Chambers
 Somewhere in the Elsir Vale 
  "Best I can do is scratch out a map."   Jilxarn said as two of their arms grabbed some paper and inkwell while another arm cleared the table. Two of their remaining arms kept up with their needlework - knit one, purl one - while their last set of arms held an incantation at the ready, should an uninvited guest pass through the closed 'doors' of their 'shop', a storage closet aboard the githzerai spelljammer  The Silver Sword .   "You've still got your charm, yes?  " They ask. In your experience Jilaxrn's questions are rhetorical and asked merely for the benefit of the listener to figure the answer for themselves.   "Here, here, and here. I've never been, of course, but somewhere in the Vale is the  Vault . Get into the Vault, get the  Tooth . Give  me  the Tooth, and we're much closer to square. Now go."   They say and shove the map into your hands.

Ask a hundred planewalkers what they know of Nerath, let alone about Elsir Vale, and you'll get nearly a hundred different answers, probably all of them made up on the spot. Knowledge of the place itself should be worth a few coins to the right Sensate, even if you don't find the Wyrm's Tooth. Your fence's trinket folds the spelljammer up around you and then drops you what feels like a dozen stories through darkness before the world rearranges itself around you. Jilaxrn's planeshopping charm is usually more accurate than any other jaunt but the strange looking brooch has a long recharge time - about a week, give or take the varieties of the local timestream.

You're on a dirt road that's going through some woods. What most folks don't know about planeswalking is that in most places a dirt road feels like any other. Nerath doesn't seem to be any different than any other Prime you've visited so far, but it's only been a minute or so. The sun is still low in the sky, making it mid-morning and if it's already this  hot  and  muggy  before noon then you're probably not going to need the cold weather gear for this trip.

Jilaxrn's map shows a wavering line that might be a river, some scribbles that are either mountains or trees, and a few dots that have question marks next to them scattered around the map. The humidity is really starting to become noticeable as you stand in the road looking at the map and wondering if mariliths would take offense to being offered drawing lessons.

 
 Spoiler 
 Recruitment Thread .
 Out of Character Thread .
 
DrK
 Leilani 

Leilani pauses and slowly looks about the new material plane.   ”strange that so many of these worlds look so similar. This one at least is not raining.”   she says as she leans again the furred wall of muscles and claws that was her pet tiger. With her daily enhancements in place she nods down the path,   “I guess we can see where we are if we can meet some one.”    she adds as she starts walking down he path keeping her eyes open for any locals

 
 Spoiler: Leilani 


Spot  (1d20+26)[ 41 ] 
   Leilani Sunstorm   
M NG Human Druid 3/Warmage 4/Arcane Hiero 9,  Level  16,  Init  8,  HP  170/140,  DR  5 / magic,  Speed  30ft +10ft
 AC  28,  Touch  20,  Flat-footed  25,  Fort  17,  Ref  14,  Will  25,  Base Attack Bonus  10
   Ironwood Flaming Scimitar +1   +12/7 (1d6+2, 18-20)
 none to start with Club....   +11 (1d6+1, x2)
   Monks Belt with Wilding CLasp ,  -4 to be hit by opponents Greater Luminous Armour  (+8 Armor, +3 Dex, +7 Misc)
 Abilities  Str 12, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 22, Cha 24
 Condition  6th: Superior Resistance
1st: Endure Elements
2nd: Primal hunter [+5 climb/jump/swim, uncanny dodge]
3rd: Primal Instinct [+ 5 Init + Survival]
2nd: heart of Air [bonus to falling]
3rd: Heart of Water [swim speed]
4th: Heart of Earth [temp hps, +8 vs Push/pull etc…]
5th: heart of Fire [Total Fortification]
4th: Luminous Armour Greater (+8 AC, -4 to hit me) 12 hous


Animal Companion (Solarii) Tiger
Size/Type:	Large Animal.  Hit Dice:	10d8+30 (110 hp)
Initiative:	+3.                 Speed:	40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class:	23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +7 natural, +4 AC), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple:	+7/+18
Full Attack:	2 claws +13 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4)
Special Attacks:	Improved grab, pounce, 2 rake +13 1d8+4
Special Qualities:	Low-light vision, scent
Saves:	Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +4(+8 vs mind affecting)
Abilities:	Str 25, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills:	Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +3, Swim +11
Feats:	Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Imp Nat Atk (claw), Light Armour Proficiency
Special: Link, Share spells, Evasion, Devotion
Equipment: Leather scale barding +1, amulet of natural fang +1
 
Athaleon
  "The air isn't choking poison, and we're not about to roast without protection. Plus the ground is solid, down is  down , and the whole place isn't bathed in Negative Energy or cosmic Evil. I'll take it, humidity and all."   Marik's words were abiding, even optimistic, but his tone still betrayed discomfort.   "If we're not worried about being discreet, I could go up for a quick look around."   The mage was literally glowing with protective magic which he was loath to dismiss, pleasant surroundings or not. And for all his arcane knowledge, personal concealment had never been among his skillset.

 
 Spoiler 

   Marik Jurisian   
Male NG Human Wizard 6 / Swiftblade 9 / Dragonslayer 1,  Level  16,  Init  11,  HP  152/152,  Speed  100' Fly - Perfect
 AC  28,  Touch  20,  Flat-footed  26,  Fort  19,  Ref  20,  Will  20,  Base Attack Bonus  +13/+8/+3
 +4, Sure Striking, Sizing, Spellblade (Greater Dispel) Runestaff of Power (2H Attack) (Greater Magic Weapon, Greater Mighty Wallop)   +24/+19/+14 (4d6+11, 20 x2)
 Bracers of Armor +1, Death Ward, Lesser Crystal of Arrow Deflection (additional +5 AC vs Ranged) Greater Luminous Armor (enemies take -4 to hit)  (+8 Armor, +2 Dex, +8 Misc)
 Abilities  Str 20, Dex 14, Con 18, Int 28, Wis 10, Cha 10
 Condition  Active Effects:
- Heart of Water (Extended), 32 Hours or until discharged
- Heart of Earth, 16 Hours or until discharged
- Greater Luminous Armor, 16 Hours
- Greater Magic Weapon (Extended), 32 Hours (on Main End of Staff)
- Greater Mighty Wallop (Extended), 32 Hours (on Main End of Staff)
- Greater Anticipate Teleport, 24 Hours
- Superior Resistance, 24 Hours
- Elemental Body (Extended), 32 Hours
- Wraithstrike (Persisted), 24 Hours
- Unicorn Heart (Extended), 32 Hours
- Sequester, 16 Days (cast on Secret Chest)
- Secret Chest, 60 Days or until discharged
 
Chambers
 Forest Road 

The dirt road shows marks of heavy use by carts, horses, and both shod and bare feet. Following the path as Marik takes to the skies, the road slopes upward towards a small rise. Cresting the hill Leilani sees a shallow dell before her and an old farmhouse down and to the right. The road widens as it turns down and before you can see the scuff marks and dark stains in the the dirt Solarii growls, smelling the still wet blood pooling the cart tracks. Through the brush on the east side of the road you spot a glint of steel moving suddenly before a strange bird call sounds. The woods come alive as hobgoblin warriors dressed in mail and armed with spear, sword, and shield burst from the trees all around you.

Above the trees Marik sees that the road travels for a few miles northwest before meeting a river and what looks like a town. His scenic view of the greater Elsir Vale is interrupted by shouts below him as hobgoblins ambush Leilani and Solarii.

