gatha pushed her advantage. The arcane runes flares around her hands again as she reached out to further drain him. The Shadows, both looking ragged and tattered, continued to swarm around the caster, seeking to feed on his energy.

She only hoped that whatever magic kept the incorporeal wolf bound to defend these goblins would be broken when the Sha'ir was dealt with.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

N'gatha - 5 ft step to melee
Shivering Touch Attack -  (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
Dexterity Damage -  (3d6)[ 12 ] 

Shadow 1 (5 hp)
Touch Attack -  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Strength Damage -  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

Shadow 2 (3 hp)
Touch Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Strength Damage -  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
 
beholderkin
Its magical armor not enough to protect it from N'gatha's touch attack, the goblin caster crumbles, lying twitching on the ground, unable to move. The shadows close in and finish him off as he lies helpless on the ground. The translucent wolf lets out a silent howl that N'gatha cannot hear, though both of her shadows whip their heads around as it lifts it muzzle to the air before fading away from view.

A twang of a crossbow fills the air as a bolt flies towards N'gatha's back once more before the sound of running footsteps come from the entrance of the cavern, the crossbow-wielding goblin fleeing at the death of the caster. Seeing the only two goblins putting up a fight die and flee respectively, the rest of the goblins begin making a mad dash to the exit as well.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 Goblin Caster 
Dead

 'Unknown Spirit Wolf' 
Gone

 Hand Crossbow Goblin  
Hand Crossbow Attack vs N'Gatha:  [roll]1d20+7[roll] doing  (1d3+1)[ 3 ]  piercing damage if successful.
 Movement:  Fleeing the cave - currently in the entrance tunnel.

 5 * Other Goblins 
Flee towards the exit.


Still technically in combat rounds, unless you choose  not  to give chase.
 
Deadguy
N'gatha breathed easier as the main two threats had been dealt with before they had a chance to gain the advantage. As the bolt whizzed past her, she glared at the goblins that fled. She held up a hand and sent an eldritch blast toward the rogue that had been attempting to shoot her since entering combat.

 "Kill that one."  She motioned to the Shadows and they turned to give chase. N'gatha moved toward the entrance herself, hoping to take to the sky once she got clear of the confined space to finish any other fleeing goblins.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Eldritch Blast Ranged Touch -  (1d20+6)[ 24 ] 
- Damage  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Not sure if the Shadows can reach him and attack with 50 ft speed, so I'll just roll so you can use it in description.

Shadow 1 (5 hp)
Touch Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
Strength Damage -  (1d6)[ 4 ] 

Shadow 2 (3 hp)
Touch Attack -  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Strength Damage -  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 
beholderkin
As the fleeing goblins clog the entrance, the eldritch blast takes one in the back and falls dead to the ground as N'gatha moves towards them, but the shadows simply fly  through  the tangled mass of scrabbling green flesh choking the narrow passage and disappear from sight.

Seeing her approach and panicking, the two goblins unlucky enough to get shoved to the back of the pack, they turn to throw rocks at her, screaming in fear in their guttural whiney language.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 Thrown Rock 1:   (1d20+1)[ 10 ]  for  (1d2)[ 2 ]  bludgeoning damage.
 Thrown Rock 2:   (1d20+1)[ 5 ]  for  (1d2)[ 2 ]  bludgeoning damage.

 Out of Sight Rolls 
 (1d20+7)[ 16 ]  &amp;  (1d3+1)[ 2 ] 
 
Deadguy
 "Like fish in a barrel."  Despite the ease of destroying these, N'gatha is slightly annoyed at being prevented from pursuing herself. The eldritch runes glow around her feet and legs. She targets one of the Shadows just before it disappears from her sight into the outdoors. Their bodies both glow and flicker for a moment, being replaced with the other in turn.

Once she is free from the confines of the cave, N'gatha takes to the air to get a better vantage of where the second Shadow and the goblin archer had gone.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Standard Action - Benign Transposition on Shadow 1
Move Action - Fly into air 40 ft.
 
beholderkin
Taking to the sky as the few four remaining goblins flee the cave in all directions, attempting to flee into the surrounding forest on separate paths, she looks down upon the clearing to see the shadow that made it outside darting across the clearing. As she orients on where the shadow is heading towards, she hears the familiar * twhip * of the goblin's hand crossbow and sees a bolt fly towards the speeding shadow from the cover of the fallen tree trunk that had been used as seating on one side of the cook fire.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 
Hand Crossbow vs Shadow:   (1d20+7)[ 13 ]  for  (1d3+1)[ 3 ]  (Magical) Piercing, if Miss Chance  (1d100)[ 63 ]  result is 51-100.

Shadow is 35' from crossbowman. N'gatha is 70' away from the crossbowman, accounting for current elevation.
 
Deadguy
The Shadow discorporates as the bolt strikes true, having only had a tenuous grasp on its stay in this realm. She could see its anger in being banished when so close to another meal.

N'gatha flew forward until she was almost right above the goblin rogue before sending another blast of arcane energy at him.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Eldritch Blast Ranged Touch -  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
- Damage  (1d6)[ 6 ] 
 
beholderkin
Spinning partially at taking the Eldritch Blast, the goblin wielding the hand crossbow spins and darts under a tree branch, loading its hand crossbow with rapid expertise and sending a bolt in her direction. The second shadow exists the cave behind the last fleeing goblin, stopping to assess the scene and locate its contractor.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Crossbow Goblin attacks N'gatha with hand crossbow with  (1d20+7)[ 24 ]  doing  (1d3+1)[ 4 ]  magical piercing if successful.
Crossbow Goblin currently has partial cover (20% miss chance, unless/until you change position) due to tree branches. Moving to either side or lowering altitude will negate partial cover.

Last fleeing goblin has yet to hit the tree line and is still within immediate sight of both the remaining shadow and N'gatha.
 
Deadguy
The bolt appeared to be flying to strike true, but suddenly the woman's form was enveloped by a set of ethereal wings identical to the ones that held her aloft now. With a few beats of the wings, she repositioned to the left as she released another bolt of energy.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Immediate Action as the goblin attacks - Wings of Cover

Eldritch Blast Ranged Touch -  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
- Damage  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
beholderkin
Snarling at the new damage from yet another blast of eldritch power, the goblin speedily loads another crossbow bolt and fires before turning and darting away, attempting to make it into the trees.
 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Crossbow Goblin attacks N'gatha with hand crossbow with  (1d20+7)[ 13 ]  doing  (1d3+1)[ 2 ]  magical piercing if successful.

Crossbow Goblin starts fleeing, but has yet to make it to the treeline.
 
Deadguy
N'gatha let out a groan of frustration. Her patience had begun to dwindle in dealing with these bothersome creatures. She tucked her wings and dove down toward the fleeing goblin, her hand once again glowing with the draining blue light that had incapacitated the shaman in the cave.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Movement - Dive to melee
Shivering Touch Touch -  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
- Dexterity Damage  (3d6)[ 8 ] 
 
beholderkin
As N'gatha's delicate fingers reach out, crackling with arcane energy, the goblin's eyes widen with trepidation, recognizing the impending danger. It attempts to dodge the touch attack with an awkward, jerking movement. The tips of N'gatha's fingers just miss the goblin's shoulder.

In its frantic attempt to escape, the goblin stumbles to the right, its ill-fitting boots skidding on the blanket of leaves that conceals its impending doom. Unbeknownst to the goblin, the seemingly ordinary floorboard beneath its foot is no ordinary floorboard at all. With an ominous creak, the trapdoor is triggered, and the ground beneath the goblin gives way. A look of realization and horror at its mistake flashes across its features as gravity exerts its hold on the pitiful creature.

