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>>5338309
"Hold on!" One of Dulner's interjects. A young human woman with platinum blonde hair wearing hodgepodge leathers as armor. "Why come I gotta listen to Drow over there?" The provocative question sparks a discussion between all present. Even the veteran rangers seem skeptical of Willow's judgement. The hunt has yet to even begin, and your leadership is already being scrutinized. Unfortunately, your reaction will also influence how you are viewed by these surface-dwellers.

How, then, do you intend to handle this situation?
>I am feeling magnanimous, so I shall politely explain that I have nearly a century of experience as a commander.
>A hands-on approach is what I require. The two of us will spar, and she will learn some humility.
>[Strength] I strike my most intimidating pose and glare menacingly at her.
>These rivvin test my patience with their stupidity. I will assert my dominance and humiliate her with some corporal punishment.

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Previous Adventures:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Forgotten+Realms+Adventures

The Rules™:
https://pastebin.com/Rh2gHDY1

Jezyrene's Abilities:
https://pastebin.com/mStwuNKy

>>5338311
>I am feeling magnanimous, so I shall politely explain that I have nearly a century of experience as a commander.

I hope this doesn't end up being used as ammo against us, considering she was with Dulnar's group. Wouldn't want people to start talking about Jez potentially being a centuries old slaver.

>hodgepodge leathers
Please tell me that the various people gathered at least have silver weapons

>>5338311
>I am feeling magnanimous, so I shall politely explain that I have nearly a century of experience as a commander.
Willow promised to teaxh us the virtues of non-coercive leadership last thread. Let's see it, then.

>>5338311
>These rivvin test my patience with their stupidity. I will assert my dominance and humiliate her with some corporal punishment.

>>5338311
>I am feeling magnanimous, so I shall politely explain that I have nearly a century of experience as a commander.
>"I also have my reasons to assist Willow, in hope of her willing assistance with something. If you can't believe in my charity, believe in my self interest."

Forest friends time!

>>5338311
>>[Strength] I strike my most intimidating pose and glare menacingly at her

>>5338311
>>5338328
I will support the way this was phrased, sounds rather appropriate.

>>5338311
>>I am feeling magnanimous, so I shall politely explain that I have nearly a century of experience as a commander.

>>5338311
>I am feeling magnanimous, so I shall politely explain that I have nearly a century of experience as a commander.

Seems like we'll be trying the diplomatic approach. Interesting.

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>>5338320
>>5338324
>>5338325
>>5338328
>>5338529
>>5338567
>>5338597
>>5338820
You did not expect to end up being made into an authority figure, though it is hardly surprising. Willow is a senior priestess and appropriately carries herself like an experienced leader. Aside from her, you are the only one present who possesses a measure of serious exposure to battle. A situation may arise wherein you must take charge and turn this ragtag band into an effective fighting force, so you will approach the task as such.

Ordinarily, insubordination of this sort would earn the offender a full hour of discipline from the tentacle rod, but you are in a magnanimous mood. Moreover, Willow alleged that there can be leadership without oppression, an idea you find most novel. From where you stand, this seems like a fine time to experiment with such an approach. You face the blonde and stand tall, speaking at her with an even tone to prove that you are in total control.

"I have fought in wars, even when I was a girl. I Commanded for more than a hundred years. What I know will save your life, rivvil." You conduct a quick inspection of her equipment. She has the requisite silver weapon, an unblemished broadsword resting on her shoulder that no doubt has yet to see any use. At least she got that much right. "You do not have to trust me. But I have a reason to do this, so I will do it right."

"Oh yeah?" She barks. "So what?"

Initially you interpret her dogged insistence as a failure on your part. This changes as you shift your attention away from her and look upon the faces of those around you. The followers of Mielikki seem just that much more assured knowing that you will be fighting alongside them, and even Dulnur's unruly fans seem to grasp the value of legitimate merits. The blonde is put off by the lack of support from her peers, becoming painfully aware that her words come across as naught but empty bluster. Her face turns flush as she tries to deflect some of the attention away from her. "Uhm, whatever. We'll see about that."

At once, the hunting party gathers their supplies and files out of the temple, making to leave the city through its southern gates. Willow is the last to leave, delegating the stewardship of the building to one of the nature-priests in her absence. She walks at a brisk pace to catch up with you. "Handled that real well," offers the priestess, nodding in satisfaction. "Ilanis said ye're a good sort. Gotta admit, I wasn't so sure about'cha at first." You are willing accept that as a compliment, regardless of whether or not she means it, but have nothing to add. Rather, you steer the subject closer to the matter at hand.

>>5339598
"So how are we going to find the black-bloods?" You ask, recalling that the Malarite faith is reclusive and only loosely organized, a query that the High Ranger seems to have anticipated. "Been wonderin' that myself fer a long time," she states, "'bout how we're gonna get 'em. I reckon the deeper we go innawoods, the harder they're gonna try 'n' push us out. They been there fer years, no way they ain't set up a temple." This seemed congruous with their modus operandi, or at least what you've read of it. The less faithful might hide or flee, but Malar's devoted will likely jump at the chance to kill you or die a bloody death while trying.

"And what about getting there?"

"Way I see it, we gots two ways. The fastest way's through the east. Lotta thickets on that side, so it'll be real cramped. Good ta hide in. Dark, too. Other way's the west. More open, but it's all hills 'n' valleys. Got some bog, too. Rough terrain, but nice 'n' open. Good visibility." She watches you expectantly, awaiting your input on the matter. Her expression suggests that she is certain of her own opinion on the matter, but open to new ideas.

"First, tell me what a 'thicket' is."

Willow is in disbelief, taking your confusion for some sort of lighthearted joke until she realizes that it is genuine. What follows is an enlightening discussion of surface biomes, and the different ways to navigate them. Now better equipped to make an informed opinion, you believe that...
>East is best. We can cut right through and hit them where it matters, and these 'thickets' will give us cover to move stealthily.
>It's better to go in from the west. The terrain will slow us down, but we can turn the uneven ground to our advantage.

Let's see if we can apply what we learned last time.

>>5339602
Sure. WE'RE reasonably stealthy. Are all our forces? If not, those thickets are more likely to be sued by the black-bloods AGAINST us.

>It's better to go in from the west. The terrain will slow us down, but we can turn the uneven ground to our advantage.

>>5339602
>East is best. We can cut right through and hit them where it matters, and these 'thickets' will give us cover to move stealthily.
Perhaps we can set up an ambush for one of their hunting teams? If we waft a bit of our perfume over there to lure out a couple, we could kill a few of them and hide the bodies from the others in the thickets.

>>5339602
>East is best. We can cut right through and hit them where it matters, and these 'thickets' will give us cover to move stealthily.

>>5339602
We're entering the territory of the enemy, so they have home field advantage. However, entering the thicket gives the enemy all the advantage for attacking US. One of the tenets of Malars cult is that they never kill from a distance and always taste the blood of those whom they have slain (from last thread).

Logically, this means that we exploit their inability to attack from a distance by entering from the west, in the open terrain. There will be open ground, so we see the attacking enemy from a distance, allowing us to get in ranged attacks. Further, the uneven ground will allow us to position ourselves in good defensive position when we get into a fight.
The enemy prefers hunting in the woods (..The High Hunt must take place once every season by Malar's decree, and all clergy that can walk must participate. A non-believer, equipped with any non-magical weapons and armor they desire, is set loose into a wooded area, surrounded on all sides by faithful. Every Malarite, armed with nothing but a single knife, is tasked with hunting down them down for the glory of their god....")
One of the many rules of war. Don't let your enemy fight on their terms.

I say
>It's better to go in from the west. The terrain will slow us down, but we can turn the uneven ground to our advantage.

>>5339602
>>It's better to go in from the west. The terrain will slow us down, but we can turn the uneven ground to our advantage.

>>5339602
>It's better to go in from the west. The terrain will slow us down, but we can turn the uneven ground to our advantage.

This is their territory, and the followers of Malar know how to navigate and fight in it. Either way, we're not sneaking in there with the amount of people we have, nevermind their specific capabilities. At least the High Ranger's group is full of foresters, who knows with Dulnar's group? Finally, we likely don't have to risk getting shot at from the treeline as Malar's faithful have the whole:
>he commands that his faithful never kill from a distance and always taste the blood of those whom they have slain.
As per the description from the book Amaranth gave to Jez. The hope is that these are hardcore cultists and will just charge us in an open area. If not, then it's still better than being stuck in cramped areas in unfamiliar territory.

>>5339602
It's better to go in from the west. The terrain will slow us down, but we can turn the uneven ground to our advantage.

>>5339602
>>It's better to go in from the west. The terrain will slow us down, but we can turn the uneven ground to our advantage.

Vote closed. Late update, since I'm playing D&D today.

>>5340341
Have fun, QM!

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>>5339606
>>5339609
>>5339616
>>5339652
>>5339786
>>5339976
>>5340179
>>5340279
The ambush is the staple tactic of Underdark warfare. The impossibly vast network of unlit caverns allows for complex stealth maneuvers on both the defensive and offensive, opening opportunities for all who possess the knowhow to execute them. But these foresters and adventurers with you are no hardened rangers. You reason that they need open space and defensible positions, especially against belligerents who thrive in melee.

"West. Malarites fight up close. That uneven ground is what we need to fight back," you conclude. Willow inclines her head and allows your advice to settle in her brain, digesting it slowly as your group leaves Everlund and takes to the road. She never responds to your assessment, but the pensive look on her face tells you that she is giving it serious consideration. Whether you've changed her mind or reinforced her original decision, what is clear is that you have influenced her.

The hunting party keeps to the road leading south for several days, leaving it behind to round the southern border of the forest. Solid ground gives way to soft earth, at times splotched with pools of cool mud. You walk for eight, ten hours daily, setting camp to while the remainder away playing games and chatting about your surroundings. Willow teaches you how to play poker (a 'card game' which curiously involves no actual poking) and explains that the bladed moss which blankets the surface is in fact referred to as 'grass.'

Further still you journey, inevitably venturing into the rugged woodland. Grassy inclines and rocky hills lead into murky pools of stagnant rainwater teeming with insects and plant life, shielded from the sun by the thick canopy that casts an oppressive pall over the tranquil Silverwood. For hours, you navigate the perilous landscape without incident, a pervasive quietude prevailing all throughout. Something is wrong - fauna make noise. Even the bats and the arachnids of the Underdark are not soundless.

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>>5340630
As you begin to ascend a steep slope, the terrified screams of many from the rear of your group confirm your suspicions. You draw your weapon and search for the cause, setting eyes on a pair of formidable bipedal canine creatures that each stand a head taller than the average human male. One has what you believe to be a bloody neck clamped between its jaws, sprinting for concealment behind a nearby tree. The other dashes for a terrified adventurer, hoping to draw fire from its compatriot and claim a victim of its own. Having lied in wait for this very moment, a group of half a dozen rat creatures wielding knives enters your peripheral vision from atop the slope in front of you, set to charge. Your party is now being attacked from both ends, it seems.

Ready or not, the hunt is on.
>[Strength, Attack] I need to cut us a way up to higher ground. Being in a more defensible location will increase our chance of victory significantly.
>[Agility, Attack] These canine werebeasts seem much more dangerous than the rodent ones. I'll see if I can fight them back while everybody else moves to a better position.
>[Perception] It seems that they are attempting to encircle us. Can I spot a weakness in their tactics that we can exploit?

https://pastebin.com/mStwuNKy

>>5340631
>[Agility, Attack] These canine werebeasts seem much more dangerous than the rodent ones. I'll see if I can fight them back while everybody else moves to a better position.