 
 Spoiler 
Leilani spotted the Hobgoblins so the PC's are not surprised. Marik has first action, 100ft above the map.

 MAP!  No account is necessary, you can use the map as a guest.
 
Athaleon
The moment he spotted the hostile creatures, Marik cast a Haste spell in a near instant. Even as he hurtled down toward them, he studied them with an appraising eye. Hobgoblins, clearly hostile and waiting in ambush. That wouldn't do, but still: without knowing the wider situation, Marik wasn't about to kill them outright. They might also be amenable to talking civilly after he'd struck a few dents in their helmets.

 
 Spoiler 

Free Action cast Haste via Swiftblade.

Move Action: Move down between hobgoblins furthest north. With Haste up and movement speed doubled on the descent, he should be able to make it that with distance to spare.

Standard Action: Attack with Spring Attack+Bounding Assault. Hitting for nonlethal damage, for now. If he manages to drop this hob in one hit, he will move on to the nearest one with his second attack. If both drop, he will use his remaining movement to get adjacent with the next hobgoblin down the line.

To Hit:  (1d20+25)[ 31 ]  vs Touch AC
Damage:  (5d6+16)[ 28 ] 

To Hit:  (1d20+20)[ 29 ]  vs Touch AC
Damage:  (5d6+16)[ 36 ] 

Extra Standard Action from Hasted Swiftblade: Spring Attack+Bounding Assault against the next hobgoblin(s) down the line. He will use any remaining movement at the end to fly towards the next enemy.

I figure if he used 50' to descend, he should have just enough movement to melee each of the hobs on the north side of the road, and if he was able to subdue those three in four hits or less, he can just reach the easternmost enemy on the south side.

To Hit:  (1d20+25)[ 31 ]  vs Touch AC
Damage:  (5d6+16)[ 32 ] 

To Hit:  (1d20+20)[ 32 ]  vs Touch AC
Damage:  (5d6+16)[ 36 ] 
 
DrK
 Leilani 

Leilani sees Marik descend at speed, bouncing between hobgoblins bashing them over. Scowling as she spies their goblinoid features she gestures at the nearest one as she walks forward and just consumes it in fire, vague memories of the Hobgoblin slavers of Dargun going back to her

 
 Spoiler: Leilani 


Fiery burst  (6d6)[ 22 ]  on the nearest standing hobgoblin

   Leilani Sunstorm   
M NG Human Druid 3/Warmage 4/Arcane Hiero 9,  Level  16,  Init  8,  HP  170/140,  DR  5 / magic,  Speed  30ft +10ft
 AC  28,  Touch  20,  Flat-footed  25,  Fort  17,  Ref  14,  Will  25,  Base Attack Bonus  10
   Ironwood Flaming Scimitar +1   +12/7 (1d6+2, 18-20)
 none to start with Club....   +11 (1d6+1, x2)
   Monks Belt with Wilding CLasp ,  -4 to be hit by opponents Greater Luminous Armour  (+8 Armor, +3 Dex, +7 Misc)
 Abilities  Str 12, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 22, Cha 24
 Condition  6th: Superior Resistance
1st: Endure Elements
2nd: Primal hunter [+5 climb/jump/swim, uncanny dodge]
3rd: Primal Instinct [+ 5 Init + Survival]
2nd: heart of Air [bonus to falling]
3rd: Heart of Water [swim speed]
4th: Heart of Earth [temp hps, +8 vs Push/pull etc…]
5th: heart of Fire [Total Fortification]
4th: Luminous Armour Greater (+8 AC, -4 to hit me) 12 hous


Animal Companion (Solarii) Tiger
Size/Type:	Large Animal.  Hit Dice:	10d8+30 (110 hp)
Initiative:	+3.                 Speed:	40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class:	23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +7 natural, +4 AC), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple:	+7/+18
Full Attack:	2 claws +13 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4)
Special Attacks:	Improved grab, pounce, 2 rake +13 1d8+4
Special Qualities:	Low-light vision, scent
Saves:	Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +4(+8 vs mind affecting)
Abilities:	Str 25, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills:	Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +3, Swim +11
Feats:	Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Imp Nat Atk (claw), Light Armour Proficiency
Special: Link, Share spells, Evasion, Devotion
Equipment: Leather scale barding +1, amulet of natural fang +1
 
Athaleon
Marik flew after the last Hobgoblin as it fled toward a farmhouse. These ambushers turned out not to be very tough at all, but he didn't want one trying to take a hostage.

 
 Spoiler 

With 100' fly speed, perfect maneuverability, and the ability to take a second move Action before attacking, Marik should be able to catch up easily.

To Hit:  (1d20+25)[ 31 ]  vs Touch AC
Damage:  (5d6+16)[ 28 ] 

To Hit:  (1d20+20)[ 32 ]  vs Touch AC
Damage:  (5d6+16)[ 27 ] 
 
Chambers
 Forest Road 

The shocking speed of unexpected violence vaporizes any fighting spirit the hobgoblins had and the two still standing turn and flee, shouting warnings in their goblin tongue. One makes it only a few feet before being burned down to cinders by Leilani while the other manages to make to the doorway of the farmhouse before Marik descends upon him and renders him unconscious with a single blow.

Inside the entryway is a bugbear just rising from a stool, a large half-skinned potato in one hand and a knife in the other. He shouts in surprise and yells out a word in Infernal. A hellhound pads out from the room behind him and growls at Marik while another hellhound races in from the treeline to snap at him. Sounds of someone casting a spell can be heard in the room beyond while the bugbear steps over the body of his unconscious fighter and lunges at Marik with the knife.

 
 Spoiler 
Round 2

Marik has already acted.
Hobgoblins have acted.
Leilani is up.

Bugbear dagger attack
 (1d20+9)[ 25 ]  to hit
[roll1d4+6[/roll] damage

Hellhound bite attack
 (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 (1d8+1)[ 3 ]  damage and  (1d6)[ 5 ]  fire damage.
 
DrK
 Leilani 

Leilani looks about as the carnage unfolds and then hears the thudding of Marik hitting something and tye bark of hell hounds. Grimacing she hikes her dress up slightly and scurries onwards towards the small farm house drawing her scimitar as she does so.

 
 Spoiler: Leilani 


Move 80ft towards the farm house with tiger in tow

   Leilani Sunstorm   
M NG Human Druid 3/Warmage 4/Arcane Hiero 9,  Level  16,  Init  8,  HP  170/140,  DR  5 / magic,  Speed  30ft +10ft
 AC  28,  Touch  20,  Flat-footed  25,  Fort  17,  Ref  14,  Will  25,  Base Attack Bonus  10
   Ironwood Flaming Scimitar +1   +12/7 (1d6+2, 18-20)
 none to start with Club....   +11 (1d6+1, x2)
   Monks Belt with Wilding CLasp ,  -4 to be hit by opponents Greater Luminous Armour  (+8 Armor, +3 Dex, +7 Misc)
 Abilities  Str 12, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 22, Cha 24
 Condition  6th: Superior Resistance
1st: Endure Elements
2nd: Primal hunter [+5 climb/jump/swim, uncanny dodge]
3rd: Primal Instinct [+ 5 Init + Survival]
2nd: heart of Air [bonus to falling]
3rd: Heart of Water [swim speed]
4th: Heart of Earth [temp hps, +8 vs Push/pull etc…]
5th: heart of Fire [Total Fortification]
4th: Luminous Armour Greater (+8 AC, -4 to hit me) 12 hous