A pit, black as the depths of the underworld, opens up like a hungry maw, revealing a bed of cruelly sharpened spikes below. The goblin lets out a shrill cry of terror as it plummets downward, its outstretched hands futilely reaching for salvation, releasing its crossbow to fall to the ground. But there is no escape from this malevolent fate. The impact is swift and merciless. The goblin's pitiful cries are stifled as its wretched body impales upon the unforgiving spikes. Its life is extinguished in a grisly display of cruelty, and the clearing falls into a hushed stillness, bearing witness to the aftermath of this tragic encounter.

Meanwhile, the few surviving goblins, having long since lost all semblance of leadership, had completely fled for their lives, leaving the clearing in desolate silence.
Deadguy
 "Well... that's done at least." 

N'gatha floats on her wings down to the bottom of the pit, hovering above the body to avoid the spikes. She reached down an murmured the same prayer that she had used in her previous encounter with goblins. Once she had collected the 'loot', she flew back up and retrieved the crossbow before heading from body to body outside, performing the retrieval ritual on each body.

She then moved back into the cave and did the same to the bodies that had fallen there. After collecting the belongings of the bodies, she casted a quick spell to help her peruse the meager encampment that made up the room, specifically searching for items that radiated magic.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Loot all bodies.
Cast - Detect Magic
Search -  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
 
beholderkin
As N'gatha performs the required ritual, several of the goblins leave behind cores, coinage, as a few random odds and ends. Scooping up the small crossbow left behind from the last goblin, she searches the clearing the goblins used as a campsite as well as inside the goblin's filthy cave, uncovering a cache of supplies, tools, and provisions. Apparently having been used as a makeshift 'throne', she even found a surprisingly good quality anvil.

With her haul secured, she takes a final look at the pile of loot she'd accumulated. Judging by the mundane nature of the collection, the goblins had obviously been successful in overtaking at least one wagon of supplies bound either in or out of the nearby village.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 
 XP Gained:  579
 Loot Found: 
 
   Small Sickly Green Core:   This sickly green sphere looks like it would feel wet to the touch, but is completely dry. Waves seem to dance just under the surface when you look at it from your peripheral vision. 
   5 Tiny Mottled Green Cores:   A collection of mottled green spheres much like the ones you've seen before from previous 'fodder goblins'. 
   Finely-Made Swordcane:   An exquisite weapon in disguise, the finely-made swordcane is a testament to masterful craftsmanship. Concealed within a seemingly ordinary but elegant black walking stick lies a gleaming blade, perfect for catching foes unaware with a swift and elegant strike. (This is considered a medium sized rapier that is always considered 'concealed' as if you had 'taken 20' with the Slight of Hand skill) 
   Sleek Small Wooden Hand Crossbow:   Carved from ancient timber and adorned with intricate patterns, the sleek small wooden hand crossbow is a weapon of precision and stealth. Its compact size allows for agile and silent attacks, perfect for a rogue or an archer of refined taste. It hums with a soft power in your hands. 
   Grindstone:   A sturdy, practical tool of the adventurer's trade. The grindstone is an indispensable item for honing and sharpening weapons, ensuring each blade remains keen and ready for battle, no matter the peril that lies ahead. 
   14 Handsaws:   Each handsaw boasts a weathered wooden handle, and the blades are etched with marks of countless encounters. A testament to perseverance and labor, these tools are perfect for woodcutters and carpenters, and perhaps even for dealing with some more unconventional obstacles. 
   9 Sacks of Apples:   A generous bounty of delicious, ripe apples, plucked from bountiful orchards. These sweet and refreshing fruits provide a much-needed respite during weary travels and offer a moment of delight amid the trials of the adventurer's life. 
   3 Shears:   Rusty and worn, these humble shears speak of tender moments amid the challenges of the journey. Perfect for a skilled tailor or gardener, they remain a symbol of nurturing care, even amidst the battles of a fantasy realm. 
   15 Wedges of Cheese:   A diverse assortment of cheese, each wedge hailing from a different corner of the world. From tangy cheddar to pungent blue, these savory delights offer sustenance and solace, bringing comfort to the adventurer's soul as they delve deeper into the unknown. 
   Finely Crafted Anvil:   An imposing anvil, solidly constructed with intricate runes etched into its sides. This mighty tool is the heart of the blacksmith's forge, a place where weapons and armor are shaped with skill and dedication. Its presence ignites a sense of creation and craftsmanship, beckoning to skilled artisans and masters of the forge, offering the promise of forging legendary weapons of untold power. This seems to be the anvil that you saw a quest to retrieve in the Guild Hall. 
   39gp, 67sp, 115cp   in loose coinage. 
 
 
Deadguy
 "It won't do to bring this all back to my suite... the guild house should be able to distribute the goods as required."  She morphed back into her elven persona.

As she had everything gathered, she laid her hands on the bushel of items and the runes on her body began to glow. She teleported to just outside the doors of the inn, thinking that placing so much stuff directly into the building would be untidy to say the least.

Once arrived, she entered through the main doors again.

 "Hello again. I'm terribly sorry, but I was worried that goblins might way-lay the kind farmer that brought me here on his way back home so I hunted them down. It appears they were also responsible for another attack, I found the anvil that is in the request with a large assortment of goods. It's all outside." 
 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Teleport SLA used.
 
beholderkin
Sitting up and stuffing a book with a suspiciously obscured cover under the counter as her face turned red, the receptionist stood abruptly, slightly flustered.   "Oh...um...wait,  what ?"   Blinking and seeming to slowly process what was just said, the receptionist's face screwed up in thought.   "The...uh... anvil ? Oh! Blacksmith Garret's anvil! That's...yes, that's wonderful. Outside, you said?"   Finally seeming to collect herself, she holds up a finger in a 'just a moment' gesture and goes through a door behind a counter. A moment later, she returns accompanied by a young man who looks incredibly bored and put-out. He nods in passing as he goes outside and starts hauling everything inside... except  the anvil. Sighing, he tells the receptionist,   "Yeah, that's the one, but I ain't liftin' that. I'll have him come get it."   Nodding in passing once again, the youth leaves, presumably for the blacksmith's shop across the way.

Beaming at the news, the receptionist sorts through the other goods and nods. Taking a particularly long time to study the hand crossbow, she gestures at it.   "This one is magical - just the most basic low-end enhancement for accuracy and damage, and will fetch a decent price. Shame it's small. The medium ones sell faster, but it'll still sell inside a week, so no worries there. The rest is from a caravan that was sadly lost, so selling it is fair game now that the goblins are cleared out - there is a small bounty for proof of vengeance for that, so not all bad I suppose. If you sell everything, add in the bounties for the cores and the revenge for the caravan, and the completion of Blacksmith's Garrett's request, you're looking at a total of 219pp, 7gp 6sp,  and  a masterwork piece from Garrett. Since you're leaving with the caravan tomorrow and it'll take at  least  two weeks for him to finish it, we can have it delivered here to pick up later if you plan on returning, or if you're open to it we can sell that particular reward to another member for an additional 16pp. We have a few requests for a couple different masterwork pieces if they're sold to us, so it would go to whoever's first on that list. What's your preference?"  

As she speaks, she retrieve's the blacksmith's quest from the board and motions N'gatha over to the orb and gestures at the card slot.   "Place your card inside and we'll clear out this request for you so I can release the funds and provide proof of completion to Blacksmith Garrett."  
Deadguy
 "All of that sounds just fine. I'll be back after the caravan is complete, so I'll retrieve the crafted item then."  N'gatha reached in her pouch and produced the cores that she had looted.  "Here's the proof of revenge." 