>>5340631
>[Perception] It seems that they are attempting to encircle us. Can I spot a weakness in their tactics that we can exploit?

>>5340631
>>[Perception] It seems that they are attempting to encircle us. Can I spot a weakness in their tactics that we can exploit?

>>5340631
>[Perception] It seems that they are attempting to encircle us. Can I spot a weakness in their tactics that we can exploit?

>>5340631
>[Agility, Attack] These canine werebeasts seem much more dangerous than the rodent ones. I'll see if I can fight them back while everybody else moves to a better position.

>>5340631
>>[Agility, Attack] These canine werebeasts seem much more dangerous than the rodent ones. I'll see if I can fight them back while everybody else moves to a better position.

>>5340631
>>[Perception] It seems that they are attempting to encircle us. Can I spot a weakness in their tactics that we can exploit?

Vote closed. Update as soon as I can get to it,

Rolled 11 (1d20)

(Perception 12) Success on 12 or lower.

Let's see if Jez can think her way out of this one.

Rolled 19, 16 = 35 (2d20)

>>5341847
(Strength 8, +3 Pack Tactics) vs (Defense 18) Hit on 3 or lower. (x2)

The wererats make their move.

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>5341860
(Agility 12) vs (Defense 12) Hit on 10 or lower.

Alas, nothing comes of it. Does their friend fare better?

Rolled 5 (1d6)

>>5341868
That's a hit!

Last roll this round.

>>5340655
>>5340693
>>5340710
>>5340972
>>5340985
>>5341239
>>5341350
You scan the environment, searching for some flaw in the beasts' tactical decisions that can turn the battle to your advantage. The hunting party is on an incline, being harassed from both ends, and there are precious few moments until the wererats above you enter the melee. To your left the ground is craggy and slick with condensation. Moving up or down it would be a hassle and likely require the use of both hands to traverse. As for the right, the ground appears more level, but this is an illusion - the area is speckled with muddy earth and mossy ponds that will no doubt hamstring the mobility of any foolish enough to move through it. The only viable ways off of the slope are up and down.

Ordinarily, this would be a miserable circumstance to find yourself in. The conditions are ideal for the enemy to pelt you with spells and arrows from both sides as their melee fighters keep you tied down, the perfect recipe for a massacre. Yet your opponents are far from ordinary. It appears that the lore you studied accurately described habits of the Beastlord's faithful. Predictably, they insist jumping into the fray to bloody their hands with little regard for their own lives. Ironically, this puts them in a situation where you may hold them at two narrow points, giving those of you with missile weapons the opportunity to pick them off undisturbed.

"We gotta get to the top!" Barks Willow, motioning for the group to follow after her as she hurries toward the wererats, chanting a spell while doing so. You feel the influence of Mielikki wash over you, a sensation which can best be described as being filled with the crisp air of a chilly evening. You grab her by the shoulder and shake your head, offering her some crucial advice. "Stay here. This place is good. Fighters on both sides, archers in the middle." She is, understandably, bewildered, but ultimately defers to your experience.

"You heard the lady! Get to it!" She shouts, prompting all present to quickly reposition themselves.

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>>5342138
Closing the gap, six wererats thrust at you with their worn knives from multiple angles, positive that at least one will hit. Expertly, you deflect them one after another without so much as moving from your spot, much to their chagrin. Another scream pulls your attention back to the rear. Shifting your stance to get a view of both sides of the battle, you see the young woman who spoke against you in the Evergreen Hall splayed out in the mud, her bowels spilling out from a gaping wound in her abdomen. Blood on its claws, the vicious dog-thing stands over her, poised to pounce on its next target whilst its companion moves in. Joining is a third, who is currently moving in from afar.

The foresters are preparing to fire a volley under Willow's supervision while half the adventurers move to engage the wererats up close. The remainder, however, seem reluctant to become entangled with the canines after witnessing the horrific death of one of their own, assuming defensive stances.

Your move.
>[Strength, Attack] Time to test this 'katana' weapon. I'll begin by butchering these vulgar rodents.
>[Will] Oh, for the love of- I suppose I must encourage these contemptible adventurers to fight proactively.
>[Agility, Attack] Forget the humans and half-breeds. Let's see how I fare against these canine creatures.

https://pastebin.com/mStwuNKy

>>5342140
>[Will] Oh, for the love of- I suppose I must encourage these contemptible adventurers to fight proactively.

>>5342140
>Oh, for the love of- I suppose I must encourage these contemptible adventurers to fight proactively.

>>5342140
>>[Will] Oh, for the love of- I suppose I must encourage these contemptible adventurers to fight proactively.

>>5342140
Hah, I knew open terrain was the right call!
>[Will] Oh, for the love of- I suppose I must encourage these contemptible adventurers to fight proactively.
>also the person who talked shit is already dead
Naturally
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXTQeSGJjGM

>>5342140
>[Agility, Attack] Forget the humans and half-breeds. Let's see how I fare against these canine creatures.
Forget thee chumps, JEZ has got this!

>>5342140
>>[Strength, Attack] Time to test this 'katana' weapon. I'll begin by butchering these vulgar rodents.

>>5342140
>[Agility, Attack] Forget the humans and half-breeds. Let's see how I fare against these canine creatures.

I think we can trust the rest to deal with the wererats considering that they have silver, but those werewolves are just going to keep tearing through everyone unless someone stops them.

>>5342140
>[Will] Oh, for the love of- I suppose I must encourage these contemptible adventurers to fight proactively.

Rolled 1 (1d20)

(Will 11, +3 Bless)

How about some good ol' fashioned discipline?

Rolled 10, 14 = 24 (2d20)

>>5343268
(Strength 12) vs (Defense 12), Hit on 10 or Lower. (x2)

Lucky. But will you stay lucky?

>>5343268
>crit success for rallying speech
Looks like we're gonna' be getting more respect around town when all this is over. Maybe even at the Stag!

Rolled 3 (1d8)

>>5343277
One hit. Any damage will do!

Rolled 17, 6 = 23 (2d20)

>>5343280
(Intellect 12, +3 Favored Enemy: Lycanthrope) vs (Defense 12) Hit on 13 or lower. (x2)

Let's see if our foresters hit anything.

Rolled 2 + 3 (1d6 + 3)

>>5343282
That's one!

We'll now move to the enemy phase.

Rolled 19, 4 = 23 (2d20)

>>5343290
(Strength 8) vs (Defense 12) Hit on 6 or lower. (x2)

The wererats try to fight their way through...

Rolled 2 + 1 (1d4 + 1)

>>5343293
... with moderate success.

>>5343295
(Strength 14) vs (Defense 12) Hit on 12 or lower.

Last goes the werewolf...

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>5343296

Rolled 1 + 1 (1d6 + 1)

>>5343297
There will be bloodshed.

Things are going better than I expected so far. Update as soon as I can.

>>5342244
>>5342297
>>5342496
>>5342576
>>5342597
>>5342834
>>5342875
>>5342890
A tenday ago, you would never have envisioned yourself playing nursemaid for a group of rookie mercenaries, doing battle against a cult of savage madmen in a cool forest, counting humans and half-breeds and dwarves among your allies. How the times change. The adventurers under your charge are reluctant to do their part, and you intend to rectify that immediately.

The canines - were-'dogs,' you assume - are both stronger and more agile than the typical humanoid. Picking off Dulnur's ilk one-by-one should prove facile for them. The best tactic against superior opponents is to encircle and overwhelm, and the Stag's regulars would not accomplish this by holding their ground and puffing their chests.

Breaking away from the wererats, you march up to the rear group and kick one of their number in the buttocks. "Get fighting!" You roar, watching as each of them spares you a frightened glance. "Standing still is dangerous. Flank and attack! Avenge your dead or join them!" Your admonishment is not appreciated, but the outrage lights the fire in their hearts needed to commence a counterattack.

"She's right! Are we just going to let them get away with this?"
"Come on lads! Let's show them what's what!"
"For Tempus!"

Boldly they rush forward, striking at the dog-things from multiple directions. Meticulously, the two of them bob and weave their way through the veritable wall of weapons, until one of them is struck in the abdomen by a mace, vomiting blood as it reels from the blow. The other only manages to graze its attackers before being driven back by their determined assault.

"Now!" Cries Willow, directing her archers to fire a salvo of missiles toward the Malarites fighting at the slope's nadir, killing the injured canid while deterring the other two from approaching; a successful maneuver. Over at the top, the wererats are preoccupied with the adventurers you wisely positioned at the incline's zenith. Though they did inflict a few superficial injuries on your comrades, they have managed no significant progress in breaching the frontline.

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>>5343499
The situation is more than ideal. Your battle lines are holding, the enemy must assault your position using clear chokepoints and can be assailed by missile weapons without issue. It is unknown just how many werebeasts are lurking in these woods, but so far it seems certain that they cannot commit the manpower to break your ranks. If you can keep up this momentum, the attrition will destroy them. All-in-all, your stratagem has proven incredibly effective.

Good things never last.

A piercing whistle cuts through the mayhem of the conflict, signaling a withdraw. The canids heartlessly abandon their wererat cohorts to their fate without so much as a thought, choosing to make a mad dash for the trees until they vanish into the woods. Without the pressure that their erstwhile allies provided, the rodents are immediately killed down to the last, leaving only you and yours standing.

Your eyes scour the environment for the one who issued the order to retreat. Willow places a hand on your shoulder, pointing off into the distance. "Ye see 'im?" She asks, highlighting a moss-covered outcrop, atop which stands a musclebound human adorned in a selection of feathers and bones meant to look ornate. Regarding you with a nod, he wanders off. "That's our priest." She spits.

"Ha, they're running! We got 'em good!" Affirms one of the foresters confidently.

No, that is not it. The priest tempers their bloodlust with his wisdom. The black-bloods are in their element when attacking from stealth or pursuing in a chase. He understands that they will lose a sustained fight against a coordinated force, and pulled his subordinates away from the skirmish so that they could attack again under conditions better suited to their strengths. You mustn't think of this as a hunt, but a war, and fight accordingly.

>>5343501
"Gonna be a long hunt," grumbles the High Ranger. "Reckon we should get goin'. More daylight we burn, the more danger we're gonna be in, 'n' there's lots of ground we gotta cover." Releasing you, she stares down at the eviscerated young woman. "That was some quick thinkin'. When ye told us all ye'd been through this kinda thing..." she trails off, unable to find the right words. "Anyhow, whaddaya think we should do next?"

Your group has sustained minimal casualties, and a few members have supercifial injuries. It is currently midday, and everyone has the energy to push deeper into the Silverwood. What's the plan?
>There is not a moment to waste. This is the best time to continue advancing toward our goal.
>Caution shall rule the day. Let us secure a defensible position now for when night inevitably falls.
>Have the scouts survey the area for any abnormalities before we proceed further.

>>5343505
>Have the scouts survey the area for any abnormalities before we proceed further
Better not to be here when night falls, if we can help it. If it can't be avoided, then maybe the scouts can identify a good place to camp while they're also (more importantly) checking for traps.

