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Message: <blockquote data-quote="DemonZero" data-source="post: 2938591" data-attributes="member: 42172">An Ambush in the Sands, a Town at the BorderThe party welcomes Aurora after some conversation and reassurance from Alonzo that the woman who covers herself in black spikes is not a force of evil. The six set out into the night excited to be helping their homeland and, other than Estacia, are eager to learn about their newfound comrades.The third day after they set out a group of Seven Gnolls begins following them. Unfortunately, none in the group realize this. Kaori had the first watch that night but was not paying any sort of attention at all (something like a 4 and 6 to spot and listen). So it was that her grandfather was awoken when a spear pierced his leg, seriously hurting him but not impeding his movement due to this game’s combat mechanics, <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f609.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)"  data-smilie="2"data-shortname=";)" />The rest of the party quickly awaken. Alonso and Aurora haven’t the time to put on their armor, so they are particularly vulnerable, though they do at least have their shields. It is a tough battle, but the party does manage to make it through without losing anyone (a few almost bleed to death, though). They take the leader of the Gnolls hostage to question him and soon find that none of the six can actually speak with him. He is tied up and dragged along with the group. One of the six keeps watch on him and the two carriages pull into Mountains Bordertown about 4 days later.Upon entering Mountains Bordertown the group discovers that it is actually named Comstock, that many of the townspeople think they’re pricks for calling them by that hideous false name, and that Drysand is often the subject of much ridicule for its naming conventions and insistence on calling every other political body by whatever name it feels is the most appropriate. About the only exception to this is Anaximandros, the great empire to the northeast of the desert nation. They also learn that the name of their destination is Teramore. The adventurers find an inn, The Flaming Halfling, and pay for rooms for themselves.Once the innkeeper realizes who his patrons are he informs them that a woman living on the edge of the town foresaw their arrival and had told him that they must be sent her way when they arrive. This woman, a reclusive oracle named Alexis, apparently has something very important to talk to them about. The innkeeper also tells them Alexis may be able to help them communicate with their prisonerThe group walked along the road until they arrived at Alexis’ home, except Shinobu. He just kind of stayed in town and talked to people in the tavern. The others found Alexis living in a small, poorly designed hut. As they approached some of the more aware members of the party would’ve smelled the sweet aroma of the feast Alexis had prepared for their arrival. However, since none of the party is particularly observant about anything they had to wait until the walked through the entrance and saw a table, six chairs, and more food and drink spread before them than they could possibly consume.Alexis is a very strange individual. Perhaps she stays so reclusive because she has such difficulty talking with and relating to other people. She can’t even make a good first impression with all the delicious food she prepared for the group. Much of her problem lies in the way she speaks, which resembles a deranged villain who makes no attempt to hide her evil intentions. Alexis is not an evil woman and in fact is quite nice once on gets to know her, but the party still felt quite uncomfortable in her home even after Alonso assured them he felt no evil emanating from her.“Greetings, adventurers,” she says as they enter. “Please come in and have a seat. I have seen the future of this town and know that we will need your help to maintain it. There is a man who lives in a cave not too far from this town, perhaps 2 hours journey on foot at most. In this cave a man, Negredo, is planning a raid upon Comstock. Normally he sticks to travelers on the road, but recently he and his gang have grown more bold and wealthy. Negredo has also learned to channel more powerful magic from his dark god—““Which dark god?” Alonso asks, eager to do battle with this foul priest.“I don’t know, there are hundreds of them. One of the more obscure ones. Negredo is a sadistic creature that delights on the pain and suffering of others! There is very little he will actually gain from the attack he plans but the satisfaction of seeing our blood spilled. I ask that you protect my home. But first, eat and enjoy!”When asked about the food before them, Alexis explains it is simply the product of a hero’s feast spell. When asked if she can speak to the Gnoll Alexis replies that she has prepared a Tongues spell for the occasion.“Why did you attack us in the night, you foul beast?” Alonso questions the Gnoll.“By the gods, we just wanted to eat you and take your things!” The Gnoll replies, very truthfully. “But then you woke up and fought back. We though you would be as weak as most from that city are, but you were strong! We expected it from the woman who was standing guard and the one asleep next to the black armor, maybe they were mercenaries or something, but you’re old, and the woman in black was unarmored, and all of you were asleep! You killed all my friends and tied me up and forgot to give me any food! Can’t I please just have one of your legs? Nobody seems to like that one fancy man (referring to Shinobu)...”“You will not eat any of us,” Alonso responds, disappointed that there was no deeper reasoning behind the attack. Alonso convinces the party to let the Gnoll go. Some would’ve preferred killing him, but nobody is terribly set on the idea, so letting him go works just as well and keeps the knight happy.The party meets up with Shinobu back in town standing by a fountain in the center and proselytizing for Rhubarb. They explain to him the mission they accepted from Alexis and he agrees to go along with it. They then set out on the road to look for the cave of Negredo.</blockquote>

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