She recollected how much trouble a band of goblins had actually been. While she was never in real danger, she was also barely a threat. If it hadn't been for her bound minions, she'd probably still be there slogging through the fight.

It hadn't been that hard when she was a dwarven artificer. Seeing enough fantasy tropes, N'gatha inherently understood that magic users were slow going in the beginning but wielded vast power later... Still, did she want to wait so long to be powerful? That didn't seem like the isekai way. Maybe her inner desires weren't as clear as she hoped during her chance to alter herself in this world.

Doubts flooded her head as options missed and misplaced raced through her head. She shook them away and produced the card from her chest, handing it to the receptionist.
beholderkin
N'gatha reached out and touched the crystal with her slender fingers and felt her mind instantly pulled from body. A sense of wrongness sounded the mental equivalent of an alarm klaxon in her consciousness before forming into information that unspooled itself as a...warning?   [Warning! Current configuration unstable. New, more s table configuration required.]   

In an instant, her surroundings faded away, replaced by a realm of pulsating energy. Before her, a now-familiar spectral screen materialized, offering a myriad of options to reshape her new avatar. It was the same screen that odd spirit and the interaction with the orb when getting her guild card had shown her before. The choices the system offered were just as extensive as before, allowing her to customize her appearance, from race and abilities, to the color of her skin and the shape of her feature. The option for equipment was there as well, but only included the original equipment she started with, and did not account for any of the money or items she'd picked up since the original avatar creation screen.

The screen seemed to understand her desires, providing intuitive suggestions and adjustments as she made her choices. It was as if the system assisting her in his new life in the fantasy world responded to her very thoughts, molding itself to match her vision.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

We'll pause the games here to buildcraft until your character is ready. :)
 
Deadguy
There was a sense of longing for the simplicity of strength in what she had experienced before. Beneath that, there was also a desire to keep the powers she had been calling upon in this iteration of her being. Undeath, magic, machine... they were all swirling inside a torrent of imagination.

Slowly, pieces began to place themselves. An intimidating metal and bone casing enclosed baleful internal fire. The face is gone, only bone etched with sickly green runes remains. Eldritch glowing orbs of the same color have replaced the eyes. An assortment of grinding and moaning gears allow smooth and fluid movement of extremities. Towering over the average man, the bulk of the integrated armor adds much more weight. Stacks jut up from behind the shoulders, billowing smoke. That combined with the tang of sulfur and sickeningly sweet carrion water the eyes and sting the nose. Hissing of pistons and the grinding of gears announces his arrival. Heavy footfalls are enough to shake floor structures. The voice is a rasping mechanical modulation.

   Skarre  
  
beholderkin
Going through the avatar creation process once again was nearly second nature now, and soon, the new avatar stood before the receptionist...who didn't react at all to the new appearance. Simply nodding at the successful update to the records, the receptionist makes a note in a ledger and gestures at the guild card for Skarre to take it once more. Doing so, the changes from this latest round of avatar creation are seen reflected on it.

 ===============================
Name: Skarre
Alias: The Iron Lich
Adventurer Rank: ✯✯ (F)
Race: Modified Warforged
Height: 6'
Weight: 240lbs
Eyes: Green
Hair: N/A
Sex: N/A (Masculine)

✯: Escort the Caravan Safely (Captain Roland)
✯✯: Defeat the Bandit Leader (Baroness Adelina)
=============================== 

As Skarre finishes his review of his new guild card, the receptionist plops down a coin pouch with the coinage he had earned.   "What masterwork piece would you like us to request of Blacksmith Garrett? When it is finished, we'll hold it here for you."  
 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 +219pp, 7gp 6sp 
Masterwork Piece of your choice delivered to this guild chapter in approximately 2 weeks. Must be a weapon or armor that is primarily made of metal (steel).
 
Deadguy
 “A gauntlet… yes, a gauntlet will work nicely.”  The graveled voice echoed through the void of the chest cavity, giving it a haunting tone.
beholderkin
Smiling, the receptionist nods.   "Standard or spiked?"   Taking out a slip of paper and a quill, she begins jotting down the order.
Deadguy
 “Ah spiked, please.”  If that seemed to be all she needed from him, he picked up the gold and headed out to the hotel.
beholderkin
Jotting down your preference, the receptionist bids you a good evening as you leave the Guild. As you make your way back into the Stonehollow Inn, Inkeeper Soren's nervous figure greets you meekly from the front desk. His eyes dart to the window and the slowly sinking sun, obviously worried about the rumored haunting that has caused a distinct lack of  any  other customers.

Obviously steeling himself, the man forces himself to smile and asks if there is anything he can help you with.
Deadguy
Skarre seemed to not notice or not care about how the man was feeling. He simply shook his head and made his way up the stairs, retrieving his key as he did. Once he had gotten into the suite, he locked the door behind him.

With a sigh, he sat at the comfortable chair and started his meditation that would be required to recover his magical abilities.
beholderkin
Drifting out of a dark corner, the Shadow that had been left behind waves a wispy arm to get its master's attention before gesturing at the ceiling. Beckoning, it positions its indistinct head against the ceiling in a mime of a listening motion and makes large arm motions to point at it as if to emphasize its point.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Whether or not you find a way to put an ear to the ceiling (9' high from the floor), make a Listen check.
 
Deadguy
Skarre stood again and keened an ear to possible sounds. It was difficult to pick up small noises around him normally, the swirling haunting calls of spirits filled his ears almost continuously.

In order to better separate his hearing from the spirits around him, Skarre called on divine magic to enhance his skills.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Cast: Divine Insight (+5 to roll below)
Listen:  (1d20+2)[ 6 ]  - 11 total
 
beholderkin
Seeming to realize that its master hears nothing, the Shadow seems to...sulk? It droops slightly, at any rate, and drifts over to the balcony door and points up, motioning you to the balcony, but not stepping out onto the balcony itself, having been ordered to stay in the room unseen.
Deadguy
Skarre opened his eyes, or the orbs of balefire that had replaced them, glancing to the balcony. There would have been a tensing of his jaw muscles if he had any. As it were, he resigned himself to fishing out the key and unlocking the door.

There wasn't a moment of hesitation for him to step out, he was still capable of battle, even after such a drawn out fight against the goblins. Besides, this form was much more suited for such sustained engagements.

Once he was outside, he looked up as the Shadow had motioned.
beholderkin
Above the balcony door, under the eave of the roof, one tile is obviously out of place, revealing a space of some kind above the ceiling of the room inside. While Skarre couldn't hear what the Shadow had been having him listen for, it was now obvious where the Shadow was drawing attention to.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Successful Search Checks may reveal more information, depending on  where  the searches are made.
Alternatively, there are many ways the situation can be 'handled' with varying outcomes.

(Note: This side plot is in no way required or necessary, and this can also simply be ignored, if desired.)
 
Deadguy
Skarre looked at the rafters closer, attempting to find any other entrances or exits from the space between his room and the ceiling.

 "I have no patience for spies and thieves... you may dispatch whoever or whatever is up there."  Skarre motioned for the Shadow to go up, giving it free rein to hunt. He made sure to speak the words loud enough to be heard throughout the room.