Animal Companion (Solarii) Tiger
Size/Type:	Large Animal.  Hit Dice:	10d8+30 (110 hp)
Initiative:	+3.                 Speed:	40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class:	23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +7 natural, +4 AC), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple:	+7/+18
Full Attack:	2 claws +13 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4)
Special Attacks:	Improved grab, pounce, 2 rake +13 1d8+4
Special Qualities:	Low-light vision, scent
Saves:	Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +4(+8 vs mind affecting)
Abilities:	Str 25, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills:	Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +3, Swim +11
Feats:	Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Imp Nat Atk (claw), Light Armour Proficiency
Special: Link, Share spells, Evasion, Devotion
Equipment: Leather scale barding +1, amulet of natural fang +1
 
Athaleon
Marik was actually forced back a step by the Bugbear's unexpected attack; its knife had come uncomfortably close. It only took him an instant to regain his composure, and his staff whirled about in a blur as he fended off his attackers. Now that they'd actually  attacked  him, Marik forgot all notions of leniency, and thrust the tapered end toward the Bugbear's throat.

 
 Spoiler 

Spellcraft to identify the spell that was cast:  (1d20+30)[ 43 ] 
(the Ring of Spell-Battle allows him to identify spells cast within 60' without seeing their components or effect)

Full attack action, prioritizing the bugbear and directing any remaining attacks at the West Hellhound, then the North one. Lethal damage this time, and I even remembered the bonus to hit from Haste.

To Hit:  (1d20+30)[ 34 ] 
Damage:  (4d6+16)[ 30 ] 

To Hit:  (1d20+25)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (4d6+16)[ 34 ] 

To Hit:  (1d20+20)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (4d6+16)[ 27 ] 

If/when the Bugbear is out of the way, Marik will move into the house, assuming he didn't identify the spell as some sort of trap. If whoever is inside is hostile and doesn't surrender immediately, Marik will take his extra Standard Action to Spring Attack them, backing out afterwards to the square right of the (B) on the map.

To Hit:  (1d20+30)[ 38 ] 
Damage:  (5d6+16)[ 37 ] 

To Hit:  (1d20+25)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (5d6+16)[ 40 ] 
 
Chambers
 Forest Road - Abandoned Farmhouse 

By the time Leilani arrived at the farmhouse all she found were Marik and corpses. As it happened, not all of them were hobgoblins, nor all made by him. Inside the ruined farmhouse are five bodies pushed against the west wall, a mix of civilians and guardsmen, all showing signs of violence as the cause of death. Marik recognizes the symbol on the necklace of the hobgoblin spellcaster as a mark of Tiamat, identifying the deceased as one of her priests. Of the two civilians one looks like a farmer while the other is dressed in wealthier attire, though now the sword has made them equal.
DrK
 Leilani 

Leilani stares at the chaos and shrugs.   ”too fast again Marik. But this is unseemly here. I’m not happy with the leavings of Tiamat being here. Can we pause but a moment and I’ll bury them?”   she asks

Assuming Marik agrees she’ll bury the poor villagers with the Tiger’s help before looking to Marik,   “there must be a town local to here. We should ask there what has occurred or if they knew these people.”  
 
 Spoiler: Leilani 

   Leilani Sunstorm   
M NG Human Druid 3/Warmage 4/Arcane Hiero 9,  Level  16,  Init  8,  HP  170/140,  DR  5 / magic,  Speed  30ft +10ft
 AC  28,  Touch  20,  Flat-footed  25,  Fort  17,  Ref  14,  Will  25,  Base Attack Bonus  10
   Ironwood Flaming Scimitar +1   +12/7 (1d6+2, 18-20)
 none to start with Club....   +11 (1d6+1, x2)
   Monks Belt with Wilding CLasp ,  -4 to be hit by opponents Greater Luminous Armour  (+8 Armor, +3 Dex, +7 Misc)
 Abilities  Str 12, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 22, Cha 24
 Condition  6th: Superior Resistance
1st: Endure Elements
2nd: Primal hunter [+5 climb/jump/swim, uncanny dodge]
3rd: Primal Instinct [+ 5 Init + Survival]
2nd: heart of Air [bonus to falling]
3rd: Heart of Water [swim speed]
4th: Heart of Earth [temp hps, +8 vs Push/pull etc…]
5th: heart of Fire [Total Fortification]
4th: Luminous Armour Greater (+8 AC, -4 to hit me) 12 hous


Animal Companion (Solarii) Tiger
Size/Type:	Large Animal.  Hit Dice:	10d8+30 (110 hp)
Initiative:	+3.                 Speed:	40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class:	23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +7 natural, +4 AC), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple:	+7/+18
Full Attack:	2 claws +13 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4)
Special Attacks:	Improved grab, pounce, 2 rake +13 1d8+4
Special Qualities:	Low-light vision, scent
Saves:	Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +4(+8 vs mind affecting)
Abilities:	Str 25, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills:	Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +3, Swim +11
Feats:	Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Imp Nat Atk (claw), Light Armour Proficiency
Special: Link, Share spells, Evasion, Devotion
Equipment: Leather scale barding +1, amulet of natural fang +1
 
Athaleon
  "Not fast enough, not by a damn sight,"   Marik cursed.   "Didn't think we'd be up against a Chromatic again so soon, and  here  of all places... Yes, we should lay them to rest in some semblance of proper rites. We should also round up the hobgoblins from the roadside. I'm fairly certain  they're  still alive."  
Athaleon
  "I don't want to wait around for them to wake up, but whether we heal them just to question them is up to you. Not sure how much we would get out of them, even then; they could be fanatics. And afterwards, I don't want to turn 'em loose, but it may be difficult to bring them to  local  justice."   Marik left the third option unspoken. It was one thing to kill someone while they were trying to kill you, but even now he would not execute a captive in cold blood. Of course, leaving them could very well end up costing someone else their life—the scene in the ruined house was a grim reminder. With a cult of Tiamat involved, even a few hours' delay might cost even more than that.

 
 Spoiler 

If needed:

Knowledge (Religion) for cults of Tiamat:  (1d20+28)[ 34 ] 
Knowledge (Local) for Hobgoblins:  (1d20+28)[ 44 ] 
 
Chambers
 Forest Road - Abandoned Farmhouse 

The unconscious hobgoblins are heavy and cumbersome to drag into the farmhouse but at least they don't complain about it. Digging through their packs you find enough rope to restrain the four of them. After the brief intensity of combat with screams and sword clashes, the silence afterwards is like a shock, though the natural sounds of the forest slowly return to your ears.

Marik doesn't have any experience with these hobgoblins but from observations of their speech patterns during the fight, their tactics, and their gear, he surmises that they are built along standard lines and can apply other-worlds habits and traits to these hobgoblins with an acceptable margin of error. For Leilani the deduction is even simpler: these are not the Dhakaani of her homeworld. Maybe they have their own empire, but these ambushers look nothing like the regimented and proud Dhakaani.

 
 Spoiler 
For Hobgoblin knowledge, you both know that there's basically two types in the different worlds you've visited. Dhakaani and non-Dhakaani. The thousand-year reign of goblinoid creatures on Eberron is unique to that world and the goblins there are unlike most any other goblin civilization encountered elsewhere. These hobgoblins fall into the non-Dhakaani camp and appear to fall under the traditional military structure that most hobgoblins tribes organize themselves into, the whole group held together by a single warleader. As foot soldiers these likely know little of secret value but would have general knowledge of their operations in the area.