>>5343505
I'm not sure just how much Malarites are willing to use traps, seeing as they abhor even using ranged weapons, but if they are willing to use traps (you know, god of the hunt and all that), it would be prudent to scout that stuff out. The various foresters/rangers should hopefully have enough experience spotting that sort of stuff.

At the same time I'm also a bit worried that sending out scouts would just lead to them getting immediately killed from stealth. Would Jez or anyone in the group know about Malarites views on traps?

>>5343505
>Caution shall rule the day. Let us secure a defensible position now for when night inevitably falls.

>>5343505
>>There is not a moment to waste. This is the best time to continue advancing toward our goal.

>>5343505
>Caution shall rule the day. Let us secure a defensible position now for when night inevitably falls.

>>5343505
>>Have the scouts survey the area for any abnormalities before we proceed further.

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>>5343527
There is sufficient information to answer this question. You just need to be pedantic enough.

>>5343505
>There is not a moment to waste. This is the best time to continue advancing toward our goal.

>>5343501
>There is not a moment to waste. This is the best time to continue advancing toward our goal.

I'm going to assume that the Malarites won't bother with traps, as he is described as the god of the savage wild.

>>5343505
>>There is not a moment to waste. This is the best time to continue advancing toward our goal.
Let's go!

Going boldly. Update as soon as I can get to it.

>>5343512
>>5343577
>>5343610
>>5343631
>>5343739
>>5343853
>>5343914
>>5344270
"We should keep going." Morale is high, the group is in fighting condition, and you believe it wise to fulfil your objective here as soon as you are able. The question of what to do with the remains of the dead comes up. For the Ilythiiri, the traditional answer is to pit them in a mass grave or leave them to rot - the most venerated of your culture are allowed the privilege of having their skin made into exquisite leathers and their bones put on display in the nearest temple, though you have reason to believe that it is better not to propose this. Willow takes the time to mollify them with prayer, assuring them that their souls are off to their just reward, whatever it is that entails.

Their setback did not discourage the Malarites from making further attempts on your lives. On the contrary, they seem emboldened by the challenge, waylaying your group sporadically as you journey onward. At the least, for every one of your number that they manage to snuff out, you are able to pay them back by inflicting five or six times as many casualties. The black-bloods have no compulsion against courting death, and the rodents especially seem to be treated as expendable, herded to their demise en masse by their stronger peers without a care. These are not committed attacks - they are probing for weaknesses and working to tire you out.

Moving ever onwards, you all march through a shallow, silty lake at Willow's insistence. 'We can cut through some hills this way,' she claims as she drags the group though waist-deep sediment. The regular Malarite attacks cease as you wade through the murky waters; no great surprise, considering that the terrain would make it difficult to close in on your party to engage in a skirmish. An eerie peace now hangs oppressively over the Silverwood, granting you a welcome respite from the dogged savagery of the Beastlord's cult. Indeed, one might be inclined to say that it is too peaceful. In your time here, you have yet to see a single wild animal, save the flies and leeches.

At long last, you reach the shore and find your way onto solid ground. The High Ranger wastes no time in drawing everyone's attention. "See that there?" She asks nobody in particular, pointing toward what seems to be a dried-up river that once flowed into the hills, creating a natural valley ages ago. "That leads ta the heart of these woods. Reckon if the black-bloods got a temple somewhere, it's gotta be there. No civilized folk're ever gonna see that place."

>>5344896
Judiciously, you scrutinize your surroundings for alternatives. Moving over the craggy hills that flank either side of the valley will be grueling, but the alternative is entering an enclosed region ideal for preparing ambushes. Nearby, nestled in the stony landscape is the mouth of a cavern, its smoothed edges telegraphing that it is not entirely natural.

It is late in the afternoon, by your estimate. The marginal losses you have sustained thus far are not weighing heavily on the group, who remain inflamed by your encouragement. What would you like to do?
>We're pushing directly into the valley. This needs to be done before nightfall, and we are quickly losing daylight.
>The cavern seems like it's worth investigating. We may even be able to rest there, should it come to that.
>Traveling along the edge of the valley will take longer, but it is safer. We have enough rope between us to abseil to the bottom.

>>5344900
>The cavern seems like it's worth investigating. We may even be able to rest there, should it come to that.

>>5344900
>The cavern seems like it's worth investigating. We may even be able to rest there, should it come to that.

Familiar territory for Jez. As for what is done with dead bodies, I would assume that adventurers of all people have no specific expectations for their corpse considering the variety of areas in which they're likely to die, but maybe that's the player in me speaking. It's always been something I've been curious about, but I've never seen much regarding funeral rites in the Forgotten Realms outside of spells to prevent necromancy.

>>5344900
>We're pushing directly into the valley. This needs to be done before nightfall, and we are quickly losing daylight.

>>5344900
>The cavern seems like it's worth investigating. We may even be able to rest there, should it come to that.

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>>5345038
Much like real life, that depends on where you are, how much money you have, and the religion handling the rites. Priests of most faiths (even evil ones) are usually willing to step up and take care of it, often for a... "generous donation."

>>5345092
Huh, I always assumed that the government/various churches would step up for the simple reason of preventing bodies from fucking up well water, preventing disease, and preventing easy access for necromancers, whereas the churches would be obligated to care for their faithful, especially seeing as the gods are interventionist enough to throw spells to their more zealous followers.

>>5344900
>>The cavern seems like it's worth investigating. We may even be able to rest there, should it come to that.

>>5345107
This is very general, but if you're an impoverished commoner in a big city, the best outcome you can hope for is to have your body thrown onto a cart and hauled out to a monastery where you're buried in a fairly spartan grave. Usually some monks will hang around the area to bonk any undead that happen to rise up.

Of course, there are also places like Westgate, where nobody will bat an eye if a necromancer drags a corpse off to experiment on it.

>>5344900
>The cavern seems like it's worth investigating. We may even be able to rest there, should it come to that.
Do we have any numbers on how many people are in our hunting group?

>>5344900
>>We're pushing directly into the valley. This needs to be done before nightfall, and we are quickly losing daylight.

Vote closed. Update when I can.

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>>5344933
>>5345038
>>5345063
>>5345075
>>5345120
>>5345211
Right now, there are a little more than thirty people, Jez included.
>>5345806
Torches lit, you venture into the rocky cavity after pointing it out to the rest of your company. The underground is a familiar setting to you, and your superior vision in the dark will no doubt give you the upper-hand should you encounter some hostile creature. As you observed from afar, the tunnel was fashioned by sapient hands; the walls and ceiling are meticulously smoothed, and a chiseled staircase littered with wererat skeletons leads into its depths. Descending down steps splattered with dried maroon and decaying organic matter, you unexpectedly enter a picturesque grotto illuminated by sunlight filtering in through gaps in the hills. A quiet brook fills a pool of clear water at its center, around which is a ring of level ground.

What would be a serene bastion divorced from the outside world is sullied by the decayed corpses scattered about in all directions. From what you gather, the majority are deceased werebeasts - the rats, of course, with the remains of canines and hunched, burly creatures with tusks that you have never seen before joining them. Now and again you stumble across the skeletons of slender humanoids dressed in simple cloths and leathers, clutching rusted blades and decomposing bows in their dead hands. Elves, no doubt. Each and every one of them, regardless of how they perished, inexplicably share a set of claw marks that mar the left sides of their face.

"Trophies," sighs Willow, using the extended fingers of her left hand to mimic the motion of a claw removing one of her own pointed ears as she sneers. "Sick bastards." Sensing no immediate danger, the group fans out to explore. A good many adventurers see this as an opportunity to catch their breath, refilling their waterskins and washing their boots in the grotto's crystal waters.

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>>5346351
You decide to do some exploring of your own, taking a stroll around the pool's perimeter. Encircled by the bones of ten dog-things is the perfectly preserved cadaver of an Ilythiiri woman in rusted armor slumped against the wall. You kneel and rest your hand on her throat - were it not for her chilled flesh and absent heartbeat, you could have easily made the mistake of believing her to be unconscious. In the iron grip of her cold, dead hands is a thin, elegant sword of milk-white steel which radiates unusual power. An attempt is made to wrest it from her grasp on your part, to no avail. Merely touching the relic causes agonizing pain to shoot up though your hands all the way to your spine, yet your body is miraculously unharmed.

Directly above her is a mural depicting Eilistraee, the Dark Maiden, mid-dance, which has been crudely painted over with blood. Now it is obscured by the image of a feral animal's claw, the holy symbol of Malar. Piece by piece, you are coming to realize what transpired in this place. A struggle between two opposed faiths for the right to inhabit the Silverwood, culminating in a victory for the People of the Black Blood.

Mielikki's priestess looks over the desecrated grotto, taking in every sight with quiet hatred. She did mention that she had worked together with Eilistraee's priestesses in the past. It could be that she even knew many of the fallen who were struck down here. The remainder of the group is simply relieved to stop and refresh themselves for a moment, and you cannot deny that you are not as energetic as you were in youth.

What will you do?
>It will not hurt to relax here for a short while, and wash away my travels in these waters.
>Perchance there is someone else who can take that sword from the dead woman?
>[Will] I've yet to make up my mind about Eilistraee, but she may be willing to help me avenge her fallen.
>[Intellect] There must be something practical that I can learn from this place.
>We have wasted enough time here. My curiosity is satisfied, so we should hurry along.

>>5346359
>[Will] I've yet to make up my mind about Eilistraee, but she may be willing to help me avenge her fallen.

>>5346359
>[Will] I've yet to make up my mind about Eilistraee, but she may be willing to help me avenge her fallen.

>>5346359
>Ask Willow if she knows who the Drow woman in the armor was.
>[Will] I've yet to make up my mind about Eilistraee, but she may be willing to help me avenge her fallen.

>>5346359

>>It will not hurt to relax here for a short while, and wash away my travels in these waters.

>>5346359
>[Will] I've yet to make up my mind about Eilistraee, but she may be willing to help me avenge her fallen.

>>5346359
>Perchance there is someone else who can take that sword from the dead woman?
>[Will] I've yet to make up my mind about Eilistraee, but she may be willing to help me avenge her fallen.

>>5346420
Actually, might as well ask about what the tusked bodies are called, and what animal they’re based off of.
>”Oh, that’s a were-boar.”
>”Okay…”
>”…you don’t know what a boar is, do you?”
>”Not a clue.”

>>5346359
>Perchance there is someone else who can take that sword from the dead woman?

>>5346359
>>It will not hurt to relax here for a short while, and wash away my travels in these waters.
>>Perchance there is someone else who can take that sword from the dead woman?

>>5346359
Try to clean the blood off the mural, pray to Eilistraee asking for the chance to avenge her follower's deaths, and try to pick up the sword again.

>>5346359
>[Will] I've yet to make up my mind about Eilistraee, but she may be willing to help me avenge her fallen.
"Eilistraee, Dark maiden, protector of the exiled Ilythiiri, though I do not know you well, give me a sign and let me see to a honorable burial for your priestess. Let me do this so her soul might pass into the afterworld, and so that I might understand you better." [Muttered in a half prayer / whisper before the corpse]

Seems like a good place to start.

And hell, ask Willow later if she recognizes the drow woman

>>5347101
Oh, and cleaning up the murial as >>5347069
says makes extreme sense, in addition.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

(Will 11) Success on 11 or less.

Jezyrene Tries It: Prayer

>>5347204
We've had some ridiculously good luck in this thread. Here's to hoping it doesn't run out!