Lifting his mace in both hands, he waited to see if the culprit would flush out or meet it's death at the hands of his minion.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Search:  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
Intimidate:  (1d20+15)[ 29 ] 
 
beholderkin
As the shadow slips upward into the ceiling, Skarre does not have to wait long before loud noises begin clattering from above his room, the sound coming through the open space above the balcony loud and clear. Frantic cawing and the clattering of objects sound out before a missile of black feathers shoots out of the hole above the balcony and into the sky, the raven seen staring from across the square earlier in the day taking flight and fleeing at speed in a frantic escape.

From above, the noise of clattering objects continues for a long minute before all is quiet once more, and the shadow drifts out from the ceiling, looking around, but not finding any more targets. Shrugging its insubstantial shoulders at its master, it drifts back to the corner, seemingly finished with whatever it had done above.

After a thorough search of the area surrounding the balcony, an inspection of the ceiling reveals a hatch that was long ago painted over, the seams nearly invisible under the thick white paint.
Deadguy
Skarre set about prying open the hatch. He wasn't overly concerned about traps in a place like this and did not put any particular effort in checking for them. If the hatch was locked as well as coated over with paint, hindering his entry further, he used his adamantine mace as a modified can opener to get passed.

Once opened, he entered through the hatch and continued toward up toward the space above the room. Inwardly, Skarre again reveled in his eyes immediately adjusting to the darkness within, thanks to the darkvision granted by his undead nature.
beholderkin
As Skarre quickly adjusts to the darkness, he finds himself in an attic space filled with dust and not far from the small opening from outside is a large nest filled with debris. While some looked old and covered in dust, some debris was obviously just disturbed.

As Skarre pokes at the pile here and there, movement within the pile causes objects to shift slightly. Which is extremely odd, considering the Shadow was supposed to kill anything up here under its orders. Shifting the pile, and preparing to attack, he finds...a broken broom.

The broom's handle is splintered and is attached by only a few thick splinters. Surrounding it are black feathers and bits of random string and ripped cloth of several varieties from seemingly many sources. The materials seemed to have been looped around the handle as if to try to repair the broom, but none of the pieces are properly cinched or knotted and hang loose. Some have feathers in stuck between them and the broom. As he inspects it, the broom vibrates slightly, but the motion is jerky and as the broken section moves even slightly, the broom goes inert again.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 
Please make an Knowledge (Nature) or Intelligence Check. Also make a Use Rope check.

You can also make a Knowledge (Arcana) check to see if the broom itself triggers any knowledge.
 
Deadguy
Skarre ponders for a moment. He reaches down with one skeletal hand and retrieves the broom before heading back down his own abode. He places the broom on the table and sits in his most comfortable chair as he continues to think.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Intelligence check -  (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Use Rope -  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 
Knowledge: Arcana -  (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
 
beholderkin
As you study the broom and it's strange shroud of fabric and string, you quickly realize that this nearly destroyed obviously magical item is on its last legs, and that several  truly awful  attempts at using the scraps of fabric and string to try to repair it were made, over what looks like weeks, as some of the splinters have had time to abrade some of the strings enough to almost cut  completely through with it's sporadic and short vibrational fits.  So  bad, in fact, you're pretty sure a five year old child with the collective IQ of a cup of mustard would have done better, simply by virtue of having opposable thumbs.

The broom itself doesn't seem all that special, outside of the fact that it occasionally spasms. The bristles have worn away at the bottom at a slight angle, typical of brooms that have seen truly heavy and long term use, as far as you can tell. Unlock modern nylon bristle brooms of modern earth, this seems to be more similar to the old brooms you'd see in ancient tv shows like Little Home on the Prairie, hand-crafted and bound with local materials. Though, the bristles seemed to have been bound to the handle with intricately knotted red threads that shimmer slightly on close inspection.
Deadguy
 "It's still fairly impressive that the bird could know that something like this was even repairable." 

Reaching out a skeletal hand, he gently grasped the wood and fitted the cracked portions together again. While doing this, he incite some of the most basic of magic to mend the pieces.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 
Casting: Mending
 
beholderkin
With a soft incantation, carried on a whisper of magic that shimmered in the air, the Mend spell takes hold of the broom. Thin threads of golden light wove themselves around the broom, delicate as spider silk, connecting the shattered pieces with an ethereal embrace.

As the spell worked its meager mending magic, the wooden fragments began to fuse together. The frayed bristles straightened and regained a hint of their former luster. The broom's lacquer renewed itself to a fresh shine, reflecting on Skarre's intent face. However, despite the mending, it was clear that the broom's restoration was incomplete. The cracks remained visible, like scars on its surface.

With a final surge of power, Skarre completed the spell. The broom now held together, its form partially restored, but it still bore the marks of its previous damage. The handle, though repaired, displayed a web of faint lines where the fractures had been. The bristles, while neater, had not regained the uniformity common in such items.

Once the spell had finished, the broom shuddered in Skarre's hands, emitting a series of faint, sporadic vibrations. Then, with a jolt that made Skarre draw back, the broom sprang to life. It levitated off the ground, hovering unsteadily in the air. Its movements pulsed erratically with jerky vibrations.

With a series of fits and starts, the broom began to... sweep the room. Its movements were jerky, as if it were trying to remember the graceful motions it once performed with ease. It wobbled as it circled around the suite, its bristles barely making contact with the floor before lifting off again. The broom's seeming determination to fulfill its purpose, even in its imperfect state, was a serene sight. It might not be the elegant and efficient cleaning companion that it once was, but it was at least doing its best.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

You've repaired the Broken condition of the broom, though it is still obviously damage, it seems in no danger of relapsing into complete brokenness.

To command the broom and stop it from doing whatever it is it seems to think it should be doing, will require a successful Use Magic Device check (Activate Blindly: DC 25) until it has been fully identified. Though it seems perfectly harmless in its efforts to clean the room, and could simply be left or observed if desired.

After you have finished doing whatever else you wish to do in or around the room, please roll a Spot check before resting for the evening.
 
Deadguy
Skarre studied the broom for another moment to determine how to deactivate it. As he did, the undead wondered if the shaking and rattling of this broom was the sounds that led the owner to believe the room was haunted.

Once the deactivation was complete, Skarre moved to the balcony to close the doors before sitting down at the comfortable chair.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 
UMD -  (1d20+24)[ 44 ] 
Spot -  (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
 
beholderkin
Deactivating the broom, it hobbles over with a few hops to lean against the wall, out of the way, its vibrations and jerking fits finally still.

Glancing around as he sits down in the comfortable chair, he locks eyes with the raven through the balcony window, once again standing on the roof across the town square. As they lock eyes, the raven spreads its wings slowly and inclines its neck to bow its head in...a  bow ? Straightening, the raven launches itself from the roof, its flight dipping below the rooftops and taking it out of Skarre's view.

Pondering on the curiosity, Skarre settles in to meditate and rest, checking over his still-new body and searching within himself to better understand his new abilities.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 XP Gained:  91
 Loot Gained:  (Unidentified / Damaged) Magic Broom

If you are finished in the room, the innkeeper will be in the common room whenever you decide to set out in the morning. In which case, assuming you take the 8 hours required to refresh daily resources, update your sheet to be fully rested and prepared for the caravan.
 
Deadguy
After the meditation time required to fill his arcane power supply, Skarre stirred.

Standing in the center of the room, he called on the arcane power to bolster his own abilities before once again summoning the Shadow and ordering it to guard the room.

He left the broom in the room as well, intent on repairing it fully once the day of travel was completed. Closing and locking the door behind him, he headed downstairs, pausing at the counter.  “I will be gone for a few days. There is no need to clean the room while I’m away.” 
beholderkin
Leaving his suite, and making his way down the stairs, Skarre once again notices the eerie quiet of the building that lacks any obvious guests or staff other than himself and the beleaguered innkeeper.