Religious cults are perhaps one of the most varied cultural touchstones that can be found across the planes, though all are influenced in some expected ways by the particulars of their deity (with one major exception for Pelor the Burning Hate on that one world). Cults of Tiamat invariably form around either an actual dragon or someone with significant dragonsblood. They are usually of evil intent and not that rigid in their hierarchy. That is to say, one always knows once their place in the cult but there is significant opportunity for upward (and downward) mobility within it. The regimented culture of the hobgoblins might reduce that chaotic tendency through having ritualized forms of challenge for higher ranking.

Regardless of the form the cult takes, all of their non-dragon members are expendable in the service of the wyrms. Dying for their dragon masters is an honor for the cultists because they know their goddess will reward them in the afterlife.
 
DrK
 Leilani 

After looking at the hobgoblins after burying the human victims Leilani nods.   "We can take the most experienced looking hobgoblin with us. My lovely tiger will take the weight. The rest we can just leave here and let nature take its course. They will either survive or die as they lived."   She is happy to press on towards the town leaving the rest of the greenskins bound and restrained.

When away from the others she'll reach out to their prisoner and tap him lightly with the wand of lesser vigour and wait for it to rouse. Making sure that the massive hulking barded tiger is resting its massive clawed paws atop the greenskin.

 
 Spoiler: Leilani 

   Leilani Sunstorm   
M NG Human Druid 3/Warmage 4/Arcane Hiero 9,  Level  16,  Init  8,  HP  170/140,  DR  5 / magic,  Speed  30ft +10ft
 AC  28,  Touch  20,  Flat-footed  25,  Fort  17,  Ref  14,  Will  25,  Base Attack Bonus  10
   Ironwood Flaming Scimitar +1   +12/7 (1d6+2, 18-20)
 none to start with Club....   +11 (1d6+1, x2)
   Monks Belt with Wilding CLasp ,  -4 to be hit by opponents Greater Luminous Armour  (+8 Armor, +3 Dex, +7 Misc)
 Abilities  Str 12, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 22, Cha 24
 Condition  6th: Superior Resistance
1st: Endure Elements
2nd: Primal hunter [+5 climb/jump/swim, uncanny dodge]
3rd: Primal Instinct [+ 5 Init + Survival]
2nd: heart of Air [bonus to falling]
3rd: Heart of Water [swim speed]
4th: Heart of Earth [temp hps, +8 vs Push/pull etc…]
5th: heart of Fire [Total Fortification]
4th: Luminous Armour Greater (+8 AC, -4 to hit me) 12 hous


Animal Companion (Solarii) Tiger
Size/Type:	Large Animal.  Hit Dice:	10d8+30 (110 hp)
Initiative:	+3.                 Speed:	40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class:	23 (-1 size, +3 Dex, +7 natural, +4 AC), touch 12, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple:	+7/+18
Full Attack:	2 claws +13 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4)
Special Attacks:	Improved grab, pounce, 2 rake +13 1d8+4
Special Qualities:	Low-light vision, scent
Saves:	Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +4(+8 vs mind affecting)
Abilities:	Str 25, Dex 17, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills:	Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +3, Swim +11
Feats:	Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Imp Nat Atk (claw), Light Armour Proficiency
Special: Link, Share spells, Evasion, Devotion
Equipment: Leather scale barding +1, amulet of natural fang +1
 
Chambers
 Forest Road - West of the Farmhouse 

There are no interruptions while Leilani digs the graves and buries the victims of the hobgoblins. The dead goblinoids are left for nature to reclaim while the unconscious and bound warriors are left to their own fates. Solarii handles the weight of the unconscious warrior with ease as the trio continues down the west road. After a few hills put the farmhouse well out of sight and sound the hobgoblin is raised to consciousness by the healing magic from the wand. He is very confused and doesn't seem to understand at first that he's strapped to the back of a dire tiger.

  "Who...! Let me....!"   He shouts in the common tongue as he tries to wriggle free of the restraints. He suddenly stops when he looks around and sees what he's laying against, becoming very still as his eyes go wide.   "What is happening?"   he asks.
DrK
As they walk down the paths Leilani glances at the creature as it awakens, a hand raised to command the tiger to stop. smiling she nods,   "Excellent, you speak a common tongue to us."   Stroking the tiger gently she gestures at the massive beast.   "Now... tell us what you are doing here and why you are attacking local people, it is not something that we find acceptable."  
Chambers
 Forest Road - West of the Farmhouse 

The hobgoblin tries to get a look around him but just struggles against the bindings.   "We...we're here 'cus this is our land! The Mighty Azarr Kul has promised...promised us all the lands will be ours."   He says. It's hard to boast confidently when one is tied to the back of a dire tiger but the warrior is giving it his best effort.   "The town's refused to recognize our right, so we're taking what's ours."  
DrK
Leilani tsks under her breath ignoring the typical goblin boasting, an off the cuff,   "Don't be boastful or I'll feed you to my friend here. But... who is this Azarr Kull you speak of, and where can we find him. I would have some strict words with him."   She continues to ask some questions as they walk quickly heading towards the town with some pace.
Athaleon
Marik shook his head. He'd seen more than his share of greed and conquest, but he could only marvel at the Hobgoblin's casual contempt for the people they were extirpating—as though they had such little ability to fight back that the Hobgoblins were calling the land theirs from the outset.

  "Might makes right, is it? Well, we'll find this Azarr Kull then, and see who comes out on top,"   he didn't say aloud. Much as he was tempted to ask the Hobgoblin what he would do if someone mightier came along and declared that Goblinkind had no right to exist, moralizing here would do nothing. He left the prisoner to answer Leilani's question, for now.
Chambers
 Forest Road - West of the Farmhouse 
  "You want to meet him?! Ha!"   He says and musters up the courage to spit at Leilani.   "He'll find you when it's your time to taste the blade, witch. Your pet will make a feast for his board! Your magician will conjure tricks for his amusement! The whole of the Vale will burn beneath his banner!"   The strength of the fanatic resurges within the hobgoblin as he finds his steel.   "Your pet might fed on warrior tonight...but then that's all the sooner I will return with Her glory. Every warrior you kill suffers only the first death. The spirits of the holy will rise to fight beside her chosen when She returns!"  
DrK
Leilani shakes her head in frustration,   ”you are annoying. This Vale you speak of will be fine, we shall see to that and all of your friends will be got rid of. We will not be doing tricks for any of you.”  

That said and with the seeming dedication and fanaticism of the hobgoblin she has little interest in questioning it more and instead she’ll hurry down the road looking for the nearest town or village
Athaleon
  "Same drivel as always."   Marik muttered wearily, and turned contemptuously to leave. A moment later he turned back, as though he'd forgotten something, and raised his staff to knock the Hobgoblin cold again.

 
 Spoiler 

If Leilani doesn't stop him, Marik will deliver another nonlethal hit to the hobgoblin. I don't think we'd get anything useful without resorting to methods that Marik wouldn't want to use.
 