Update when I can get to it.

>>5347206
I'm glad it worked this time, since it's related to (potential) character development!

Well holy shit I'm surprised we're even getting anything with this, could've sworn that Eilistraee died some time around now.

>Jez becomes one of Eilistraee's faithful
>Eilistraee dies
>Jez ends up as one of the False
can't win

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>>5347314
Eilistraee is still alive at this point. She actually just naps for a century after being "killed," which involved a bunch of convoluted events that aren't important for this quest, then wakes up and continues business as usual when 5th Edition rolls around because Wizards and many players agreed that everything 4e was a mistake.

Of course, people can still vote to have Jez commit to a different deity or continue without one, but the Realms are the kind of setting where the gods throw bricks at atheist's windows.

>>5347340
>the gods throw bricks at atheist's windows.
And those bricks would probably be made out of atheists souls themselves.

>>5347350
Quite literally just another brick in the wall.
>>5347340
Ah yes, let us just make all previous sourcebook info irrelevant, kill off fan favorite characters, just straight up remove various areas, and fuck up the gods. Gotta make the game readily accessible by a new playerbase despite dm's already being capable of playing fast and loose with the lore when necessary. 4e, how fun!

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>>5346395
>>5346407
>>5346420
>>5346450
>>5346459
>>5346471
>>5346791
>>5346833
>>5347069
>>5347101
You place the bottom of your boot against the skull of the tusked creature, inspecting the skeleton. "What is this?" You ask no person in particular, not expecting a reply. "That there's a wereboar. Heavier than they look. Real monsters up close, these ones," answers Willow, expectorating a gob of mucus that lodges itself perfectly in the creature's eye socket. You incline your head toward her and raise an eyebrow.

"Bow-ar?"

"Well, yeah. Ain't ya got boars down under?"

"No."

Willow's eyes widen. It is as though she has become aware of some terrible truth that she cannot console with. What follows is a lesson in surface zoology. Allegedly, a boar is an omnivorous, massively built mammal known widely for its resilience, related to the much more familiar domesticated pig. She goes on to explain that a wolf is in fact the feral ancestor of the domesticated dog. Up to this point you had simply assumed that the were-'wolves' belonged to some wretched bloodthirsty breed of dog unique to the surface, but it seems you were mistaken.

A strange whim possesses you. Using the pool's fresh water, you take the time to wash away the symbol of Malar that was painted over Eilistraee's image using the vital essence of the dead however long ago. The half-breed even makes the effort to assist you, a surprising though welcome source of aid that greatly expediates your task. Why is it that these surface-dwellers insist on giving you so much? They are under no compulsion to do so. Such foolishness.

The minutes are lengthy, and the work tedious, but it is complete. The Dark Maiden dances unashamed beneath the full light of a pale moon on the blackest of nights. It is as though the art could step out of its boundaries and perform for you here in this very grotto. Standing upright, you clear your throat and, uncharacteristically, attempt a prayer. Prayers to Lolth are elaborate, demanding offerings of riches, and sacrifices, and a list of oils and incenses, lest one risk the displeasure of the Weaver of Chaos. Whether or not the same holds true for Eilistraee, you cannot say, though a measure of leniency would be most welcome.

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>>5347611
"Eilistraee, goddess of the Ilythiiri who inhabit this roofless world, bestow upon me your favor, that I might dispense bloody vengeance in place of your priestesses. I quest now to slay forth a river of red, to ensure the only remnants of Malar and his slaves in this place shall be their carrion and the lingering memory of their dying agony. My every kill will be as a sacrifice in the honor of you and your faith, if you would only show me some sort of sign." You whisper each word in your native language, silently fearing that you will be smitten on the spot for your insolence.

Fluttering through the air, a silver-tinged moth lands itself on your nose. You exhale sharply to blow it away, but the insect simply repositions itself atop your right shoulder. Again, you try to send the thing off, swatting at it with an open palm. The moth flutters through your fingers and nestles itself in your hair, much to your frustration. "D'aww. I guess it likes ya," chimes Willow, who observed the entire display. You scowl.

Nothing happens. You were neither destroyed where you stand nor given any sort of sign of the Dark Maiden's favor. In the end, you decide it must have been a wasted effort, and gesture at the immaculate corpse of the Ilythiiri woman. "Did you know her?" You ask Willow, who in turn squints at her. "'bout as well as I knew any of 'em, probly. They 'n' us, we only talked a little. This one, her name was Tal-... Talay-..." The priestess throws her hands up in frustration. "I jus' called her Tally. She led the rest of 'em, sure 'nuff. We promised we'd share the Silverwood. Wish she didn't go out like this."

You brush your finger against the blade of the woman's sword, suffering the same pain you did once before. Nursing your hand, you glance at your companion. "Can you take it?" Gripping it with both hands, Willow mightily pulls on the weapon's hilt; futile. Neither it nor the corpse budge at all, but the priestess did not seem to suffer any hurt in the slightest. Whatever the reason for this anomaly, it is the sort of question that none but a mage could answer.

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>>5347613
Wiping the sweat from your brow, your eyes wander upwards. It is early in the evening, and you've still an objective to fulfil. The way forward is clear to you, but you've still yet to determine how you will proceed.
>Cutting directly through the valley is the fastest way to the inner forest.
>We'll go over the hills and rappel into the deepest part of the woods.

>>5347616
>"So, does this... (points to moth) count as a forest friend?"
>We'll go over the hills and rappel into the deepest part of the woods.
If we fight the Malarites in a valley our bowmen lose their ranged advantage.

>>5347616
>We'll go over the hills and rappel into the deepest part of the woods.

Jeez Jez, you really don't think silver moth going after you the second you offer an oath isn't a sign? As for the sword, I bet it's some sort of anti drow weapon, perhaps something that damages those who's souls are sworn to Lolth in the end.

>>5347616
>>We'll go over the hills and rappel into the deepest part of the woods.

>>5347631
I'll support this.

Sidenote: Is the silver moth continuing to stick by our side? Can't wait to see Jez face when she talks a scholar/priest/mage about the significance.
Maybe she can get a silver striped tabby further down the road
Even if Jez doesn't get it, it's a good start.

>>5347616
>>We'll go over the hills and rappel into the deepest part of the woods.

>>5347616
>We'll go over the hills and rappel into the deepest part of the woods.

>>5347616
>>We'll go over the hills and rappel into the deepest part of the woods.
Eilistraee wouldn't be my first choice but if it works

>>5348508
Who would be your first choice as an escaped Drow? Eilistraee is a very in character choice considering Jez's proclivities.

>>5348508
I mean, Eilistraee’s a Drow dancer who’s big on swordplay, the arts, and actually acting like a mother to a race where most of them have mothers that constantly innovate in the field of abusive parenting. That would be quite a few boxes that would fit what Jez would like in a higher power. The only other options for her in the Dark Seldarine besides Lolth and Eilistraee is a necromancer, a roguish thief type, and a weird kid in the back row who’s like if a school shooter got combined with a serial onanist.

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>>5347859
Look at the boons section of the character sheet.

>>5348508
You aren't formally pledged to Eilistraee yet or anything. We'll get a chance to interact more with the surface pantheon and maybe take a liking to one of them later. There's also an entire pantheon for dark elves, but their cults are preoccupied with important tasks in other regions right now.

Vote ends here. Late update as today is D&D day.

>>5347631
>>5347643
>>5347778
>>5347859
>>5347906
>>5348257
>>5348508
Time is a commodity that you cannot afford to squander, though you decide the risks of incaution are too great. Reluctantly, you and your band put the grotto behind you, making sure to resupply your water reserves along the way. Try as you might to rid yourself of the infernal moth that now roosts in your glorious white mane, it is to no avail; you will simply have to... live with the damned thing until you return to Everlund.

The hilly land is a chore to travel, even with the benefit of Willow's insight into the ways of the woods. On the ascent, rock faces prohibit straightforward movement, forcing you to slow down and climb when able, else take the time to find a way around when you are not. The descents are less taxing, though no less time-consuming, as you must often search for a suitable way down. All throughout, the Silverwood retains its tranquility, however uneasy, as the sun begins to set, signaling the encroachment of the night.

The hike come to an end as you reach an overlook, offering a striking view of the twilight washing over pristine forest. The densely wooded region below is enclosed on all sides sans one, its canopy so thick that you suspect that even at high noon the sunlight which reaches the ground is minimal. It is an ideal hunting ground, a fitting place from which to worship the Beastlord. Following Willow's instructions, you all begin driving pitons into the precipice, securing enough rope to each to provide a vertical route to the bottom.

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>>5349683
Having patiently awaited the opportune moment to retaliate, stalking the hunting party from afar, a menagerie of lycanthropes emerges from concealment. Werewolves and wererats find cover behind trees and stones, keeping you encircled without advancing as they send forth another variant of their accursed ilk; four stocky tusked creatures sporting a grotesquely disproportionate amount of muscle mass barrel across the ground in your direction, determined to hit something or die valiantly in the attempt. These must be the 'wereboars' that you were told of, evoking panicked yells from hunter and adventurer alike.

The half-breed, who stopped issuing orders to take a drink from her waterskin, sprays her company with a fine, lukewarm mist, entering a coughing fit as she frantically tries to catch her breath. She is saying... something, but whatever that may be, you don't have the time to interpret her babbling. In moments, the wereboars are guaranteed to run you down with their sheer bulk unless action is taken immediately.

As expected, yours is the coolest head present. Whatever it is you intend to do, it will have to be done quickly.
>The traditional way is best. We will dig our heels in and fight them back while our archers make their way down right now.
>[Agility, Acid Flask] If I could just hit the feet of the wereboar at the front of their charge with this...
>[Performing Combatant] It is risky, but I think I can lead the creatures away to give everyone else the chance to escape.

>>5349687
>[Agility, Acid Flask] If I could just hit the feet of the wereboar at the front of their charge with this...

Really, this is a perfect situation for a druid to use one of their many crowd control environmental manipulation spells. Either way, they can't leave cover without getting shot by our various archers, so they're sending in the wereboars to break our lines and cause havoc. They need to be dealt with now, and there's no way we'll be able to climb down with them watching us like this. They would just be free to attack us while everyone is fucking about with ropes to get down.

>>5349687
>[Agility, Acid Flask] If I could just hit the feet of the wereboar at the front of their charge with this...
We still have those cookies, right?

>>5349687
>>[Agility, Acid Flask] If I could just hit the feet of the wereboar at the front of their charge with this...

>>5349687
>[Agility, Acid Flask] If I could just hit the feet of the wereboar at the front of their charge with this...

>>5349687
>>[Agility, Acid Flask] If I could just hit the feet of the wereboar at the front of their charge with this...

>>5348587
>Look at the boons section of the character sheet.
It's funny, I had looked but missed it before. Thanks! Plus, it's in our mane now. Cool.
>>5349687
Twelve in agility... I assume that's good.
>[Agility, Acid Flask] If I could just hit the feet of the wereboar at the front of their charge with this...
Effectively this would be, toss the acid flash before them while we dig in our heels to give time for our archers to show up. Given that Jez is the only one tossing the acid flask and everyone else is available.

>>5349687
>>[Agility, Acid Flask] If I could just hit the feet of the wereboar at the front of their charge with this...

Rolled 19 (1d20)

(Agility 12) Success on 12 or lower.

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Looks like Black Bess is finally paying us a visit. Update when I can.