Trying badly to contain a wince at the news of his only guest leaving, the nervous man straightens and seems to brace himself as he asks,   "Was your stay...adequate, sir?"   It was obvious that this wasn't the question he really wanted to ask, but he seemed be resigned to hearing bad news. The man was hanging on the edge, having been professionally beaten down by the rumors of haunting draining the possibility of any business.

As the man stood straight-backed, awaiting the answer to his question, Skarre noted the dark bags under the man-#s eyes that speak of exhaustion, the quiver of the man's hands holding each other in a white-knuckled grip before him as he strained to keep up the mask of the professional business owner, and the flop sweat beading around the man's hairline. Yet, his spine was straight and his eyes steady, already prepared to receive bad news, and having already accepted it.
Deadguy
 "The room is definitely haunted... but I sleep like the dead."  Skarre remarks.  "I'll still keep the room for my extended stay and will resolve the haunting when I return from the caravan." 

Skarre wasn't really lying, as the Shadow did technically haunt the room now, and would attack those that entered. He quietly wondered if he could turn the place into a business of his own if the poor man had a breakdown, or the business simply went under.
beholderkin
Looking immediately crestfallen at the mention of the haunting, his face going white, his expression changed to be more confused than anything when Skarre mentioned staying. Seeming to actually take in Skarre's appearance and realizing the joke, he forced a nervous but polite smile and nodded quickly.   "Uh...very good, Sir. Please let me know if you need anything upon your return."  

Taking his leave of the inn, Skarre makes his way onto the street, and sees several wagons lined up in front of the Adventurer's Guild branch building, tired-looking teamsters loading and securing crates, but not seemingly in a terrible hurry, indicating that departure wasn't immediately immanent.

The town square is peppered with early risers, most of the stalls open, or in the process of opening as the shopkeepers lay out their wares and set up their portable displays.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

I tend to only progress the scene to the point where obvious choices can be made. For example, this scene finished the conversation with the innkeeper and moved you outside where the options of shopping, talking to teamsters, or running any other in-town errands presents itself.

If at any time you decide to skip all other options and have decided to do something specific (such as, let the Guild know you're ready to depart and skip time to the caravan leaving), just let me know in your post, and I won't pause the scene to present other options unless plot-specific or otherwise important.
 
Deadguy
Skarre used the free time to enter one of the component shops and purchase the 100g of pearl he would need to properly identify the broom later.

Once that had been completed, he went back to the Guild Hall and let the receptionist know he was ready to depart.
beholderkin
A  very  old woman that looked far more awake than most of the younger merchants beamed at him as he made his purchase at her stall, showing a few gaps where she'd lost teeth, but her smile was warm and genuine. Patting at his hand in a grandmotherly way when she hands him the pearl, he sees that her fingers are gnarled and shake slightly, covered in callouses from long years of work.   "You adventuring folk always need these for your spells. I could sell nothing but these and we'd be alright. Thank you for your business, young man."  

Wishing the kind woman a good day, Skarre quickly makes his way to the guild hall, finding a burly man geared for travel chatting idly with the receptionist, and three people in armor lounging around the various chairs, drinking coffee and nibbling on what looks like food they'd acquired from one of the nearby stalls he had passed, as the meat and vegetable skewers and fluffy rolls looked immediately familiar.

As the familiar receptionist spots Skarre, she smiles and waves him over. Gesturing between him and the burly man she'd been talking to, she introduces them.   "Ah! Skarre, this is Captain Roland. Captain, this is your last guard for this trip, Adventurer Skarre."  

Turning and grunting in greeting, Captain Roland nods and thrusts a thick meaty hand at Skarre for a hand-shake of greeting,   "Good to meet you, lad. We'll be under way in the next thirty to forty minutes or so, if you need to pick anything up from the market before we go."   Nodding towards the three armored people having breakfast, he continues,   "Those three are the other guards this trip. Mirasta here tells me you'll be attempting to handle the bandit lord when we stop at Halfway Peak. We'll spend a full night and day there, trading with the dwarves. It'll be up to you whether you want to, or can, convince the others to assist you with that particular task. When we get underway, you'll position yourselves at the front, back, and to either side of the caravan to keep a lookout from all directions. We only travel for ten hours with a stop for lunch after five each day. That leaves two shifts for night watch for two guards at a time - that's for you to sort between yourselves. It's three days travel to Halfway Peak, and when we leave, it'll be another two and a half to Brookhaven where you'll be paid at the Guild branch there when the trip is done. Any questions?"  

Mirasta the guild receptionist pipes up at that last part, smiling,   "You can turn in your completed quests there for payment, so you don't have to come all the way back for payment. You can always turn in completed quests at  any  branch."   She pats the odd crystal device on the counter that had originally produced and later manipulated his guild card.   "They're all connected."  
Deadguy
Skarre offered an armored hand in a handshake to the Captain. With a glance back at the other adventurers, he dismissed the need to lay out an evening watch rotation or getting their help, at least for the time being.

When the receptionist explains the quests can be collected at other places, he seems interested.  "Interesting, can other messages and such also be sent through that network?" 

Other than finding out exactly what else the guild system could do, he took a seat near the other adventurers as they all waited to depart, to better gage their abilities and reaction to him.  "What is everyone's specialty here? It'll be important to know where we should be positioned when the caravan gets underway." 
beholderkin
Shaking Skarre's hand with a firm grip, the Captain simply nods. Eying the meat skewers the three adventurers are having, he grunts.   "I think I'll grab a hot breakfast before we head out as well. Damn trail rations taste like sawdust and week-old gristle,"   he mutters, before giving a half-salute wave and saunters out of the front door, nose held up, obviously intent on following the smell of whatever smells best coming from the nearby stalls to hunt for a quick meal.

Mirasta happily answer's Skarre's question.   "It can sort of send messages. We feed it a guild report every day with the updates, and we get one back the next morning from headquarters in the capitol. But, we can't send anything directly to a branch - everything goes through headquarters via reports,"   she as she explains. Snorting, the Captain mutters something under his breath about 'bureaucracy running the whole damn world these days'.

The dwarf happily demolishing particularly large meat skewers - one in each small fist, answers through a mouth full of food,   "I be on overwatch."   Jerking his head to the side, he indicates a truly magnificent crossbow that resembles a compact ballista more than a proper handheld weapon propped against the wall behind him before elaborating,   "Beh'er field o' view on the wagon  ." Groaning loudly, the elf rubs his eyes, palming his face as he complains,   "Brundier, by all the gods,  close your mouth  when you chew! We've  talked  about this."   Snorting, 'Brudier' replies, still chewing,   "Nay, ye talked abou' it. I did nay listen."  

Chuckling, the human man tearing bits from a pastry to pop into his mouth smirks and points to the elf,   "Levi there is a Druid, and uses Nature Magic to turn into animals. Makes him a decent scout for jobs like this. I use Eldritch magic, either long range, or up close makes no difference to me. How about yourself? Levi and I both know a bit of magic and can fight up close, while Brundier and I can both handle ourselves at range. Brudier's bolts all have some wierd alchemical crap packed, though I don't know why he bothers. That beast of a crossbow damn near chucks short spears instead of bolts,"   he snorts. The dwarf is quick to defend himself,   "ow 'ang on a bedamned minute, that be perfectly reason'ble! If'in I bother to shoo' at a bastard, I want the foo'ker to know I be  meanin'  it. It be from the  heart , so it needs a bit 'o extra  oomph , lad."   Muttering something in his heavy accent that might be about jealousy at the size of a man's 'bolt', the dwarf waves a dismissive, grease-covered hand at the human as he goes back to picking what was left off his skewers.
Deadguy
 "It seems we have a fairly balanced party then. My focus is defense in combat. I have a bit of magic that I use to enhance my armor and ability to shrug off damage, but melee is my preference."  Skarre patted the pommel of the massive mace that was strapped to his back as emphasis.

