[LPF] Greener is the Grass

Looking off in the direction of the buzzards Vincenzo, speaking to no one in particular, says, "NOT touch, King Taniwa?" Then gazing down at the hunting cat he says, "Huh, where's the fun in that?"

A look at the swordsman shows mirth in his eyes.

Riding up the crest of the hill the four along with Taniwha and Boots get their first real look at the grasslands of the Pell. Grasses tall and short stretch across the ground to the horizon and wave in a stiff breeze. It is inspiring in its vastness and perhaps a bit overwhelming for someone with an aversion to wide open spaces and skies as big and blue as can hardly be imagined. In the distance to the east toy-like wooden buildings sit nestled amongst hillocks with thin lines of smoke rising up from the buildings to vanish into the sky.

The immediate view, below the hill, is less inspiring. While it could have been a site for Goti 'burials' it is clearly not the case here, but the handiwork of bandits. Three enclosed wagons two brightly painted and showing animalistic tribal figures and the third smoldering from recent fire sit recently abandoned on the plain. The fire has mostly burnt out and there are no draft animals to be seen but men, women, children, and dogs sprawl in death where they apparently made a stand to defend their lives and were cut down by arrow, sword, or axe.

Perched on the wagons and awkwardly hopping amongst the bodies are vultures and a large flock of crows. The crows squabble over choice tidbits and otherwise flap their wings and caw in agitation whenever another crow or a vulture invades perceived claims. The noise is tremendous.

"Maui will use his magic stick to talk to te Death Birds. Taniwha, no eating! E noho."

Commanding Taniwha to stay, the jungle druid begins forward, drawing out one of his prized wands. "Tane, help Maui find te Death Bird that is not stupid" he prays. Taniwha sits down on his haunches with a growl, tail twitching.

When he is near enough so as not to waste the spell he touches the wand to his mouth, rubbing his lips moments later as the magical tingle spreads and numbs them before spreading into his tongue.

In a loud voice that no human ear can understand he calls to the vultures and crows in a strong voice. [sblock=Vulturen? Crowish? Bird!]"Patient Bird Crow. Sky Eye Vulture. Who will tell Maui, son of Tane the Forest Father what you have witnessed happen here today? Which of you can tell the story of who gave you this feast?"[/sblock]

[sblock=Actions]Command Taniwha to stay so he doesn't scare the birds.
Cast Guidance on way to wagons. Use Wand of Speak to Animals (3 minutes)
Wild Empathy + Guidance to get the birds on Maui's side as he speaks. [/sblock]

Denizel turns his head and removes a hankercheif from an inner pockets to hold over his nose and mouth. He keeps his horse back and waits to see what the birds have to say,

[sblock=Denizel, Level 4 Bard/Oracle]Denizel
AC: 20 (18 flat-footed, 12 Touch)
HP: 26 Current: 26
CMB: 0 CMD: 12 Fort: +1 Reflex: +6 Will: +8
Speed: 20'

Current Weapon in Hand:
Current Conditions in Effect:

+1 Longsword: +5, 1d8, crit 19-20/x2
Wand, Inflict Light Wounds: 50/50, Touch, 1d8+2, Will DC 16 for Half, SR = Yes
+1 Crossbow: +5, 1d8+1, Crit: 19-20/x2, Rng: 80ft, 31 Bolts
Wand, Cure Light Wounds: 50/50, Touch, 1d8+2, Will DC 16 for Half, SR = Yes

Key Skills: Bluff +14, Diplomacy +11, Disguise +13, Kn Arcana +11, Kn History +10, Kn Local +10, Kn Nobility +10, Kn Religion +11, Perception +8, Perform (Dance) +9, Profession (Courtier) +5, Sense Motive +7, Spellcraft +6

Bardic Performance: 11/11 rounds per day

Bard Spells Remaining: 1st level 4/4
Bard Spells Known: 1: Charm Person (DC 16), Disguise Self, Hideous Laughter (DC 16)
0: Daze (DC 15), Detect Magic, Light, Message, Prestidigitation

Oracle Spells Remaining: 1st level 5/6
Oracle Spells Known: 1: Bless, Cure Light Wounds, Identify, Sanctuary
0: Ghost Sound, Guidance, Mage Hand, Mending, Read Magic, Resistance, Stabilize
[/sblock]

Vincenzo moves his horse, ready to leap into action at a moments notice, should the jungle warrior need help.

"Taniwa, I wish you could talk to me to let me know if you think there is danger." muses Vincenzo out loud.

Maui approaches the 'Death Birds' and speaks to them in the language that they will understand trying to sooth them and extract information. They are, unfortunately and despite his best efforts, agitated by Maui's presence. The crows begin squawking and any helpful voices that might have been heard are drowned out by the cacophony. The vultures ignore Maui and take advantage of the crows' distraction to hop closer and snatch morsels for themselves which in turn causes more cries of dismay from the crows.

It takes almost a full minute of speaking in soothing tones before Maui feels the crows have settled enough for him to ask his questions again.

Seeing the wildman squawking and cawing at the various carrion birds, Sylla attempts with partial success to keep the doubt and incredulity from her face. She glances at Boots, and some sort of communication passes between them. The darkwolf finally shrugs and says, "I dunno, boss. But it's not like all these dead guys are in a hurry to get somewhere."

Sylla grunts and turns back to watch the druid.
[sblock=Mini Stats]
Sylla the Grim
AC: 18 (14 flat-footed, 14 touch)
HP: 28/28
CMB: +5 CMD: 19
Fort: +1 Reflex: +5 Will: +4
Perception: +4, Low Light Vision
Initiative: +4

Current Weapon in Hand: Spear
Current Conditions in Effect: None
Spells Remaining (1st): 4
Spells Remaining (2nd): 2

Boots
AC: 18 (16 flat-footed, 12 touch)
HP: 29/29
CMB: +6 CMD: 18 (22 vs. Trip)
Fort: +4 Reflex: +5 Will: +1
Perception: +6, Darkvision 60', Scent
Initiative: +2

Current Weapon in Hand: Natural weapons
Current Conditions in Effect: None

Used Items:
Arrows x2[/sblock]

[sblock= Bird] "Now that you are listening, I ask again. Who can tell me the story of what happened here today? Maui knows the Crow is clever. The Crow has a sharp eye and a sharp memory. Did you see patient Crow who brought death to these people? Who set this feast for you this day? Where did they come from? WHich way did they go?" [/sblock]

Maui keeps his calm and waits for a response, trying to catch one of the crows who might respond with some kind of sense that he might direct his questions to personally.

Denizel finds a patch of grass or perhaps a small rock to sit on while they wait for answers.

The crows seem more interested in scolding and driving off the vultures than in answering Maui's questions. His continuing to ask questions of them seems to just agitate the crows further but Maui believes he could calm them given a bit more time.

With Maui focused on the crows, Sylla watching the druid, and Vincenzo chatting up Taniwha (whose tail is flicking back and forth in either agitation or anticipation) it seems Denizel is the only one to notice a strange black carpet that covers a small section of the grassland far to the south of their position.