The Kalarian Precipice - Chapter Six

[Metea]

The heat wasn't so much the problem. It was a different sort of heat than in the mines, though. The humidity was what got to her! Metea's tail swished back and forth a bit- she could not imagine anybody wanting to eat anything after a hard day on the trail, but maybe her stomach would feel a bit different on some rest?

"Are we sure the fox isn't just a critter?" Metea asked. But she wasn't a ranger, she was sure Dain knew what he was talking about.

Still... Metea liked kids! Maybe it'd be a nice break from the walk through the tedious woods so far. (How did people enjoy hiking?!) Nature was mysterious and unyielding, but not in the way that interested her!

 

[Carthum One-Tusk]

Carthum was apt to just head onwards. The denser woods would provide some respite from the heat, as well, he imagined.

They were, as a group, endangered around other people should combat become necessary. The skills and abilities they had used so freely in the darkness of the mines, which had lead them on to great success, were illegal here above ground. The Council was not particularly shy about acting on suspicions, either. Should they be forced to use their abilities in combat, they risked being reported on by the very people they had come to assist- should anyone that saw them use their magic not be feeling generous.

 

[Otiroth]

West. A venture into deeper and darker territories- but the danger held by the wilderness was not necessarily any worse than those on the roads these days. Especially not with the company they were keeping.

And it would potentially bring them in line with another whisper of their vision. A dark boat upon darker waters.

Was it foolish to chase prophecy? Possibly. But that was usually in regards to preventing it.

 

[97mg]

Continuing northbound while drifting a little westwards, the forest densens as you chase the alluring smell of someone’s morning meal. It seems that the fox too, enjoyed an easy breakfast, shadowing the group and obviously quite intrigued by a party of bipeds forcing their way through webs of branches and shrubbery. As you walk on, there is a flash of red and brown from time to time, the animal appearing to your side, popping out of bushes behind the team’s rear guard, hopping out before Dain and giving the ranger a cheeky look.

Between the sounds of your feet tapping upon the earth, the odd bird call or distant scuttling of a lizard or other unseen resident, you begin to hear the trickle of water. The little river is close at hand. In fact, the undergrowth gives the ranger a confirmation. Thorny bushes, some laden with plump edible berries, begin to catch at bootlaces and tickle at pants. After a bit of exploration, you seem to have found a viable way forwards. A patch of large stones indicates something of an old crossing, and with a bit of care it might be possible to reach the waters without any loss of blood. It is either that, or cut your way through, or follow the river’s serpentine winding further westwards, in the hope of the shrubs thinning out.

Your foxy friend darts in ahead of you atop the stones, bounding between the scratchy weeds a way, before coming to a stop. It waits to sniff the air, and then takes a step or two back.

Magaw turns slowly to face Metea, and speaks softly."There are times being legless is beneficial, perhaps?"

<Feel free to make nature / perception checks etc if you want.>

 

[Metea]

Metea had read plenty of stories in her times in the church's library, and there were some about mortal men and women, disciples of Suru or other gods in some cases, with wild beasts that acted tame. Most of them were eagles or lions, though. A burrowing animal was maybe not very sun-god like. The ranger did not follow Suru though.

They'd come to a halt near the thorns, and while Metea was absolutely certain Dain and Jeovanna would probably just barrel through them without a second thought, she didn't want to lose any tail feathers or blood to prickling thorns.

"What's wrong with the fox?" She'd ask. It hadn't seemed afraid of the bristles at all.

Well... Metea could possibly give them a little bridge over by moving loose soil to create a ridge through... shouldn't cause any more damage to the plants than a rampaging deer, if she were careful...

<Nature check = 20>
<Cantrip- mold earth>

 

[Jeovanna]

Much like the fox, Jeovanna paused. She didn't have the long, industrious nose of her spiritual gnoll pack or the fox, though, so her observation was a bit different.

Look where the prey looked. If it was not at you...

"Don't cross first," she'd scold the tiefling once more, because Metea had not, it seemed, learned her lesson about staying in the middle of the pack. The fragile pack members had to stay to the middle of the pack.

She'd scan the area warily.

<Perception check- 20+1= 21>

 

[daindarkspring]

Dain takes a step back, watching the fox, as Metea's conjuration takes effect and a path of stones slides over the thorn bushes. He almost says something, but ultimately stays silent.

He agreed with Jeovanna's assessment. It was important they maintain their positions. They had not been attacked yet, and indeed might still be in friendly territory, but getting into a good habit might save their lives later on.

Moving forward, Dain made his way across towards the riverbank. His eyes scanned around him.

<Perception check: 20+5=25>
<Nature check: 10+2=12>

 

[Otiroth]

Being in a deep, dense forest was more a problem for the forest than for the fire sorcerer. The thorns catching at his boots were signing their own death warrant, really. But no, of course he would not burn down the forest.

Although if something attacked him and he missed, well, he couldn't be held responsible for that, now could he?

He was being quite a bit better than Metea at keeping position, but perhaps it was luck more than caution? These berries looked edible. He'd pluck a few strands, avoiding the thorns, and tuck them into the back of his pack for later. Once they made camp, maybe they could test a few.

<Survival check=16>

 

[Carthum One-Tusk]

Carthum was, honestly, likely more interested in keeping an eye on Metea than on the surrounding landscape.

If she created a bridge over the thorns- couldn't a creature pursue them right back across it? Then again, he had seen her use that spell with quite amazing speed before...

Like the fox, most wild beasts would likely be unconcerned by a few prickles from a thorn bush if the prize was dinner...

 

[97mg]

With a wave of a slender tiefling finger, Metea’s spell collects loose earth and gravels, pushing most of the spiney bushes safely to the side and out of the path’s way. This is all quite startling to the fox of course, who retreats and anxiously ends up lurking behind the party members at the rear. The cantrip has worked a treat, and looks enough to get you through the weed-encrusted banks, and down to the river’s edge!

Otiroth’s berries are a treat well chosen too. He recalls that they are edible and of culinary grade. Although botany isn’t one of Metea’s strong suits, she recognizes them too. The humble Yarramberry. Black spheres of sweet and seed-filled goodness. They also have an interesting side effect, when heated and served in large doses of a handful or more in one sitting.

The barbarian and ranger seem to have more on their minds than bush tucker, or the promise of a fruit-encrusted flan. Their senses seem to be at their best out here in the wilderness. Eyes wide open. Ears perked up. Noses sniffing. Rivers, streams and waterways, often serving up both life and danger in their trickles and flow.

Beneath the bushes to Dain’s left there is a slow movement. A light rustling. Did he just see the day’s hot and clouded light reflect off something covered with scales? Then further afield, down the river a little, there is a large...

Splash!

<Metea & Otiroth: Roll D100 so I can advise on berry side-effects knowledge please . >