 "I hope my appearance and dealing with undead do not cause us to have any tensions."  He glanced specifically at the druid, gathering the nature of their abilities might put them at odds with each other.  "Me and mine can secure the watches at night so you may rest easy." 

Depending on the response, Skarre would stand from his seat once more and move toward the boards to see if anything interesting had been posted since yesterday.
beholderkin
The dwarf perks up at hearing he won't need to take a turn at watch and raises a hip flask he pulls from his belt, thumbing it open as he does so,   "Aye! I'll be drinkin' ta  that , lad! I dunna give a wee damn what ye be made of, so long as I no havin' to take watch doh'y."   Swigging his flask, he smacks his greasey lips as the elf shudders and excuses himself, looking green at the dwarf's table manners as the dwarv himself cackles uproariously at the power-walking elf.

The human chuckles softly and waves dismissively towards the elf as he answers Skarre,   "Don't mind him. He has a weak stomach and a thing for proper etiquette. Need to not be seen sicking up outweighs the need to finish a conversation, apparently."   Smirking, he shrugs,   "Most intelligent undead that sign on with the Adventurer's Guild are pretty decent. They don't  advertise  the fact, but that orb thing that issues and updates your guild card? It gives them some sort of heads up if you're a psychopath that tends to go around murdering and pillaging or whatever. Not sure how, but I was in Coldstone Keep when it happened with a vampire once. Sends out some sort of alert to the highest ranking guildies in the area, and...well...lets say those types of new recruits don't last long enough to turn in their first quest."  

Waving a hand at the receptionist's counter where the orb being discussed was held, he chuckles,   "So, basically if the orb didn't put a hit on you, it means you're not currently a murdering arsewipe, so no one cares what you look like or where you're from. Just don't get all naked and wander around chasing people, and if anyone gives you any weird looks just wave and say hi. Just being able to talk and not immediately attacking is nearly as good as flashing your guild card."  

Hauling his compact bulk out of the chair, the dwarf wipes his mouth and beard off on an already somewhat greasy sleeve and picks up the truly impressive crossbow, slinging and securing it over his shoulder with the atached large leather strap.   "Be 'bout time to be goh'in' lads. I'll go an 'old the knife-ear's hair for him, and meet ya at the wagon,"   he chortles.
Deadguy
Seeming quite pleased with the laid-back answer about how the others felt toward his own abilities, Skarre stood and headed toward the door when the dwarf announced it was time to depart. Once outside, he drew the massive bladed mace and took up a position close to the front of the caravan.

As they waited for everyone else to assemble, Skarre called upon the eldritch runes scribed into his bones to summon two more Shadows. He quickly instructed them to take cover under the first wagon, only to come out if he or the caravan were under attack.
beholderkin
As the last of the goods were loaded and secured, the other adventurers took up positions on on the three wagons. The wagons were hitched to a pair of two heavy horses each, with extra horses tied with leads to either side. Surprisingly, all the horses are outfitted with barding in the form of sheets of chain in a smock-like variant of a chain shirt, and all seem well-tempered and not at all fidgety at all the nearby activity.

As the burly dwarf Brundier saunters over and starts to pull his bulk onto the center wagon, he pauses, peering at the underside of the lead wagon before locking gazes with Skarre and splitting his face in a wide grin. Throwing Skarre a wink and a nod, he scrambles up and pulls the giant crossbow from his back, going over the weapon in a readiness check even as he pulls out a cloth to wipe at the crevices lovingly.

The elf Levi, still looking a little green around the gills after having lost his breakfast, slowly makes his way over from behind the building, his body shivering slightly in what looks to be revulsion. Muttering darkly but surprisingly politely, he seems to shake it off and stretch. Doing a few light calisthenics and various stretching maneuvers, he shakes his hands out and leans back and spreads his arms. In moments, his body rippling like the surface of water being skipped with a stone, his form flows and shifts until a bird of prey of roughly the same size stands in the road in his place. Launching himself into the air with wings of a truly impressive wingspan, he quickly gains quite a bit of height, apparently catching the air currents and begins to glide on outstretched wings in wide lazy circles above.

  "Oi, Maddox! Dun' ye be fallin' a'sleep back there!"   Turning, Skarre sees the dwarf chiding the human, already seated atop the rear wagon, leaning back against the backrest with a floppy hat already tipped foward to shade his eyes, lounging. His only response was a raised middle finger, even as he settled deeper in his seat.   "Bloody 'ells, ye lazy bugger, I swear ye be catchin' a  knife  one day whilst catching a damned nap. It may 'ven be  mine , ye gobshyte!"   Brundier muttered darkly, going back to preening over his crossbow. Maddox's only response was a smirk, barely seen from below his tipped hat.

Captain Roland came last of all as the porters finished up and began filing away. Picking at his teeth with a toothpick, he runs his eyes over the wagons with a practiced eye and nods in satisfaction. "Alright, you lot," he made eye contact with the driver of the center and rear wagons, "Lets make good time. We'll stop to have lunch and swap out the horses in six hours." Nodding towards the three adventurers not currently in the sky high above, he addresses them next as he climbs up to take the driver's seat of the lead wagon himself.   "Any of you call for a halt,  we halt . The horses will happily kick people's teeth in at my order, so we'll be staying in the wagons as you take care of any problems while the horses make the wagons as safe as is reasonable. But uh...avoid the horses if it comes to a fight. They do  not  discriminate."  

Brining his fingers to his mouth, he lets out a piercing whistle and as one, the horses begin to pull the wagons. Quickly exiting the town, the caravan turns right, heading down the road towards the mountains, farmers and various village folk waving and calling out words of luck and friendly farewell.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

I'll be fast-forwarding between 2-4 hours into the future. Feel free to chat with the NPCs if desired. When finished:
 
 Make a Listen check. 
 Make  three  Spot checks. 
 Make a Knowledge (Nature) check. 
 Make a Knowledge (Engineering) check. 
 
 
Deadguy
Skarre kept quiet for the most part. He didn't have any real need for information and wasn't interested in joining the other adventurer's party. Splitting xp slowed progression and forced you to take more dangerous missions, both things he wanted to avoid at the moment.

Instead, he busied himself with planning. Plans on what he'd do to complete the quests he had, and what the next batch of quests should be. Getting to another city was a bonus, it would allow him to teleport there to pick up new quests while keeping a base of operation in the smaller town.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Listen:  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
Spot:  (1d20+6)[ 21 ]  (1d20+6)[ 16 ]  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Knowledge (Nature): No skill points
Knowledge (Engineer):  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
 
beholderkin
As Skarre scans the surrounding area on their journey, the countryside looks idyllic and seem to be a picturesque example of a fantasy world's oddly aesthetically pleasing landscapes. As he scans, he does catch the dwarf fiddling with his great crossbow and notices that he's mounted a scope to it, as well as what looks like a sword-like blade mounted to the underside. As he looks closer, he notices that a crystal disk has been added to a space seemingly designed to hold it on the side. Oddly, the winch system he would expect to see for reloading the crossbow seems to be missing, or somehow hidden - though as it is loaded and ready to fire, that strikes him as very odd.