Chambers
 Forest Road - Outside Drellin's Ferry 
  "Our torches number in the thousands! They burn brighter than the-"   His boast is cut short as Marik knocks him on the head and the peace of the morning is restored. The road slowly widens as it walks away from the treeline and the forest gives way to orchards and farmland. The road descends into the small town from Marik's brief voyage, one built mostly on the near side of a broad and slow moving river. Six enormous stone piers rise from the water where they once supported a bridge but no span connects them now. Near the remnants of the bridge are long thick ropes that cross the river that drag a flat-bottom ferry across.

As you approach the outbuildings of the town four armed men take notice of you from their shack. Dressed in hardened leathers and mail, armed with spears and swords, the men are wary and alert and more than a little uneasy by the sight of the dire tiger walking alongside you.   "Halt! All travelers must make themselves known before entering the town."   The guard in mail says. He manages to keep his eyes on the pair of you while the spearmen stand behind him and whisper to themselves, pointing at the tiger. None of the guardsmen have their weapons pointed at you but they are standing at the ready.

  "Is that....is that a 'goblin tied to the back of your tiger?"   The mailed guardsman says after a moments consideration.

 
 Spoiler 
I goofed when I was reading the map in the beginning. You've been traveling West this whole time.
 
DrK
Leilani advances towards the guards, a hand to keep her lovely tiger still as she makes sure to keep her hands out in the open. With a wide smile she offers a low bow.   "Greetings to you all. Please do not worry about Solarii, she is a well trained very little friend. She will not trouble anyone here. I am Leilani, this is Maurik. We are travellers, we were assailed by some trouble on the road that had murdered some travellers less powerful than us. We brought one with us as we thought you could peak with him."   

She grins some more.   "An ale, some food and a warm bath would be ideal for us and we would very much like come and rest in your find small town. I will stand surety for my tiger, she just needs a nice horse stall, some warm straw and a few hunks of meat, I can pay."   She adds the last with jingle of her belt pouch , although the outlandish clothes and thin silks despite the old weather along with a pet tiger surely mark her out as an adventuring type.


 
Diplomacy  (1d20+14)[ 18 ] 
 
Chambers
 Forest Road - Outside Drellin's Ferry 

The lead guard listens to Leilani and gives both her and Marik another cursory examination before relaxing his posture the slightest amount.   "Fairly spoken. Welcome to Drellin's Ferry, good lady and sir. I am Sergeant Hersk. At ease, men."   He says the last over his shoulder and the guardsmen break formation and lay their spears against the shack, though they stand near them and keep an eye on the tiger.

Sergeant Hersk sheathes his longsword at his belt and stares at the hobgoblin on the tiger.   "I'm not sure whether Delora has space for your tiger at her livery at the moment, though it wouldn't be the strangest creature she's stabled. As for the passenger we can take him off your hands now if you'd like, or you can deliver him yourself to the Old Toll House. Your preference. Can't miss it, as it's the largest building in town, right next to where the bridge used to be."  
  "You mentioned some victims of him?"   He asks and scowls.   "Unfortunately that's not a surprise. We've always had to be wary of the occasional bandit, but there's been an unusual amount of bands of those like him about these days. My Captain would be grateful for any intelligence you could share about your experience with them. Captain Soranna, you can find her at the Old Toll House."  
Athaleon
  "Well met indeed,"   Marik put in.   "I fear there is more than mere banditry afoot, however. We may as well go to the Old Toll House straight away with this prisoner, and speak to the Captain as soon as possible."  
DrK
Leilani nods,   ”we can take him to the toll house. I look forward to an Ale and I’m sure I can work something out with Delors.”    She heads into Drellin’s Ferry happily lookimg around for some idea of how prosperous this place is.

She waves to the guards as she walks past and looks to the Toll House
Chambers
 Drellin's Ferry 
  "Great. I'll send word ahead, the Captain will be expecting you."   Sergeant Hersk says and turns around to point at one of the soldiers.   "Jamie. Run down and find the Captain, tell her that two travelers are bringing in a hobgoblin prisoner."   The soldier pushes away from the shack and breaks into a trot without a word.   "And ask Delora to clear a stable!"   Hersk shouts to the man jogging away.

  "Well, that's that. Welcome to Drellin's Ferry."   Hersk says and offers a slight bow as you pass the shack. The small town expands before you as you walk down the road. Taking in the whole of the town you don't see more than a few dozen buildings. On your right a ways off the road is small lake with woods behind it. The first real building you pass is in front of the lake, built with fieldstone and wood like the other buildings you can see, though this one has the bearings of a temple. Pelor's holy symbol is emblazoned upon the outer wall declaring the temples allegiance for all.

There are some folks tending to small gardens outside the next few houses you pass, most human but more than one house is definitely sized for smaller folk. Some halfling children shout with excitement at seeing the large tiger but an older relative gathers them up and keeps them off the street as you pass. The halfling woman waves a hello with a questioning look at Solarri and shooes the children back inside.

Further up ahead Jamie stops running and hops into what is probably the Old Toll House as you pass by the town smithy. The steady clang of the hammer is paused for a moment when the apprentice finally gets the attention of the smith to look your way. Hammer still in the air, the smith looks over each of you once and resumes his work.

Past the smithy down the road on the right side is a two-story building that has the looks of an inn, with a large sign on the front of an engraved and color green apple. One weathered old dwarf leans on the railing on the porch and stares at you as you passby. If the dwarfs eyes weren't moving to follow you it might be confused with a statue.

The road splits into a wide circle that runs around a large common green that looks to be the center of town. There are some semi-permenant shack in one corner of the circle and small pens for smaller livestock in another corner. On the other side the green are a few buildings and then the river itself. Jamie walks out the door of the large stone building, the only buildling in town five stories tall and competely made of stone. He points to you and behind him more people come from out of the Old Toll House, a woman in shining breastplate and small cape, two more guardsmen and an older man in fine robes.

The older man is startled by the large tiger - you look behind you to see that other townsfolk are peeking out from their homes to watch you as well - but the woman puts a hand on his shoulder.   "Be at ease, Speaker. I'm sure Sergeant Hersk wouldn't have let them in if the tiger was a problem. I'm Captain Soranna. Jamie here says you've got a prisoner for us to take off your hands."   The Captain has a calm and sure demeanor, one you've come to notice among experienced warriors. Her tone and face are friendly but the smile doesn't extend to her eyes as they meet yours.
Athaleon
A small and mostly Human town, like countless Marik had seen. The Material Plane was full of such settlements, so remarkably  similar  despite the vast distances in between. Yet time and perspective had given him an odd respect for these places, and their people—he'd disdained such backwater towns in his youth, when he thought the Capitol spires he'd grown up around were the height of civilization. He shook off his reverie as they were brought before the Captain.

  "We do have a prisoner for you. And we'd already taken the liberty of questioning him, at least a little. If you'd like to hear us out, we could discuss things somewhere private?"   After a moment, Marik introduced them, as though an afterthought.   "Oh—this is Leilani, and I am Marik. Travelers, indeed."   He waited until they truly were in private before he would give details.
Chambers
 Drellin's Ferry - Old Toll House 

The Captain slowly nods in assent as she finishes whatever private evaluation goes on behind her eyes, then motions to one of the guards.   "Your tiger won't fit inside, but there's a barn on the other side of this building where they can stay while we talk. If that's aggregable, my men here will escort the tiger...what's its name?"  
  "Mar-ik. Lei-lan-i."   The old man says, rolling the words in his mouth as if hearing them for the first time.   "Strange names."   He says and then shrugs.   "Mine is Norro Wiston, the Speaker for Drellin's Ferry. Yes, if you will vouchsafe for your beast then we can have some proper introductions inside. After you, please."   The old man has recovered from the shock of seeing the large tiger and speaks with a smoothness and ease that fits well with his title.