>>5349744
Correct.

>>5349723
>>5349744
>>5349751
>>5349767
>>5350135
>>5350339
>>5350545
Halting their advance is your greatest priority. Hurriedly, you fish through your backpack, procuring a chemical flask filled with a liquid that possesses the viscosity and color of vomit. A well-aimed throw could stop their charge dead in its tracks, you reason, provided you are able to hit the right location. Fixing your stance and drawing your arm back, you hurl the acid at the approaching Malarites, leaving the outcome to fate.

The flask sails through the air, flying wide of its intended target. Shattering against a nearby tree, its corrosive contents eat away at the trunk until it gives way with an explosive crack and topples. Your acid and a handful of priceless seconds which could have been put toward preparing to meet their attack head-on, wasted. The faint sounds of a madwoman's maniacal laughter are barely audible in the distance, carried to your ears by a cold, unsettling wind.

Their stout frames belying their impressive strength, the wereboars collide with the impromptu battle line that has formed to cut off their stampede. A half-breed woman is hit squarely in the torso by the leader's shoulder barge, which sends her rolling off the edge of the cliff to her demise, as a human man is sandwiched between the awful creature's body and the shield of his comrade standing a step behind, gored to death by its tusks in an instant.

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>>5351321
Reasserting control just in time is Willow, who has caught her breath. "Get movin'! Hurry it up!" She barks, practically pushing her juniors and the nature-priests off of the ledge the moment she gets their hands on the rope and gives pointers on how to best descend. "Hold 'em back jus' a few more seconds! Won't take even a whole minute to get to the bottom!" She exclaims to no one individual.

The wereboars prove to be daunting fighters up close, mercilessly battering your frontline as the werebeasts who had at first sought cover now creep forward while your less melee-inclined comrades make a hasty retreat. All-in-all, your situation is not ideal, but ultimately salvageable.

There must be something you can do to turn the tide in your favor...
>[Strength, Attack] We need a direct solution right now. The only thing to be done is to cut them down one by one.
>[Agility, Attack] Flanking will take some of the pressure off of our own fighters. The trouble is getting behind the beasts.
>I will tell these whelps to withdraw with the others and take up a defensive stance. I am capable enough to hold these creatures back by my lonesome.

https://pastebin.com/mStwuNKy

4channel kept eating my posts yesterday, but everything seems to be fine now.

>>5351492
>[Agility, Attack] Flanking will take some of the pressure off of our own fighters. The trouble is getting behind the beasts.

>>5351492
>[Strength, Attack] We need a direct solution right now. The only thing to be done is to cut them down one by one.
We’ve got 14 in Strength versus 12 in Agility, let’s go with the one that has a slightly better chance to succeed.

>>5351492
>[Strength, Attack] We need a direct solution right now. The only thing to be done is to cut them down one by one.

Can we do a whirlwind attack right now?

>>5351760
You sure can.

>>5351492
>>5351760
>[Strength, Attack] We need a direct solution right now. The only thing to be done is to cut them down one by one.
>Whirlwind Attack - Choose to spend 4 Power. Your Defense increases by 4 for one turn, and you make one free attack against every enemy in melee range. Alternatively, spend 4 power to perform a mesmerizing sword dance that can captivate and entertain when not in combat.

updating vote to include whirlwind

>>5351492
>>[Strength, Attack] We need a direct solution right now. The only thing to be done is to cut them down one by one.
>>Whirlwind Attack - Choose to spend 4 Power. Your Defense increases by 4 for one turn, and you make one free attack against every enemy in melee range. Alternatively, spend 4 power to perform a mesmerizing sword dance that can captivate and entertain when not in combat.

>>5351813
Support

>>5351492
>[Strength, Attack] We need a direct solution right now. The only thing to be done is to cut them down one by one.
>Whirlwind Attack - Choose to spend 4 Power. Your Defense increases by 4 for one turn, and you make one free attack against every enemy in melee range. Alternatively, spend 4 power to perform a mesmerizing sword dance that can captivate and entertain when not in combat.

>>5351492
>[Strength, Attack] We need a direct solution right now. The only thing to be done is to cut them down one by one.
>Whirlwind Attack - Choose to spend 4 Power. Your Defense increases by 4 for one turn, and you make one free attack against every enemy in melee range. Alternatively, spend 4 power to perform a mesmerizing sword dance that can captivate and entertain when not in combat.

>>5351492
I'll call the vote here. Hopefully the site doesn't have another hiccup and we can shift back toward a more regular schedule.

Rolled 19, 17, 10, 1, 13 = 60 (5d20)

(Strength 14, +3 Art of the Blade) vs (Defense 13) Hit on 14 or lower, x5 from Whirlwind Attack

Let's see some violence.

Rolled 3, 2, 4, 1, 4, 3 = 17 (6d4)

>>5352712
Three hits! First two numbers are doubled.

Rolled 2, 1 = 3 (2d20)

>>5352715
(Strength 16, +3 Ferocity) vs (Defense 18, +4 Whirlwind Attack) Hit on 7 or lower. (x2)

The wereboars fight back against Jez!

Rolled 5, 6 = 11 (2d8)

>>5352721
Two lucky hits. Is the adventure over?

Rolled 15, 16 = 31 (2d20)

>>5352724
(Strength 12) vs (Defense 13) Hit on 9 or less.

The adventurers engage in a fighting retreat. Last rolls of this round.

Yeah, this is why you shouldn’t tempt RNGesus on how well things are going.

>>5352712
>>5352715
>>5352721
>>5352724
>>5352730
These boars are fucking us up. Goddamn!

>>5351539
>>5351690
>>5351760
>>5351813
>>5352130
>>5352214
>>5352281
>>5352588
'L'alurl abbil zhah dosstan' is one of the most fundamental proverbs among the Ilythiiri: it roughly translates to 'The best trusted friend is yourself.' If one wants something done right... "Move!" You yell, shoving aside the rookies to combat the wereboars directly. Your katana yearns to taste blood for the first time. Drawing it from its lacquered sheath, you assume an aggressive stance and let it rest in your hand, hoping to intuit the best way to employ such an exotic armament. Holding it in both hands feels wrong. Holding it in one feels... more wrong.

Twirling your sword sword as you search for a gap in their defenses, you cut a wide path through the air which one of your opponents manages to duck under, the katana's edge lodging itself in another's tusk. The beast retaliates, slamming its body against your torso as you wrench the weapon free, sending you reeling back from the crushing blow. In the past, you have fought orcs and ogres time and time again, but these wereboars are compact slabs of muscle and weight the likes of which you have never squared up against.

Redoubling your efforts, you dive back into the fray, now with a greater understanding of your weapon's balance. Magnificently, you separate a Malarite's head from its body with a single stroke, leveraging the momentum to split jugular of the adjacent wereboar, showering you with the rank ebon ichor from which the name of their sect is derived. The two lifeless carcasses drop unceremoniously as a third foe aims to flank you. Conserving your speed, you whirl in place and puncture its abdomen, tearing a gruesome laceration that leaves you drenched in entrails from the waist down. A sure-kill.

In death, the stubborn creature continues the battle. Tenaciously, it finds the strength to ram the whole of its bulk into you with its dying breath, dragging its intestines across the ground as the both of you tumble closer and closer to the cliff, smothering you in viscera and partially digested meat. Dismissively, you shove it off of your person and into the forest below, rising to your feet. Awed by your prowess, ally and enemy alike gawk at you.

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>>5353274
"Now"
"After 'em!"
"Don't just stand there, ya idiots!"

The mob of rapacious young adventurers swing their mismatched weapons at the last living wereboar. Most catch air and only that, and the few hits that do find their target are glancing blows. This, however, does not mean that the Malarite has any intention of risking their life further - shamefully, the creature maneuvers itself outside of the range of their weapons, withdrawing further in fear of being pursued. With their most redoubtable fighters cut down or sent into a retreat, the People of the Black Blood hold their position, awaiting an order to renew their offensive that never arrives.

A cheerful whistle cuts through the tension. It is Willow, who beckons you to follow after her as she begins descending down the rope. "Sindi, we ain't got all day. Get o'er here quick." Nodding your head, you firmly take a rope in both hands and commence your meticulous descent into the darkest depths of the Silverwood.

The amount of adrenaline in your blood begins to taper off with the conclusion of the fight, bringing the damage sustained by your body into your awareness. The pain... is not unbearable. You have been more hurt, even as a girl. Mother doubled or even tripled the punishments whenever she was dissatisfied with your conduct. On days when she was in a cruel mood, she even had you stripped down and hosed with acid for no reason whatsoever.

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>>5353276
Not even a minute goes by, and your feet find their way onto the soft earth again. This enclosed misty valley is darkened by its thick canopy, most of all now during sunlight's final hours. The humans of your group are quick to light torches to offer some limited visibility under these conditions, lest they be caught by surprise. Two of the nature priests check in on the survivors of the recent encounter to mend wounds and screen for lycanthropy.

Inevitably, they approach you, offering to ease your pain. At a glance, they somehow deduce that you have not contracted any sort of curse. As for matters of healing...
>I have no clue why I am letting them put their hands on me, but I will allow the nature priests to tend to my injuries. [Restore 4 Health.]
>Am I supposed to trust these tree-worshiping cultists? I purchased potions as a precaution, and I am content to rely on them. [Restore 7 Health, Potion of Healing]
>I am going to swallow my pride and accept any healing that I can get. [Restore 11 Health, Potion of Healing]
>It is, how do these surface-dwellers say is? 'A flesh wound?' I am fine as I am.

>>5353282
>I am going to swallow my pride and accept any healing that I can get. [Restore 11 Health, Potion of Healing]
Waste resources, get dead. It's a natural law.

>>5353282
>I am going to swallow my pride and accept any healing that I can get. [Restore 11 Health, Potion of Healing]
>Give a nod of thanks to the tree priests.

Never hurts for a DPS type to be on good terms with their party's healer.

>>5353282
>I am going to swallow my pride and accept any healing that I can get. [Restore 11 Health, Potion of Healing]

Rather silly to not accept, plus we're clearly the greatest melee combatant here considering the consistently poor showing from these adventurers so far. Not everyone can be a centuries old elf who dedicated their life to the sword, but holy shit. Just adopt shield and spear tactics, this is the perfect enemy for that type of stuff, especially considering that the Malarite's have repeatedly shown to not bother throwing AOE spells at our grouped up adventurers.

>On days when she was in a cruel mood, she even had you stripped down and hosed with acid for no reason whatsoever.

Holy FUCK

>>5353282
>It is, how do these surface-dwellers say is? 'A flesh wound?' I am fine as I am.

>>5353282
>I am going to swallow my pride and accept any healing that I can get. [Restore 11 Health, Potion of Healing]

>>5353282
>>I am going to swallow my pride and accept any healing that I can get. [Restore 11 Health, Potion of Healing]

hope we get two handed weapon fighting

>>5353282
>>I am going to swallow my pride and accept any healing that I can get. [Restore 11 Health, Potion of Healing]

>>5353282
>>Am I supposed to trust these tree-worshiping cultists? I purchased potions as a precaution, and I am content to rely on them. [Restore 7 Health, Potion of Healing]

>>5353282
>>I am going to swallow my pride and accept any healing that I can get. [Restore 11 Health, Potion of Healing]

Voting closed. The next update should be out in a few hours.