Suspecting some sort of magic at play, he can still appreciate the care the dwarf has taken in modifying and maintaining the weapon. Information about the crossbow's construction seems to unspool in his mind as he studies it. It was known as a Great Crossbow, the sight was an attachment of Gnomish design that increased the effective range. The blade was  indeed  something called a sword crossbow bayonet. The lack of a winching system indicated some sort of magical enhancement that handled reloading for the user, which is common in the more expensive mechanical ranged weaponry construction such as crossbows and siege weapons.

The miles passed fairly uneventfully, and Captain Roland didn't seem to be much of a conversationalist beyond the occasional complaint about the snoring coming from Maddox in the rear wagon, and remarking on the occasional land mark. Early on they passed a section of road where the cobblestones were pockmarked and scorched.    "Goblin raid almost a year back. One of the guards was a fan of chucking acid flasks and alchemical fire,"    was all he said about it. Another landmark he mentioned was a hut tucked just inside the tree line off in the distance.   "Old Agatha lives there. Most people steer clear, as they value their lives,"   glancing at Skarre he grunts,   "though,  you  might get along alright. She's a necromancer that doesn't much like flesh and blood people and she don't bother us so long as we don't bother her. The guild gets requests for full skeletons of this and that now and then, but I don't know anyone brave enough to deliver."  

There were a few more, but they were innocuous enough. The remains of an old hamlet burned down in a battle with some monsters that was long since overgrown, an old granite statue at a crossroads that was so warn, it was just a featureless humanoid at this point, and a lake that Captain Roland swears he once saw a woman's hand sticking out of the surface holding a sword, though he admits that was back when he'd been a heavy drinker before he got married. It was a fairly peaceful and relaxed journey. Right up until it wasn't.

A piercing screech came from above even as the elven druid dove down and landed on the lead wagon, shifting back into his humanoid form to report.   "Road's blocked. One of those  really  big armored lizards with the tail clubs and a dire elk buck are going at it just where the forest closes in from both sides and basically taking up the entire road."   Swearing like a sailor, Captain Roland mutters through gritted teeth,   "I swear to the  gods , if I  ever  find that saurian priest  bastard  that went around digging up and resurrecting every ancient lizard from before proper folk even existed, I will shove my foot so far up his scaly cloaca, he'll taste boot leather for the rest of his demandably short life."   Sighing, he asks,   "How far?"  

Glancing up and seeming to do some mental math, the elf waffles a hand,   "Just under a mile?"   Pointing ahead at where the road curses behind a heavily forested area, he continues,   "You'll hear them thumping each other before you get to that bend. Pass it, and you'll see them."   Groaning, Roland sighs in resignation.   "If we wait them out, as no matter who wins, the predators and scavengers will come out of the forest as soon the winner wanders off and we'd need to deal with a small hoard of the bastards instead. Up to you lot if you'd rather deal with the two big problems, or a small hoard of smaller problems."   Levi looks a little pale at the thought, but sighs.   "I think we should deal with both the larger animals. The lizard will likely win, and they have a bounty for a reason - if we leave them to breed we'll never be rid of the damn things and they'll take over the local ecosystem. I'll check with the others,"   he says before clambering down and rushing to the other wagons to speak with his comrades. Roland turns to Skarre,   "What are  your  thoughts? The lizard will net extra coin for the bounty, but it'll be a harder fight than running off the scavengers that'll come after."  
Deadguy
Skarre listened intently as the Captain pointed out places of interest, taking special note of the necromancer and the lady in the lake.

When the bird that was the druid returned and asked his opinion, he made a logical choice.  "I personally prefer the enemy that I know. It is much easier to contend with a known threat than any number of random creatures that could be looking for an easy meal. The extra money is just icing on the cake... besides, I don't think either of these creatures have a way of dealing with my companions..."  Skarre called the Shadows from beneath the cart and had them take cover in his own shadow.
beholderkin
Blinking at the shadows revealed to be under his wagon, Roland gave Skarre the side eye for a moment before quietly muttering,  "Oh aye, you and that old witch Agatha would get on fine, I should think,"  before shaking his head as if to clear it. In a moment, Levi returns to relay the desires of the other adventurers. After hearing of Skarre's own decision he nods.   "They'd both like a piece of the bounty. Maddox will stay with the wagons as guard since he has the longest range and can participate even when staying with the wagons, while the rest of us will move ahead to deal with the problem."  

Heaving a sigh, Roland nods and gives the order to proceed to the bend. Levi resumes his aerial beast form and launches into the sky once more. As the wagons roll on, the bend in the room looming closer, dull thumps and a horn like call begin to make themselves heard, growing louder as the bend approaches. Slowing down at the bend, the wagons make the way around the curve.

As the caravan rounded a bend in the winding cobblestone road, a scene of chaos and spectacle unfurled before them. In the midst of the road stood an immense ankylosaurus, its armored form glistening in the dappled sunlight. With deliberate force, it swung its colossal tail, sending shockwaves through the earth, shattering the cobblestones beneath its feet. Facing this behemoth head-on was a mammoth elk, its antlers towering into the sky, and its massive frame seemed to defy belief. It bellowed with a resounding bugle and charged forward with a fearsome determination. As Maddox whistled sharply from the back, Roland called out and the caravan came to a halt, the horses rearing nervously, as they bore witness to an ongoing battle of monstrous proportions that had already blocked their path.

Ignored for the moment by both beasts, Roland jerks his head toward the giants beasts and mutters,  " Gods  I  hate  those giant lizards. They shoulda stayed dead."  Turning to Skarre, he grunts,   "We'll hang back here. While I know your  own  safety needs to be considered, I'd appreciate it if you folks got as close as possible - around the other side, if at all possible - before drawing its attention. Maddox won't start firing off his magic whatever-it-is until they've got other things to worry about so as not to draw attention to  us  as the biggest threat."   Gesturing back at Maddox, Skarre turns to see the human pulling on a pair of goggles in the rear wagon and adjusting them as he gives Roland a thumbs-up.

Brundier sidles up to the lead wagon and thumbs the side of it as he starts marching forward calling out cheerily,   "Time ta be earnin' the beer moonah, boy-o!"   Above, Levi circles the massive beasts from above, awaiting the attack.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

The two creatures are currently approximately 375 feet away.
Both are 'Huge' creatures.
As they circle each other, they are blocking the entire road, and one would need to enter the torn apart forest on either side (difficult terrain), or go under/over them somehow in order to circle around them.
They are entirely focused on one another at the moment.
The adventurers will get a single surprise round. Roll initiative with the first attack action.
 
Deadguy
Once the caravan had stopped and the other adventurers seemed prepared, Skarre hefted his bladed mace and began walking toward the beasts with the Shadows dancing around his feet.

As he moved, plumes of caustic smoke poured from the stacks in the back of his armor (smoking - 20% miss). Then, suddenly, he and the Shadows shunted forward, almost directly under the dinosaur.

Skarre's magic left him unable to take further action, but the Shadows moved within the great beast’s darkened underbelly. They reached out in hunger, to drain it of the massive stores of strength in its being.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 
Skarre uses Dimension Door to be adjacent to dinosaur.

Shadow 1/2 move to flank dinosaur.

Shadow 1 touch  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
- strength damage  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Shadow 2 touch  (1d20+7)[ 22 ] 
- strength damage  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 
beholderkin
The honking bugle of distress that the large dinosaur released in response to the touch of the two shadows vibrated the ground under Skarre's feet. A loud curse sounds from behind as Brundier's colorful swearing about going deaf proceeds the thrumming snap of his great crossbow. Positioned so close to the beast, Skarre doesn't see if the results of the dwarf's attack, but on the other side of the two creatures, he does see Levi land and shift his form to that of a land-based predator, crouching low as he prepares to leap into the battle with fangs and claws.