Inside the building the air is cool and pleasant from the morning heat outside. Minor illusionary torches provide the light for large open room which appears to be some sort of court house. Past rows of benches is a larger table on a dais with high backed chairs. Off to the right is the stone staircase leading both up and down stairs. Some more guards are hanging around a door that leads further into the Hall and they stand up when the Captain and Speaker come inside.   "My office is on the third floor above us. If you'll allow me..."   He says as he moves in front and heads up the stairs.

The landing on the second level shows a hallway that splits off into other rooms but Norro closes the door before you can get more than a quick glance. Continuing up the stairs he pulls a thick key from somewhere in his robes and unlocks the door, stepping in and aside to let everyone in. The room covers half the space of the floor and opens out into a balcony that looks over the river. Storage cabinets are lined up against one wall, with tables nearby covered in maps and letters. One the other side of the room is a large desk with half a dozen plush chairs before it in a semi-circle. A servant stands next to a sideboard and quickly begins to assemble a tray of hot drinks, pastries, and sweet meats once he sees you enter. Captain Soranna stands next to the desk and tries to assume a relaxed posture but she isn't very convincing.

  "Please, have a seat. You must be weary from your travels."   He says as he walks in behind you and the Captain, leaving the door open as he goes to sit behind his desk.   "Take refreshment as you would."   He pauses to take a cup of hot tea from the servant - freshly poured - and sips it.   "While there's many things I'd like to ask you, tradition dictates that the guests have the first tale. So please, tell us your story, or ask what story you would have of us."  
Athaleon
  "Our tale is simple enough,"   Marik began. "  We were ambushed by some Hobgoblins on the road northeast of here, but they certainly expected... simpler travelers than us. We defeated the ambush, of course, and made our way here. We found a ruined farmhouse nearby, and I'm sorry to say, five dead men: One who looked a farmer, one who looked a wealthy man, and three guards."   He gave their descriptions, as well as a detailed location of the burial site, as well as he could recall.

  "That Hob we brought in, we tried to question ourselves as best we could. He didn't say much beyond threats and boasting of the strength of his warlord, Azarr Kull, who apparently means to take this town and the whole of the Vale. I can't be certain whether they truly have the strength to pull that off, or if that was just a captive's bravado. But what's especially troubling is that they are devoted to Tiamat—the accursed goddess and queen of evil dragons. As such, they are most likely led by a powerful dragon-blooded mortal, if not an actual chromatic dragon."   Marik let that settle before he continued. After all, he didn't know whether most or all of this was already known to them.
Chambers
 Drellin's Ferry - Old Toll House 

Norro takes careful notes of your descriptions of the victims while the frown on Soranna's face gets deeper as she listens to your tale.   "You buried them?"   Norro asks with a raised eyebrow.   "A touch of grace, to ease their passing."   He says and gives you a deep nod. He sighs before taking another sip from his tea.   "I'm glad that you survived the attack but unfortunately this is not the first ambush we've had. It's been....how long now?"   He says, turning to Soranna.

  "Eleven days. At least twice that in dead or wounded...that we know about."   She says, her fingers tightening around her sword hilt.

  "Yes, eleven. Thank you."   Norro says.   "They're keeping to the outlying homesteads and further along the Dawn Way. They haven't attacked the town, so far, but we've lost too many people as it is. It's not the first time we've had trouble with them, mostly on the other side of the river, but this feels different."  
  "They're scouts, Norro."   Soranna says. Her eyes look past you to some distant memory.   "Their numbers, tactics...it all says there's a larger force some distance behind them. When they finally come down the Wyrmsmoke to our town they'll roll right through us, gods help us."  

Norro clears his throat and sifts in his chair.   "Uh...um, Captain, we don't know for certain how many..."  

Soranna slams her mailed fist onto the desk.   "It's the goddamned horde, Norro!"   She shouts at him.   "The horde! You haven't seen this. You don't know what it's like."   Norro lifts his tea cup to hide his reaction to her outburst and she slaps it out of his hand.   "Everyone here..."   She says in a low voice, suddenly still.   "...is going to die."  
  "That's...well, I mean that's, maybe..."   Norro says, scrambling up out of his seat to put some distance between himself and the Captain.   "Chromatic? Sorry, you said they're a cult of Tia-, the dragon queen? That's not that surprising, the Wyrmsmoke Mountains did earn their name, after all. Uh...Azarr Kull, you said? That name familiar to you, Captain?"  
  "No."   She says, returning to her posture as before, though less stiff and formal now.   "I don't know their names here."   She looks over the two of you again as if seeing something for the first time.   "You said you defeated their ambush, but you don't have a scratch on you. Healing magic would stitch the wounds..."   She says,   "...but there's no rips in your clothes or blood stains from your injuries. Maybe it wasn't an ambush."   She says, her fingers tightening around her sword hilt, a small smile on her face. "  Maybe  this  is the ambush."  
  "Uh, Captain! No, I'm sure that's not, they had the one on the tigers..."   He says.   "Please, settle down Soranna. You're getting too worked up."   He says and pauses.   "Attacking them won't bring her back."   He says quietly.

Soranna holds the fire in her eyes for another long heartbeat before dropping it. All the energy drains from her as she collapses into one of the chairs. Norro comes out from behind his desk and places a hand on her shoulder.   "I'm sorry, please forgive her. She's lost someone dear recently, to these attacks. It's been difficult, for everyone."  
DrK
 Leilani 

Leilani nods sympathetically to the Captain and the Speaker.   "So many... That cannot be allowed to go unpunished."   Tilting her sapphire eyes towards Marik she shakes her head,   "I know we have our quest Marik but this cannot go unanswered. This town and the surrounding communities need our help. Regular goblinoids could be reasoned with but we saw from that one we took with us and their words here these ones are inspired by the Queen of Darkness."  

She swings her gaze round to look at the young Captain.   "You ask why we were not harmed Captain... but listen to our tale. We are from other planes of existence travelling between worlds. My friend Marik here manipulates time itself and I can rain and lightning in great swathes whilst riding my tiger... We are not typical travellers."   She looks at the speaker,   "If you could draw  map or direct us to where some of them have been we can ride out today and start taking the fight to them on your behalf. We ask nothing save a comfortable bed from time to time as we resolve this."  
Chambers
 Drellin's Ferry - Old Toll House 

Captain Soranna doesn't respond to anything Leilani says and just sits with her eyes unfocused, staring out over the river. Norro looks a bit concerned though.   "I'm sorry, did you just say you're from another world?"   The servant - who stood by quietly during the Captain's outburst - also finally reacts and takes a few steps away, back towards the sideboard.

  "I don't...I don't know anything about those matters, but maybe you'd like to talk to our town's mage, hmm?"   Norro ask. He snaps his hand at the servant.   "Go fetch Sertieren."   The servant bows and quicksteps it out of the room and down the stairs.

  "Ah...ahem."   Norro strecthes his neck and clears his throat.   "In the meantime, I do have maps!"   He says and walks over to the other side of the room, motioning for you to follow him. The two large tables are covered with all different kinds of maps from maps taller than either of you that show a painted rendition of the valley to small sketches drawn to assign fields of fire.   "We've been trying to identify where the hobgoblin....horde, could be, and where it might travel to."   He looks behind him to Soranna for any assistance but she's still not responding.