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>>5353299
>>5353309
>>5353369
>>5353421
>>5353552
>>5353565
>>5353637
>>5353718
>>5353935
Experience has taught you to be suspicious of aid given freely, and relying on none but yourself has been something of a matter of pride in your life up to this point. It could be that the stressful transition to a new lifestyle has stricken you with some bizarre brand of insanity, or that you are, scarily enough, unwittingly adopting surfacer attitudes, but you choose to accept their healing. The power of the land mends your bruised ribs, and you supplement it with one of the healing potions you purchased to bring yourself to peak condition.

The High Ranger leans against a tree as injuries are mended and embellished stories are swapped, clicking her tongue at regular intervals while looking upward. A small mammalian that resembles a rat clambers across the bark, perching itself on her shoulder. She offers it a dried berry and chirps, accompanying the noises with hand signs. "What is this?" You inquire, pointing at the creature.

Willow folds her hands contentedly as a powerful smirk takes over her face. "This here's a squirrel. Says he's willin' ta take us ta where the black-bloods take their meals, 'n' help us steer clear of ambushes, too. We're gonna get goin' as soon as our folk catch their breath." The creature voraciously gluts himself on the offering. "Squirrel..." you repeat under your breath. One of Princess Summerbreeze's forest friends. Talented rangers of the Realms are able to converse with fauna, a fact you learned during your brief attempt to apprentice as one during your adolescence, but in the end the demands proved too much. You do not consider yourself squeamish, but the prospect of subsisting on maggots and drinking your own urine to survive on a regular basis turned you away from the lifestyle.

>>5354273
Thankfully, you happen to have a capable ranger right in front of you. If you've any questions to ask the animal, this could be your only opportunity to do so. You may choose no more than three.
>Exactly how many werebeasts are there in the Silverwood?
>That priest, is he a werebeast too? What kind?
>Where are all of the other animals? The Silverwood seems empty.
>People that look like me used to live here. Do you know if any survived?
>Do you know of anything that can help us on our quest?
>[Write-in.]

>>5354275
>Exactly how many werebeasts are there in the Silverwood?
>People that look like me used to live here. Do you know if any survived?
>Do you know of anything that can help us on our quest?
Afterwards, offer the squirrel some of our iron rations (especially the nuts) as thanks, then see about swapping some of our own stories with Willow as a form of camaraderie.

>>5354275
>Where are all of the other animals? The Silverwood seems empty.
>People that look like me used to live here. Do you know if any survived?
>Do you know of anything that can help us on our quest?

>the prospect of subsisting on maggots and drinking your own urine to survive on a regular basis turned you away from the lifestyle.
Always funny to see what Jez believes to be normal due to her being from the underdark

>>5354275
>>Exactly how many werebeasts are there in the Silverwood?
>>Where are all of the other animals? The Silverwood seems empty.
>>People that look like me used to live here. Do you know if any survived?

>>5354275
>Exactly how many werebeasts are there in the Silverwood?
>People that look like me used to live here. Do you know if any survived?
>Do you know of anything that can help us on our quest?

>>5354275
>Where are all of the other animals? The Silverwood seems empty.
>People that look like me used to live here. Do you know if any survived?
>Do you know of anything that can help us on our quest?

>>5354275
>That priest, is he a werebeast too? What kind?

I will end the vote here.

>>5354300
This is actually a pretty significant thing to do, so it will have to be put to a vote later, even if the choices have been trending in this direction.

>>5354300
I shall support.
Wonder how Jez would feel about getting a pet or a mount if we strike it rich.
Do Drow have an equivalent of horses in the underdark, would she have any riding experienes? I doubt driders fill that roll

>>5355475
duh, nevermind, missed that voting was over.

>>5355475
In Forgotten Relms, the Drow of Menzoberranzan tend to use giant riding lizards as mounts when on patrol, due to spiders being holy symbols of Lolth. The Drow believe using large spiders as mounts would risk the Weaver of Chaos’s wrath, assuming that she’d see it as an insult to her. Powerful members of the ruling houses, meanwhile, often use driftdisks, floating stone platforms enchanted with Tenser’s floating disk, for transportation, cargo carrying, and sometimes even as a bed for trysts.

Pretty sure Jez has done that last one as a power move against her sisters more than once.

>>5354300
>>5354340
>>5354553
>>5354557
>>5354724
>>5354906
>>5355475
You're in luck anon, I needed a tie-breaker. As mentioned, drow ride giant lizards, and Jez has been trained in mounted combat, though it's a bit different than how we understand it since they have to fight in three dimensions.
>>5355649
This would earn a Fortune but we're still sitting on one.

"Ask it how many werebeasts are here," you command. Willow elevates an eyebrow and scrutinizes you curiously, though does not object. She clicks and whistles, trading thoughts with the squirrel in a language that only they share. The animal squeaks vigorously in turn, its tail sometimes twitching in emphasis. "Says most of 'em left the valley on a hunt today. Figure those're the ones that kept tryna jump out at us."

Not too bad. You have culled a fair few of their number in skirmishes on the way here, and slain three of their best warriors. If the group that you have been fighting up to this point has been the majority, then you have done measurable damage to their numbers. "I have another question," you glance back and forth between the High Ranger and the mammal. "Ask him about the Ilythiiri that were here."

"The Ily-whuh?" That's right. The lies of the traitors have totally obfuscated the truth of your people from the surface-dwellers. They know you as 'Dhaerow,' their own word for 'traitor.' "Drow," you spit the word as though it is anathema. "Ask about Drow." They share more chatter in the exotic ranger-speak. "They went ta the silver moon," she offers cryptically. The depiction of Eilistraee showed her dancing under the light of a celestial body. Is it meant to be some sort of euphemism for their afterlife?

"They died?" Another quick exchange between the two.

Willow shakes her head. "Mm-mmh. They went ta the silver moon." Briefly, you consider trying to pry more information from the creature. No, it is a wild animal, of course it only has a rudimentary understanding of the world around it. In any case, it is the first real lead you have regarding the location of Eilistraee's priestesses. You will have to find the 'silver moon' if you intend to continue your search. "Right," you huff. "Can he tell us anything else to help us?"

>>5356070
Diligently, she relays your question and interprets the reply, shrugging nonchalantly. "Says he buried some mushrooms fer the cold season, if ye want 'em." Leaning toward the animal, you narrow your eyes and stare it down as he grooms himself without a care. "Something that we can use against the werebeasts," you snarl. Willow guffaws, slapping you on the shoulder. "Sindi, sweetheart, it's a squirrel? Poor critter don't even know why the black-bloods're here." She takes the squirrel in her hand and sets it down. "Now let's get goin'."

Twilight completes its transition into night as your group makes your way through the dead silence of the deepest Silverwood. Those who lack the gifts to see in the poorly illuminated surroundings huddle close with their torches raised and weapons drawn. At the front of the formation is the squirrel, who leads the way as you and Willow wordlessly keep pace.

The concept of 'friendship' has occupied your thoughts often as of late. Even before your flight from the Underdark, the hypothetical was not unknown to you. There is a word for 'friend' in your own language, 'abbil,' though it is almost exclusively used sarcastically. Any Ilythiiri who survives past childhood understands that betrayal can happen at any moment. Trust is foolish, so much so that even showing your exposed back to someone is viewed as an act of courting death.

Yet, you have reconsidered a great many things as of late. Curiosity may well get the better of you. If nothing, it could do no harm to... talk, with the High Ranger. But what is there to discuss?
>Nothing can compare to a good war story. We can trade tales of our most glorious exploits.
>Mayhaps we can gossip about the unique struggles of the stronger sex. Males need not apply.
>Complain about home and kin. There is no woman alive who does not hate her sisters!
>It is a mistake to occupy myself with such foolishness. Let us get this hunt over with.
>[Write-in.]

>>5356075
>Complain about home and kin. There is no woman alive who does not hate her sisters!

Nice, time to watch Jez complain about being brutally tortured while Willow becomes increasingly horrified. Just curious, how good is Jez's infravision now that she has to deal with sunlight? Or do you write Drow as not having it?

>>5356075
>[Write-in.]
>Talk about the respective beasts of the overworld and the Underdark.
Ought to be a good learning opportunity for the both of us.

>>5356070
Hey, I was useful! And thanks for verifying the useufl info in >>5355649
>>5356075
>>Complain about home and kin. There is no woman alive who does not hate her sisters!
"How did you grow so skillful in communing with the wild creatures of the world - or in the ways of battle, high ranger? Was it because of or in spite of the torture passed down by your mother as you grew up? How many of your siblings were you forced to fight before coming of age?"
[Overly earnest] "I wish to learn more of the surface world's Den-family politics."

Obviously, after the poor ranger is horrified and does a "oh honey" over Jez, we move to proceed with the hunt.

>Also ask her if it's possible for anyone to learn to speak with animals, ANY animals...

>>5356070
>This would earn a Fortune but we're still sitting on one.
For the explanation on the riding animals and vehicles of the Drow and the prohibition on riding spiders, or for giving you an idea for an antigravity sex bed?

>>5356075
>Complain about home and kin. There is no woman alive who does not hate her sisters!
Especially when they decide to sacrifice our favorite escort to Lolth. Vierna didn't even clean up the mess she made on our personal driftdisk! We had to make our house staff to clean it up before we could take it out for the nedeirra* we had arranged that evening for our hundredth birthday, and we're damn sure there were rumors flying about it during the dinner.

*Drow style dancing competition, complete with faerie fire, music, heated steam spa, and food.

>Willow commiserates regarding annoying family members
>Willow: Yeah, getting some kids to behave is such a chore
>Jez: Oh, did you use the acid hose?
>What?
>What?

>>5356075
>>Complain about home and kin. There is no woman alive who does not hate her sisters!

>>5356075
>Complain about home and kin. There is no woman alive who does not hate her sisters!

More specifically, supporting >>5356097

>>5356075
>>Mayhaps we can gossip about the unique struggles of the stronger sex. Males need not apply.

>>5356075
>Mayhaps we can gossip about the unique struggles of the stronger sex. Males need not apply.

Vote closed.

>>5356091
Dark elves gradually adapt to the daylight but retain a diminished vision of their infravision like their surface cousins.

>>5356152
The part about riding lizards, of course.

>>5356969
I thought dark elves were the only ones that had infravision, whereas the other elven subtypes only had low light vision (darkvision)

>>5357110
If I'm not mistaken, Forgotten Realms canon is that their ability to see in the dark is tied to having a sort of mystic sixth sense for the spiritual shape of things rather than, like, more rods in their corneas or whatever.

>>5357113
I can't say I remember the reason as to why they have it, I just remember drow infravision being described as actually seeing heat hues, whereas other elf subraces don't have that as part of their darkvision package.

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>>5356091
>>5356095
>>5356097
>>5356152
>>5356158
>>5356522
>>5356547
>>5356571
>>5356750
"So," speaking up, you wade into the uncharted waters of friendship. Attempting to build a rapport between yourself and someone else is a first, and not a comfortable one. "In the dark with a roof over the world," you mutter nervously, looking up at the canopy which obscures the night sky beyond. "It reminds me of the Underdark. Where I am from." Did that sound stupid? You cannot help but wonder if you are making a fool of yourself and lower your profile, anticipating some sort of rebuke.