Seeing the dinosaur obviously distracted, the massive Elk takes a step back and lowers its head, preparing for a charge, for now ignoring the group.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Beast Block Initiative  (1d20)[ 1 ] 
The group has won initiative, and act before the beasts.
 
Deadguy
The Shadows continued to feast on the strength of the dinosaur, while Skarre stepped slightly to the side.

He didn't want to be in the way of the elk when it charged, and attempted to keep the body of the club-tail between him and the antlers of the elk. Once safely positioned, he brought the bladed mace to bear with all his might.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Shadow 1 touch  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
- strength damage  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

Shadow 2 touch  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
- strength damage  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Skarre touch  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
- damage  (2d6+20)[ 25 ] 
 
beholderkin
Its skin sagging as its muscles seem to instantly atrophy, the dinosaur lets out a mournful honk, even louder than the elk's war cry. Levi in his predator form leaps at it's side as it staggers, tearing into it with his teeth. The sound of Brundier's crossbow firing sounds again behind Skarre and he sees a flash of movement above him before the club-tail staggers again. Spinning in place waving its massive tail, it begins charging towards the tree line, slow and staggering.

Seeing its foe begin to flee, the Elk bugles another war cry and digs its hooves into the earth, breaking through the cobbles as it gets a good grip before launching after the fleeing dinosaur, trampling over Skarre, the shadows, and Levi, not even seeing them in its hyper-focused state of aggression.

As the group reels from the sudden onslaught trampling limbs,  more  bass-laden honking sounds preceed the formation of dust cloud above the tree line and the crashing sounds of rapidly falling trees in the direction the Ankylosaurus is attempting to flee. Brundier's thickly accented voice seems unnaturally serious as he calls out,   " Oi , I  dunna  li'e the sound 'o  that !"  
 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Ankylosaurus Trample (Shadows/Levi/Skarre):  (2d12+1)[ 6 ]  (DC: 12)
Shadow 1 Incorporeal Miss Chance (over 50% hits)  (1d100)[ 69 ] 
Shadow 2 Incorporeal Miss Chance (over 50% hits)  (1d100)[ 80 ] 

Dire Elk Trample (Shadows/Levi/Skarre):  (2d8+10)[ 24 ]   (DC: 23)
Shadow 1 Incorporeal Miss Chance (over 50% hits)  (1d100)[ 15 ] 
Shadow 2 Incorporeal Miss Chance (over 50% hits)  (1d100)[ 70 ] 

Skarre gets a reflex save for each attack for 1/2 damage, and so do the shadows if either are hit (one for each trample that connects)
Shadows &amp; Skarre all get an attack of opportunity on Both the Elk and Ankylosaurus. (limited to 1/round unless they have a way to take more than 1 AoO per round).

The dinosaur looks  very  messed up. Assuming neither die from attacks of opportunity, the club-tail is just at the tree line, 100' away, with the elk being 20' behind him (80' away from your position).
 
Deadguy
The Shadows let out a silent wail in protest as their meal fled from them. Icy fingers reached out to draw what they could as the club-tail panicked. Skarre, too, hefted the two-handed executioner mace to strike at the fleeing dinosaur.

He held back from the chase as the elk trampled over him, hearing the other calls. Taking on an entire herd of mega fauna wasn't worth the price on the head of the dinosaur.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Skarre Reflex - Dino:  (1d20+14)[ 20 ] 
Skarre Reflex - Elk:  (1d20+14)[ 27 ] 

Shadow 1 Reflex - Dino:  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 
Shadow 2 Reflex - Dino:  (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
Shadow 2 Reflex - Elk:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 

Shadow 1 AOO (touch):  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
Strength Damage:  (1d6)[ 6 ] 

Shadow 2 AOO (touch):  (1d20+5)[ 11 ] 
Strength Damage:  (1d6)[ 4 ] 

Skarre AOO (touch):  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+20)[ 27 ] 
 
beholderkin
As the shadows claw at it once more, the trampling ankylosaurus quickly begins to stagger, slamming into the ground with a weight that causes the surrounding ground to shake. It was unfortunate for the giant lizard that the elk was close behind it. Lowing its head as it chases its opponent, the dire elk slams its horns into the back of the dinosaur, rending its flanks wickedly as it begins to savage its now strengthless foe.

The shaking ground seems to go on for far longer than a single fall of a massive beast should warrant, and the reason was soon apparent. Bursting from the treeline, another ankylosaurus, this one even larger than the one that had fallen honks thunderously as it sees the one on the ground - helpless and being savaged. The sound is so loud and bassy, the surrounding ground quivers again in protest.

Behind the larger anylosaurus, two smaller ones trail behind, obviously hesitant and keeping far back from the road.   " Oi , it be a whole damned  family  of the giant buggers! I thin' the first one was the Da'. I thin' that elk is  fooked , mate..."   Brundier's thickly accented voice is tinged with an audible wince as he remarks, holding his shot for the moment. Levi's predatory form edges closer to Skarre and simply whines in seeming agreement, also not charging after the large beasts but watching them both warily, golden eyes darting to the smaller dinosaurs watching from a safe distance on the trail of fallen trees their mother had made.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

The original dino is now helpless (Str 0). You are 60' from the Elk, and 100' from the larger Dino. The 2 small dinos are approximately 300' away from you, beyond the larger one.
 
Deadguy
 "The Ruby Goddess has blessed me with a heart of steel, not fear."  Skarre looked down coldly at the whining creature that was also a man. Smoke continued to engulf his form as he strode forward. A pointed finger was a silent command for the Shadows to leave their crippled prey and seek out the vitality of the large female club-tail.

Skarre's body began to glow with the eldritch etched tattoos that powered his abilities. Just as before he shunted forward, landing directly in front of the female.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

Shadow 1/2 - double move (80 ft) toward female

Skarre - Dimension Door to adjacent to female
 
beholderkin
Hearing Brundier begin to swear like a sailor, the deep twang of his large crossbow firing sounds behind him, but Skarre isn't in a position to see where it was aimed, or if it connected with its target.

The elk continues to savage the downed dinosaur with horns and hooves as the larger one spins and slams its club tail into the elk with great force, causing a meaty crack to sound out through the area. Stumbling back, the elk wobbles as it keeps its legs under it, stomping and huffing as it bugles a retaliatory war cry. The Elk looks unsteady and battered. The downed dinosaur's breathing is labored and ragged as a large pool of its lifeblood begins to grow out from its savaged flanks to stain the surrounding ground and cobblestones. With a final cough and shudder, the beast's breathing halts and the large dinosaur's enraged honk once again shakes the surrounding earth.

The two smaller dinosaurs far back on the path of destruction carved through the forest shuffle and honk meekly, obviously anxious and in distress.
Deadguy
Skarre squares his shoulders as he faced off against the female dinosaur. It might not see him as a threat yet with her mate having just been killed but that would likely change. The Shadows moved to flank the beast, ever hungry for more vitality.

Skarre hefted the mace and brought it down toward the skull of the female club-tail, it's unearthly enchantment allowing it to pass through the heavy plating that was the dinosaur's skin.

 
 Spoiler: Mechanics 

 Skarre 
Touch Attack -  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Damage -  (2d6+20)[ 25 ] 
 Shadow 1 
Move - Flank
Touch Attack -  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 
Strength Damage -  (1d6)[ 3 ] 
 Shadow 2 
Move - Flank
Touch Attack -  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 
Strength Damage -  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 