  "Right, I'll start with a brief overview of local ecology and history of the Elsir Vale, going  back a few hundred years to the founding of ..."   Norro says and launches into a long history and explanation of the larger maps. He points out the major settlements in the area, the two largest a town named Brindol further east on the river and Dennovar, the only proper city in the Vale at it's far eastern reaches. A dozen or so named villages are scattered across the Vale and he points out the important geological features.

Wyrmsmoke Mountains:   "Not even the dwarves take the pass through the Wyrmsmokes anymore, too many goblins."  
Witchwood Forest:   "No more than a stone throw across the river, really, but we stay away because of the spirits that haunt it."  
Blackfens:   "Sad remains of what happened to Rhest, just a half-sunken city sinking lower each day."  
Wyvenwatch Mountains:   "No pass goes over those peaks, but some dwarves do live within them."  
Westdeep:   "Wild elves claim those woods and will not suffer anyone else to trespass."  
Vraath Keep:   "An old fortress not far from here that may be a stronghold for the goblins."  
Dawn Way:   "This is our merchants road, the lifeblood of the Vale along with the river."  
  "...and that's how the kingdom of Rhestilor fell two hundreds years ago, burned by a horde that shattered itself against the cities defenses."   Norro says, stopping when he hears steps coming up the stairs. The servant enters the room and steps to the side, bowing to Norro.  "Speaker, may I present Sertieren the Wise." 
  "He knows who I am."   The elderly halfling says, shaking his head as he slowly walks into the room.   "When are you going to move your office somewhere with fewer stairs, hmmm Norro?"   He takes a moment to stop and catch his breath and clean the moisture off his spectacles. His hair is a dishelved mop of white and his robes are clean, except for the ink stains around his sleeves.

Norro smiles and walks over and goes to one knee to gently embrace the halfing.   "When then would you get your exercise?"   The halfling grunts and glances at the still silent Captain but just sighs before turning to face the two of you.   "So. You are the ones who brought the tiger into town."   He says with a smile and gleam in his eye.   "How wonderful! My name is Sertieren. How may I be of service?"  
Athaleon
 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
 Leilani nods sympathetically to the Captain and the Speaker.   "So many... That cannot be allowed to go unpunished."   Tilting her sapphire eyes towards Marik she shakes her head,   "I know we have our quest Marik but this cannot go unanswered. This town and the surrounding communities need our help. Regular goblinoids could be reasoned with but we saw from that one we took with us and their words here these ones are inspired by the Queen of Darkness."   
 

Marik simply nodded agreement. He wasn't totally sure this was unrelated to their quest—evil dragons plagued countless realms, but it was struck him as odd that they would be up against a cult of Tiamat so soon after their last encounter with a Chromatic dragon.


 
 Originally Posted by Chambers 
 Norro smiles and walks over and goes to one knee to gently embrace the halfing.   "When then would you get your exercise?"   The halfling grunts and glances at the still silent Captain but just sighs before turning to face the two of you.   "So. You are the ones who brought the tiger into town."   He says with a smile and gleam in his eye.   "How wonderful! My name is Sertieren. How may I be of service?"   
 

  "They, ah, believed that since the two of us are magic users that you should be summoned—also being a magic user, after all."   He tried to keep the amusement out of his tone.   "Come to think of it... do either of you know anything about a 'Vault' here in the Vale? Or have you heard of some 'Tooth' of legend? We come from very far away, and have very, very little to go on. But I have a hunch that one or both of those may be the true objective of this cult of Tiamat."  
Chambers
 Drellin's Ferry - Old Toll House 
  "Oh ho! Two more odd fellows in town? Delightful."   Sertieren says, clapping his hands together.   "Does the tiger talk then? I've always wanted to talk with a tiger. Is it a deep, growling voice or more raspy, like a, like...well, I guess I don't know what they might sound like. Never heard one talk before!"  

Norro coughs and pats Sertieren on the shoulder.   "Uh, no that's not why I -"     "Don't reckon I've heard of a legendary tooth. Vault though..."   The halfling interrupts Norro and walks over to the maps on the table.   "I'd wager half a crown that you're looking at Vrath Keep. Was a fortress at one time and I've heard rumors of a treasure vault hidden within it."   He points to the Keep on the map and frowns when he notices that it's already circled, then pauses to read the notes.   "Ah. Right."   He straightens his robe and his face becomes somber.   "The Keep may be occupied right now."  

Norro walks over and places his hand on his shoulder again.   "Yes, we've already been over that. I asked you here because - "     "You're from outside the Vale, obviously."   Sertieren says, interrupting Norro again and walking back to the sideboard. The servant pours a cup of tea and hands it to the mage.   "But how far out? Are you really just treasure hunters? What do you know about this cult? Did you stop in Brindol on the way here? There's another fellow there - "     "Gods above, Sertieren!"   Norro shouts, interrupting the halfling. Sertieren looks stunned like he'd just been slapped.

  "I asked you here because they said they're from another world! Talking nonsense about planes of existence! You're the wizard! Do something!"   Norro says, keeping a map table in between himself and the two of you. Sertieren shakes his head to clear it and frowns at the Speaker, then turns towards you.   "I apologize for the Speaker's behavior. Everyone here is under a great deal of stress at the moment..."   He says and lets his gaze linger on the Captain, still in a daze.   "Just for formalities sake to ease his mind, if you'll permit me to divine within your presence?"  

Sertieren says a quick rhyme and snaps his fingers, making his eyes turn blue. He focuses them on each of you and stumbles backwards, crashing into a chair and falling over it. The servant runs over to help him up as the halfling is sputtering.   "No, I don't believe it. Not even Aragathos shines as bright. Are....are you angels?"  
 
 Spoiler 
He cast Arcane Sight.
 
DrK
 Leilani 

Leilani laughs a deep sultry laugh as the old man looks at them both and stumbles back.   "If you must know I am from a far away place named the Shadow Marshes near the border with the Eldeen forest in the north west corner of the 5 nations. Under the 13 dragons I was born but I have long since left that world behind."   As she speaks she pulls up the long diaphonous dress revealing the tatoos and swirling dragonmarks that run all the way up to her mid thigh before being visible again around her upper shoulders.

  "We are not treasure hunters, in truth aside from a curios I doubt you have much of value here for some such as us. But we are dedicated to bringing the light when we travel. We can investigate this keep and see about destroying this cult that has been troubling you. As for the tiger... SHE does talk, but her voice is a sweet whisper."   She smiles at them both.   "Here, this is a downpayment for food and drink for us and my lovely companion, she may require a sheep or two if we are back."    she smiles as pulls out a delicate belt pouch and counts out 20 Brelish crowns, each stamped with the floating towers of Sharn.

That done and glancing at Marik she'll gesture towards the distant mountains.   "If you can point us to the last known locations of the Cult we can scout out this afternoon"  
Athaleon
  "Despite the appearance of this armor spell, no, I am but a man. I grew up in the realm of Avendor, so distant that in truth I could not tell you how far away it lies. I belonged to an order of warrior-magi that... suffice to say, were defeated by a power far stronger than ourselves."   He shook his head ruefully.   "That is why I walk in exile, and why I help fight the good fight where I  can  make a difference."  
  "We can scout, for starters. We should also get word out to the wider world. Is this town part of a larger nation, one that could raise an army in its own defense? Speaking of which, we did  not  come via Brindol. Is that a large city? The seat of a ruler?"  
Chambers
 Drellin's Ferry - Old Toll House 
  "Angels?"   Captain Soranna says, snapping her head up and looking around in confusion. Sertieren flings a hand towards the map table and a quill pops up and starts writing down the words Leilani says.   "Shadow Marshes...Eldeen...13 dragons...."   He says quietly under his breath as the quill bops up and down above the parchment.   "Magnificent markings..."   Serieren flexes his fingers and another quill animates and begins drawing the tattoos on another parchment.   "...Avendor..."   The hafling mutters to himself while the quills scribble away, his gaze locked on the two of you.