"Ain't no place like home," hums Willow wistfully. "I came from the Heartlands, 'round Berdusk. Grew up in a farm village that didn't even have a name. Wasn't fancy, but I wouldn'a traded it fer all the Realms if I coulda stayed there forever." She glances at you for a moment before facing forward, following the squirrel as he leads you up a series of jagged stones that form a natural staircase. "Ya ever get ta missin' home, Sindi?"

"Maybe," you shrug ambivalently. It was Ilanis who asked you a similar question, to whom you could not provide a definitive answer then either. "I do not like it, but I do not hate it. My family made it hard to stay. Mother, and my sisters, always causing problems."

"I know whatcha mean. Ma always gave me a hard time, 'cuz I was a forest child even way back. She wanted me ta settle down with a good man 'n' have a hundred li'l crotch goblins, but that just ain't me. Sometimes Uncle Dorrin would whoop me with his belt when I got caught sneakin' out innawoods late at night, but I kept doin' it anyway." She chuckles. "Can't take the wild outta the woman, I guess."

Finally, someone who understands! "Mmh. Mother used to whip me and put salt on my wounds when I quit my priestess training. Three times every day." Subconsciously, you touch the web of scars that defile your back. "I still became a warrior. The best warrior in our family. She hates me for it, but I am glad," you confidently proclaim. There is something... cathartic, about speaking of yourself. At no time in the past have you spoken so candidly. This fresh air must be poisoning your brain, or some such phenomenon.

"Sindi, ya ever think yer ma mighta been real fucked up ta ya?"

"No?"

>>5358101
"Shar's Sphincter, lady. Ya mean ta tell me it don't bother ya?" She peers at you for three seconds, moving her attention over to the squirrel. again. You nod. "My young sister got more punished than me. And Mother let my old sister punish both of us." The High Ranger rolls her shoulders. "She sounds like a crazy bitch," says Willow, "uh, no 'ffense er nothin'. Do they jus' build y'all different where yer from?"

"Maybe."

Serendipitously, you soon discover that you have more in common with the priestess than you initially suspected. Both of you pursued careers against your mothers' open disapproval, however different. You learn of the demanding outdoorsman's trade, of how it takes years of dedicated practice to not only live off the land, but understand it. In turn, you tell of the ancient martial traditions that you spent centuries refining. Inquiring about her ability to converse with animals, she explains that it is possible to convey simple ideas with enough training as a ranger, but any substantial exchange requires a minor divination spell. A shame - your affinity for the art of magic is... tenuous.

The squirrel squeaks and runs in a circle, scurrying off into the night. Immediately, the priestess brings the group to a halt, and signs at her rangers, who promptly begin putting out torches. She says nothing, motioning for the hunting party to remain still and keep quiet as she closes her eyes and listens for activity.

A robust baritone voice fills the empty air of the Silverwood from a location obfuscated by densely placed trees and shrubbery. "Is this how you honor the Huntlord who has claimed these woods by right of single combat? Come to me openly, and not by stealth." Daringly, Willow creeps forward and peers through the leaves, scrunching her face when she sees whatever lies beyond. You do the same, drawing your weapon in anticipation of what you will face next.

>>5358106
There, in a wide, moonlit forest clearing, stands the priest - the Huntlord, as he calls himself - encircled by inward-curving fang-shaped stones arranged to resemble the maw of a carnivorous animal. Rich with the stench of beasts and the ferrous stink of dried blood, the land is bestrewn with the bones of uncountable animals, an entire forest's worth of kills. At the center, a flat rock caked in layers of maroon functions as some sort of primitive altar, upon which the severed ears of perhaps a hundred dead Ilythiiri rest as a tribute to the Black-Blooded Pard.

Behind him, in the trees opposite to the clearing, the dull glow tens of lycanthrope eyes monitor the situation. Poised to attack at any moment, they obediently await the commands of their leader. A surprising show of restraint - the Huntlord must be mighty indeed if these Malarites submit to his authority so readily. "The smell of the city wafts from where you stand. I can taste the fear of your reckless youths, and the stink of meddling goddesses. Come to me, I say again, and tell the rightful ruler of the Silverwood why you trespass in his forest."

Your comrades ready their weapons and exchange nervous looks. The High Ranger herself seems to be appraising the situation, unsure of the best course of action. It falls to you to make the first move, then.
>We attack! Now is our chance to kill them down to the last black-blooded cur!
>I challenge him to a duel, to dispute his claim as master of this forest. His dogma forbids him from refusing.
>I volunteer myself as prey for the High Hunt. There is one for every season, is there not?

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>>5357110
>>5357113
This is one of those things that they keep changing every edition, so who really knows.

>>5358108
>I volunteer myself as prey for the High Hunt. There is one for every season, is there not?
I wonder if it would be cheating if we took shelter at that silver moon the squirrel mentioned? If only we had a guide to lead us there... (looks meaningfully at the silver moth sitting in our hair)

>>5358108
>>I challenge him to a duel, to dispute his claim as master of this forest. His dogma forbids him from refusing.
I think Jez is a better fighter than a stealthy person, which is why I vote fight rather than volunteering for the hunt.
Mind you, I can't think of an appropriate reward for Jez to ask for if she wins either. See: "The High Hunt must take place once every season by Malar's decree, and all clergy that can walk must participate. A non-believer, equipped with any non-magical weapons and armor they desire, is set loose into a wooded area, surrounded on all sides by faithful. Every Malarite, armed with nothing but a single knife, is tasked with hunting down them down for the glory of their god. Should the prey escape the boundary or survive for a full day and a night, however, they may never be hunted again and can ask any boon of Malar's priests that does not involve the murder of a Malarite."

Plus, we got paid to wipe them out, not delay and hold a single man hunt on one of us.
>"Thou unkept cur of a Malarite, thou pretender of the hunt, I challenge thee to a duel to prove who is stronger, the hunter above or beneath the soil. Malar commands his faithful to always taste the blood of those whom they have slain. I have come to taste yours from my blade
I also suggest we use a fortune point to murder the everliving shite out of this fool

>>5358108
>I challenge him to a duel, to dispute his claim as master of this forest. His dogma forbids him from refusing.

While the High Hunt does sound cool I just don't like our odds fighting potentially multiple lycanthropes at once, even with a silver weapon. Hopefully this doesn't end up with the rest of the Malarite's getting into positions to ambush the rest of our host once all is said and done. Or hell, if they just ran away after the duel that would also be bad as the goal was to get rid of the infestation. Can't exactly leave them to start up another cult.

>>5358108
>>I challenge him to a duel, to dispute his claim as master of this forest. His dogma forbids him from refusing.

Is this to the death?

>>5358108
>I volunteer myself as prey for the High Hunt. There is one for every season, is there not?

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It's time to duel. Voting stops here.

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>>5358139
>>5358147
>>5358158
>>5358588
>>5358853
Courageously, you push through the leaves and enter the clearing, saluting the Huntlord with your weapon. "I'm going to fight you. You against me. Only us two."

"WHAT?!"

The whole of the hunting party breaks into chatter. Willow scrambles forward and drops her weapon, placing both of her hands on your shoulders. "Did gettin' tackled by that wereboar scramble yer brains, lady?! All them folks..." she trails off, staring at the collection of Ilythiiri ears that rest on the bloody altar. "Ye ain't thinkin' straight! Now come on, we gotta work together if-" you throw her hands off and step toward the Huntlord, bold words on the edge of your tongue.

The deep bellow of snarling laughter rumbles across the land, succeeded by the howls of a great many lupines, aborting your would-be monologue. An overwhelming wave of supernatural dread washes over you as you detect the presence of a ravenous being evaluating you as its next meal. Against your will, your body turns to bring it into your field of view.

Perched atop an outcropping with a full view of the clearing is a man-high felid beast, lithe and relaxed in its mannerisms in defiance of the foreboding stream of blood that seems to flow endlessly from its tousled black fur. Accompanying it are a hundred black-furred wolves, all at the peak of their health and eager to kill. You remember the illustration in Amaranth's book, but it was a pale facsimile of the truth. Malar, the Lord of Beasts, god of bloodlust and stealthy pursuit, has arrived in the flesh to spectate your duel with the Huntlord.

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>>5359631
The priest removes the bones he wears as a testament to his kills and allows his staff to fall to the ground, revealing his robust and scar-ugly physique. "The gods will it. May you die a painful death, drow." The Malarites believe that a violent death is the only one worthwhile - an indication that you have earned his respect.

The Huntlord undergoes a horrendous transformation. His muscles swell as his height doubles, accompanied by cries of pain as brutal claws jut forth from his digits to take the place of fingernails. Completing the transmogrification is a heavy pelt that sprouts forth from his exposed skin; the resultant monster is an order of magnitude more weighty than you, yet no slower. With the velocity to put a nimble athlete to shame, he shoots toward you with blinding speed.

The color drains from the High Ranger's face as she tries to urges the group to put distance between it and themselves. "Werebear!" She yelps, sparing you a pleading glance while on the retreat. No, it is too late for you to back down now.

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>>5359638
The moth that you have hosted in your hair against your will flutters free, landing on the tip of your katana. The insect ignites, enveloping the exotic arm in a heatless silver flame. You've little understanding of the magic at work in your hands, but it is not causing you pain, and that is sufficient.

You are left with only moments until the werebear quite literally tears you to bloody shreds. The time to act is now.
>[Intellect] I need to think logically and find a way to exploit this situation.
>[Agility, Attack] I have fought large opponents in the past. I will strike this one down like any other.
>[Agility] No, no, no, no... I have to dodge!

https://pastebin.com/mStwuNKy

https://vocaroo.com/12up8xEEpXI5

>>5359642
>[Intellect] I need to think logically and find a way to exploit this situation.
Smash a perfume bottle into his face as he approaches, then duck the attack.

Draw Dark Fantasy,a nd actiavte it obscurings hadows.

We will be invisible to his ruined sense of smell AND his eyes.

Then, strike with a Power Attack, using the silver katana and aiming for a vital area.

>>5359642
>You may use ONE ability in addition to taking a regular action (e.g. voting to retreat from a group of enemies while using Whirlwind Attack).

Are we able to do this?
>[Agility] No, no, no, no... I have to dodge!
>Power Attack - When attacking with a melee weapon, you may choose to attempt a Power Attack. On a hit, 3 Power is spent and half your Strength is added to the damage roll.
>Use fortune point

Rather not get absolutely bodied by a werebear. Also, divine eyes on us. NOT GOOD. We're working within Malar's tenants with this challenge and all, but who knows how much of an asshole he'll be? Especially seeing as Eilistraee blessed our weapon.

>>5359666
You'll have to pick the option to stand your ground and fight if you want to use Power Attack.

>>5359674
Is my action-plan at >>5359664 viable? I mean, at least the perfume-and-draw/activate Dark Shadow thing? I assume subsequent actions will need to wait until after that is resolved.

>>5359674
Would we be able to dodge and whirlwind attack to get the defense bonus?

>>5359751
>>5359791
Yes and yes.

>>5359642
>[Agility] No, no, no, no... I have to dodge!
>Whirlwind Attack - Choose to spend 4 Power. Your Defense increases by 4 for one turn, and you make one free attack against every enemy in melee range. Alternatively, spend 4 power to perform a mesmerizing sword dance that can captivate and entertain when not in combat.

Just need to dodge the initial charge to not instantly get bodied. At least that's what my intuition says. After that, I would recommend going for a power attack with a fortune point. I really hope that Eilistraee is giving us a bonus for this fight, and not this single attack.... Actually just for clarification, are we allowed to know what the Moonfire boon is?