  "Uhm...well."   Norro says.   "That was rather embarrassing. Still not sure where you're from...but it seems clear you're not here to add to our troubles."   He manages to say, but still keeping the tables between you and him. Soranna stands up and ignores the mage and the speaker as she approaches Leilani.   "You said you're going to kill these goblins? Get every one of them?"   Soranna points out the window to the smoky mountains in the distance.   "That's where they live."  
  "Yes, we think they're headquartered in the Wyrmsmoke. That's where they've traditionally raided from."   Norro says, finally stepping around the table to come closer and put a slight restraining hand on Soranna's shoulder.   "There was the beginning of a nation, once, with Rhestilor. Now it's independent towns and villages, though Dennovar would be the closest thing we have to a capitol. It's about 180 miles east, following the river. That's where Aragathos, the archmage, lives."  
  "Only in title, Norro. There hasn't been a true archmage since the old tales."   Sertieren says, correcting the Speaker.   "Even he is a torch besides these blazing suns. Uh, wait a moment!"   He says, searching through his many pockets until he pulls out a nub of wax. One of the quills switches to a fresh parchment and he scribbles out a note.   "If you go to him, please carry this letter. I suspect it will prevent some of the difficulties encountered here."   The quill finishes and he lets you read the short note before folding it over and placing the wax on it. He snaps his fingers and the wax melts with an impression of his wizard mark in it.

 
 Spoiler: Sertieren's Note 
My friend, these are NOT angels. They are extra-dimensional travellers! One of them has a talking tiger! Yours fraternally, Sertieren.
 
DrK
 Leilani 

Leilani looks with a sharp glance at the man at mention of "markings" before nodding and smiling at mention of the tiger and their obvious fascination with them as strange extraplanar beings. Looking out towards the mountain her eyes narrow and she nods.   "In the mountains you say. Well then that seems easy enough."   She glances at her colleague,   "Shall we head towards the goblins then and see what we can find. I think that would be more productive than seeking out another archmage to talk of magics few can understand."  

She grins at Norro,   "In truth I only understand magics that explode"  . But she will start to gather her things, a brief smile,   "Sorry, could you send a runner down to saddle the tiger, but a decent chunk of meat for her would be wonderful."  
Athaleon
  "That sounds as good a starting place as any. I doubt capture and questioning will yield any better result than before, so there's little else for it but to go out there and see what we can see. Fortunately we  can  go far, and see further."  
DrK
 Leilani 

Leilani nods,   "If we can get my tiger saddled up we can head out with some rapidity. I'm he'll enjoy the hunting as well"   Leilani says. Looking at the mountains through the windows she stops to smile at them room in general,   "This is an attractive plane and area, wild, uncontrolled and exciting to explore."   she adds. Taking her leave she heads down to the stable to tickle Solarii's whiskers before she vaults into the saddle and nods to Malik who she suspects will be faster than her and starts trotting out of town quickly glittering with glowing magic emanating from her (and the tiger)
Athaleon
  "Vraath Keep seems to be fairly close by,"   Marik pointed out to Leilani on the map.   "I suppose that's as good a place as any to start poking around and seeing what comes crawling out. If it really is a stronghold of theirs, it's likely also a staging ground for a push across the river. I'm still fresh enough to head out straight away, if you are."  

He turned to Soranna and Sertieren next.   "I assume warnings and requests for aid have already been sent across this territory. Once we have more specific information about this Hobgoblin threat, it would be worth sending out another round of messages. Also, I believe it will still be worth seeing Aragathos. As strong as I am in the Talent, I have often found I can still learn more from those with less power but more experience. In turn I'd be willing to provide knowledge to him, or to any Wizard of good character who will aid us in this fight, whatever their strength. The two of us cannot be everywhere at once, after all, and we may well be glad of every torch and candle we can get."  
Chambers
 Drellin's Ferry 
  "Allow me to call the ferry for you."   Norro says as he walks downstairs with you.   "Normally there's a fee, but..."   He waves his hand and walks ahead to the riverbank where a huge capstan is affixed with heavy ropes that span the water. Horses tied to the capstan turn it and move the barge back and forth across the river. The attendant looks like he's not happy about having to accomodate the large tiger but he manages to calm the horses enough so that they don't try to break their restraints.

Norro offers a handshake as you board the ferry and leans in close to speak softly.   "I'm not certain that you aren't running off to your dooms...but that's your business. For what it's worth, I hope you come back."   He steps back and nods as the horses on the opposite bank move their wheel and pull the barge across the river.   "Farewell."  

The trip takes only a few minutes which is enough time for a small crowd to have gathered on the west bank. The half-dozen farmers and other townsfolk give you plenty of room as you disembark and the attendant on this side of the river either isn't as skilled or lucky with his horses as one of them requires his full attention to keep from breaking.  "Just go, please!"  He shouts out to you, waving you off. Some of the watchers go over to give him a hand.

The few buildings on this side of the river quickly give way to farmland with the forest behind it and the Wyrmsmoke mountains looming even further in the distance. It's less than an hours walk to the edge of the forest. Looking back east before heading in, the sun sits high in the noon sky and Drellin's Ferry looks fragile. It's easy to picture the peaceful farming town overrun by the horde, buildings on fire, blood in the streets, dark billows of smoke rising up into the air. A vision both of you have seen before and know too well.

The Witchwood forest in front of you is a pleasant diversion from the thoughts behind you. The Dawn Way road is clear and easy to walk, but off the road is heavy undergrowth with plenty of vegetation and evidence of game. Leilani feels that the forest is healthy and alive and shows minimal signs of clearing from the people of Drellin's Ferry.

 
 Spoiler: Map 
 

You're at the bottom of the map, on the Dawn Way where it enters the forest. It's about noon-ish.
 
DrK
 Leilani 

Leiani hops up atop the massive tiger and walks a few paces into the woods, a hand brushing the trees and bushes that bend and twist towards the druid to feel her touch. She grins at Marik,   "A beautiful place. Vibrant, full of life it is not too infected yet by the Queen of Dragons or her spawn"    she offers the last with a smlie, before nodding to the muddy road and leaning forward into the heavy fur.   "Com y beauty, run"   she whispers and holds on tight as the huge tiger begins loping forward, Leilani keeping eyes amd ears peeled for trouble.

 
Follow the path curving NW
Tiger will hustle (100ft / round)

Spot  (1d20+26)[ 45 ]  Listen  (1d20+26)[ 27 ]  Survival  (1d20+26)[ 45 ] 
 
Athaleon
Marik flew alongside, keeping pace with the tiger. He saw little point to flying higher; in the sky he would be a beacon visible to anyone for miles around who happened to look in his direction, but he would be unlikely to see them beneath the forest canopy.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot:  (1d20+24)[ 26 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+19)[ 36 ] 
 