>>5359642
>[Agility] No, no, no, no... I have to dodge!
>Spend Fortune

>>5359839
As a late arrival I think it's best to support someone, so I will support this.
Not 100% on the rules but that in conjunction with using Fortune point to damage the enemy in some way.

>>5360305
You use it to autosucceed on one attribute test. You're either using fortune to dodge, or fortune to hit. Probably better to save fortune for the later attack potentially. As in, not this turn.

I'll end the vote here. People seem unsure of whether or not to use a Fortune, so we'll keep it in our pocket for now.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

(Agility 12, +3 Orb Alur Mastery) Success on 15 or lower.

Jezyrene will try to dodge...

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>5360483
(Agility 12, +3 Art of the Blade, +3 Moonfire) vs (Defense 18) Hit on 10 or less.

... and succeeds! But can she hit?

Rolled 4, 1 = 5 (2d4)

>>5360485
She does! Update eventually.

Well, now we know that Moonfire is a bonus to hit at least. That 18 defense though, was hoping it would be lower due to being a fuckhuge bear.

Also, just noticed that Whirlwind attack gave us no increase to the dodge, probably should've realized that beforehand as it's a dodge, not defense.

>>5360486
Is this missing a +2?

>>5360512
Natural armour AC bonus.

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Attention, gamers. Much the same as a previous thread, I am experiencing some, shall we say, unnecessary complications. The next update should be out later today.

I will also be moving in a month or less, so the quest will have to be put on hiatus at some point, though I expect it should be less than a week until I have internet again.

>>5361259
It's enough to know that the good times will roll, eventually. We appreciate it, "Ed."

>>5359664
>>5359839
>>5360040
>>5360305
>>5360540
That's a different weapon.

Falling back on the inborn behaviors critical to your survival, your body takes the initiative to remove you from danger before your mind can formulate a plan. In seconds, the Huntlord is upon you, poised to shut his jaws around your torso. Your gymnastic prowess is not found wanting. Effortlessly, you vault over the werebear and attack from midair as the two of you soar parallel to one another. The silver weapon works in tandem with the blessing of Eilistraee, biting deeply into his shoulder and leaving a laceration that stops just short of his neck.

With remarkable panache, you land on both feet, alive to fight another day, though your lumbar expresses its discontent with your antics. Your foe grants you no reprieve; his mammoth build disguises an alacrity that rivals, no, surpasses your own, and the assault resumes the very instant that you are on the ground, thrashing his claws in a corybantic fashion that forces you to cede ground as you weave through the nonstop attacks.

Further and further, you give way whilst drawing from your accumulated wellspring of experience to fend him off and search for a favorable time to counterattack. A femur jutting out from the forest floor brushes against your leg. Reactively, you steal a peek behind your back to avoid possible obstacles and recognize that the Huntlord's pursuit is incredibly intentioned. Step by step, you are being driven toward a concave rock face that prevents further retreat.

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>>5361546
You have no choice but to find a way past your foe if you are to emerge from this struggle victorious, be it through or around him. The question is how you expect to do this.
>[Strength, Attack] I will take the risk and engage him directly, trying to drive my blade further into his shoulder to deal a lethal blow.
>[Perception, Perfume Bottle] Darkness is both friend and enemy. I could debilitate his senses and vanish into shadows to gain the advantage of stealth.
>[Agility, Attack] The Huntlord is speedy, yet his legs are lengthy and unguarded. A sufficiently deep wound shall slow him significantly.

>>5361550
>>[Perception, Perfume Bottle] Darkness is both friend and enemy. I could debilitate his senses and vanish into shadows to gain the advantage of stealth.
I was thinking a good slash across the snoot would make his ability to smell us moot, but the perfume is good too.

>>5361550
>[Perception, Perfume Bottle] Darkness is both friend and enemy. I could debilitate his senses and vanish into shadows to gain the advantage of stealth.

>>5361550
>[Perception, Perfume Bottle] Darkness is both friend and enemy. I could debilitate his senses and vanish into shadows to gain the advantage of stealth.
>Use a fortune point

If we're doing this, I feel like now is the time to use a fortune point as this is a rather all or nothing type of attempt

>>5361683
Supporting this. So basicly same as above, but with fortune point shenanigans.

>>5361550
>>[Strength, Attack] I will take the risk and engage him directly, trying to drive my blade further into his shoulder to deal a lethal blow.
>Use Fortune

>>5361550
>>[Perception, Perfume Bottle] Darkness is both friend and enemy. I could debilitate his senses and vanish into shadows to gain the advantage of stealth.
>>Use a fortune point

>>5361828
Agreed.

>>5361550
Adding
>Use a fortune point
to >>5361599

Calling the vote here.

Fortune will be spent for a sure success.

>>5361561
>>5361599
>>5361683
>>5361828
>>5361859
>>5361936
Hazy memories of cruel engagements in claustrophobic spaces play out before your eyes. The days when you had to revert to a near-feral state, to cope with the duress of nonstop violence and constant filth and partial starvation, surviving by your wits and dumb luck alone. Engaging the werebear on his own terms is a fool's game - he can tear you to bloody shreds. A casual observer can tell that there is a disparity in physical ability betwixt the two of you.

Willing to admit that your swordwork is not sufficient to carry you through this situation, your brain and eyes exert themselves to free you from your current predicament. Your old ally, darkness, surrounds you - if only you could impair his perception for long enough to abscond... and your intellect does not fail you.

Producing the bottle labeled 'Night Spice' from your bag, you forcefully remove the top and take a whiff of its contents. The warm, aromatic scent is powerful enough to make an orc burst into tears if not applied sparingly. You thrust your arm forward and launch the fluid at the Malarite as he draws close to swipe at you.

"RAAAAAAAAAAGH!!"

The beast's frustrated roar informs that your ploy is a success. Frantically, you dash for cover, concealing your profile behind a shady cluster of trees as the Huntlord thrashes about, clawing and biting at the space you occupied seconds earlier. In your haste, you glimpse the avatar of Malar lolling his tongue out, watching the duel with ghoulish amusement. Much like Lolth, he does not affect you as the sort of divinity that cares to aid a follower in danger; on the contrary, Lolth enjoys watching her devotees suffer and perish, and you glean that the Stalker is a bloodshed enthusiast.

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>>5362527
Concealment provides temporary, if fleeting, safety. The Huntlord clumsily rubs his eyes with his oversized hands, unable to locate you. From your position, you have a clear view of his back, the most vulnerable position he could possibly find himself in. There will not be a second chance to leverage this benefit. Weapon at the ready, you decide to strike at...
>[Attack, Agility] ... the neck. It requires some acrobatics, but I should be able to reach.
>[Attack, Intellect]... the spine. It will demand precision, but I can cripple him.
>[Attack, Strength]... the abdomen. The soft tissue of his belly is the easiest target.

I forgot to remove the Fortune. That will be rectified in the next update.

>>5362530
>[Attack, Agility] ... the neck. It requires some acrobatics, but I should be able to reach.
Finish him! Dual wield swords for the shadow effect of the Dark Fantasy is we can.

>>5362527
NOOOOO, NOT THE NIGHT SPICE!! THAT COST US FIVE GOLD!

These Malarites had damn well better have enough gold among their ill gotten gains to pay us for that!

>[Attack, Agility] ... the neck. It requires some acrobatics, but I should be able to reach.
While the belly would be the easiest, I think it would be fitting if we give this guy the Guardian Ape execution.

Also, Ed, will there be any chances to increase our Fortune in any way?

>>5362560
Jez has a bias for heavier swords than can be held with two hands, but I see some anons wanting to dual-wield. She is proficient in Draa Velve, the famous two-sword drow fighting style - I wonder if we'll end up going in this direction.

>>5362562
Anything is possible, if you pray to the right deity.

>>5362530
>[Attack, Agility] ... the neck. It requires some acrobatics, but I should be able to reach.

Watch us roll garbage now that we've finally got him where we want him

>>5362530
>[Attack, Strength]... the abdomen. The soft tissue of his belly is the easiest target.
Strength is Jez best stat out of Intellect, Agility and Strength. Is there any reason why we would not pick the mechanically most likely to suceed? Genuinely curious in case I'm missing something.
A belly slice can be pretty damned killing too after all. Also a bit thematically appropriate to disembowel a foe with a katana (Reverse seppuku)

>>5362530
>>[Attack, Strength]... the abdomen. The soft tissue of his belly is the easiest target.

>>5362840
I always make sure to give each option a different outcome for success and a different consequence for failure, even if the results aren't immediately apparent. An option that is numerically superior could still be less desirable in the long-term than other choices. Sometimes it really is objectively better. It's up to (You) to extrapolate the best course from the information provided.

>>5362876
Fair enough, that makes sense since Intellect has cripple specified and one can assume a neck shot is damaging indeed.
Thanks for the explanation, I'll stick with abdomen for this turn.

>>5362530
>>[Attack, Agility] ... the neck. It requires some acrobatics, but I should be able to reach.

Vote closed. Let's see how this plays out.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

(Agility 12, +3 Art of the Blade, +3 Moonfire, +3 Concealment) vs (Defense 18) Hit on 13 or lower.

Let's see if Jez can hit anything.

Rolled 2, 3 = 5 (2d4)

>>5363219
She does! Let's see some damage.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>5363220
(Strength 20, +3 Beast Claw) vs (Defense 18) Hit on 15 or lower.

The Huntlord hits back.

>>5363225
Ridiculously lucky. Update as soon as I can get to it.

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>>5362560
>>5362562
>>5362684
>>5362840
>>5362873
>>5363117
A surge of murderous intent takes hold of you as you angle for the Huntlord's jugular. Like a carnivorous animal, you slink out from the gloom to claim what is rightfully yours. Caught unawares, the werebear catches the white arc of moonfire cleaving through the night air an instant too late - as a coiled spring, you leave the ground behind and lunge upward toward his neck. The katana splits the werebeast's steely thews one strand at a time, nicking a blood vessel as the blade works its way further and further into his flesh - you are trapped in a nonstop downpour of liquid sable.

Alas, your impetus proves insufficient, and you are unable to deal a killing blow. Your adrenaline-fueled swashbuckling crumbles as you desperately pry the weapon free from the Huntlord's flesh. A punctual decision, as the werebear swipes his claw horizontally across the space that your head once occupied with enough strength to cleanly separate it from your body if it had made contact.

The deep gash running across the Malarite's throat does not diminish his ferocity in the slightest. Intensifying his belligerence, you are required to fight on the back foot a second time while he bedevils you with serial flurries. Paradoxically, he grows ever stronger as the lifeblood spills from the severe wound that you have dealt him.

The Huntlord is losing 5 Health every round.

Quick thinking and good forward momentum has carried you this far, though it is too early to relax. What is your next step to achieving a total triumph?
>[Intellect] I only need to outlast him! There must be some way for me to slow him down...
>Climbing to the top of one of those fang-shaped stones will give me a moment to breath.
>[Strength, Attack] I must take back control of the battle and cut him down for good.

https://pastebin.com/mStwuNKy

>>5363751
>[Intellect] I only need to outlast him! There must be some way for me to slow him down...
We're no Malarite, beholden to bloody, dangerous, and deadly battle! Withdraw, kite him, let him bleed out. Fight like an elf!