At the mention of goblins Soledad hissed a curse. It was surprisingly creative and foul coming from a delicate, fey elf, but Soledad did what she could to defy expectations. There was mention of virgins and pigsweat with a significant collection of choice words thrown in to add some spice. It was enough to drain the color out of any of her more noble companions if they heard her.

Once her tongue had been satisfied with her cussing litany, the little witch began to concoct a devious plan. Goblins were wretched creatures that were unforgivably dirty, she had no desire to get near enough to fully experience their offensive hygiene, or worse, their ugliness. It would be far better to distract them with arrows, knock them all out, and then stab them to death in their sleep.

Soledad announced this very plan to the party and then upheld her illusion until the time was right. And it came. Just as the leaping goblins came within range her companions unleashed a flurry of arrows and magic onto the unsuspecting creatures. With the goblins distracted by arrows and ranged attacks, Soledad unleashed an attack of her own. Spitting a word of power, the witch threw out her hands to unleash a sleeping hex on the wounded, scared, and confused wretches. 

Sleep you ugly things. Go to sleep and die.

((OOC: Casts sleep on the Goblin raid. She will use a second level slot. Instructions to party are to fire when the goblins are within spell range.))

I'm wondering if we might be better served by coordinating an attack. We wait behind the illusion and then all attack at once. 
Hit them with ranged attacks and then Soledad will throw a Sleep spell at them. That should knock out most of them, but we'd need to wait until they are in spell range. I just want to keep them together as long as possible and hit them off guard.

How many goblins are there?

Soledad was already awake when Steel came to rouse her. The fey races did not sleep, but rather rested in a mystical trance that reconnected their flesh to the magic already flowing in their veins. Shaking off the last vestiges of the dream state, the gilded elf moved quickly to assess the approaching crowd. There was little to tell if they were friend or foe, but regardless, a battle would be best avoided.

First, the witch conjured a magical armor over her own form and sent Z’zzip to the fey pocket dimension. The impending encounter might not prove violent, but precaution was always warranted. Irascible as ever, Z’zzip might just instigate battle…

Now was a time to rely on the magics of deception and trickery. After guiding her companions into a space that her spell could cover, Soledad began the work of crafting her glamor. Illusion lay over the hut and yarn like a veneer, replicating the scene exactly down to every shifting blade of grass. All was as it was, save for the mule, the wagon, and the party. Any traces of their presence lay hidden beneath the witch’s illusion.

((OOC: Casts Mage Armor on herself and Silent Image over the space - illusion is the space they occupy, but the party, wagon, and mule are not there))

Soledad is going to Mage Armor herself. My thinking is to use a silent image to hide us, the cart, and the mule. If all are good with this method, then I will post this action. 

Sad to see you go, Mischief. Hope you can rejoin us soon.

Academia is a mess right now, and I've got to focus on that. I will try to post, but I may only be able to add to the Q&A until the semester starts. Recreating all curriculum is super fun...

for this action, Soledad should cast alarm. I also agree that we should check the building. Going to try and get a post up in the next few days, but don't wait on me. Here, albeit in limited capacity for the time being.

I'm good with Ayrn's marching order. I also agree that we need to be aware that life gets busy, so we should make consensus in the Q&A and not rely on "party leader" decisions. 

Soledad will use Mage Hand to open doors. She will create an unseen servant (ritual) that walks ahead of the group in case of traps and other hidden perils. She will cast Alarm (ritual) before camping.

Soledad found herself trudging through yet another torturous day. It was truly awful. She had stepped in a cow pie! A COW PIE! Had it not been for a little magical assistance, the day would have been completely lost to laundering her boots. Whichever toothless bumpkin was responsible for this particular patch of land would pay, dearly. Devising her plans for retribution had provided a pleasant distraction through the less eventful parts of their journey... which was most of it.

We have found nothing! A day of golden sun has been wasted beloved. Nasty fools they are! Why do they torture us so???

With a soft hiss the little witch traced a gilded finger along Z’zzip’s head, gently assuaging some of the anger. She was inclined to agree with the snake. They had found little evidence that could be of any real use. Only more questions, and vague questions at that. Something didn’t make sense.

As the elf contemplated their dilemma, Silver and Steel padded up to see about the next destination. They were a strange pair, an elf and a war forged... not an everyday sight for sure. It was Ewyn that suggested returning to town, and their tavern beds. Soledad agreed, vigorously.

“Yes, another night in a bed will be welcome. Perhaps they’ll have something for us to eat that hasn’t been cooked beyond recognition... We can investigate the recent caravan raids in the morning.”

If we are looking for the twins/goblins, would it make sense to follow their route? Anybody have any thoughts on this?

Unless somebody opposes, I think we are ready to move on towards the ridge. There isn't much for us to respond to other than character development. I'm good with whatever direction you all think is best, but let's get on the move.

All of them are so ugly, beloved. Why did you not let me out to bite them?

The sibilant voice echoed through Soledad’s mind as the shimmering gold serpent slithered up her arm. The young elf laid her own golden hand upon the familiar before sending her own psychic reply.

Now, Z’zzip, if you poison bite every ugly face we see there would be hardly anyone left.

I fail to see the problem with that! Z’zzip shrieked their reply before tucking back into the pocket fey dimension.

Shaking her head, Soledad laughed softly as she brushed a silver white curl from her cheek. Not that she disagreed with the snake. True, ugliness was an unforgivable sin, but she did have enough impulse control not immolate every bulbous-nosed oaf that walked past her. Folks generally frowned upon mass murder.

It was decidedly a very good thing she had sent Z’zzip into the pocket dimension at the first sights of Botkinburg. The previous day had been trying to say the least and the irascible snake almost certainly would have bitten a bumpkin or ten. Soledad had found herself forced to eat a bowl of vile, gloppy sludge. FORCED. It was utterly foul, but, having manners, the elf made sure to sing praises to the rotund woman that made it. And the stupid cow lapped up every word with a grin. Oh the tortures she had to endure...

At least there had been a bed. Soledad could for the life of her understand what sense had led Dutiful Dok and Thäoran to elect to spend yet another night underneath a wretrched wagon. The very thought of it had the little witch setting charms to banish every last drop of sweat and speck of dust from her person. To be beautiful and clean was the only acceptable path. Soledad maintained that at all times with what some might call a compulsive devotion. Let them judge, SHE would not be the one smelling of horse rump!

Their time in the hamlet had shown the locals abuzz with talk of missing twins and goblin raids. This was something they could actually do something about AND turn a profit. Soledad wasn't in it for the altruism, witchery wasn't cheap. It was high time they formed a plan and got to work, before she found herself in front of another bowl of mystery concoction.

Hiya, so last week we had major calamity hit at work which I was dealing with all weekend (not fun). Getting my head above water and will have a post up in the next few days. Apologies for the delay. This is an increasingly complex time for us all. 

In terms of party balance, we could definitely use another warrior. Somebody that's durable for the front lines. Since you've mentioned spells and bows, a Ranger could be a good fit. They make some of the best archers and you'll have access to some spellcasting as well. Depending on the race you select you might also be able to select/cast a cantrip. 

Thanks for clarifying the campaign details, Nomad. All good things to know. When do you need the final sheets ready? I basically am finished but need to add in the backstory details. Attending an academic conference this week, so would rather do that after it's done and I have mental power to spare. Thanks!

Great! I'm smoothing over some final details and should have the character fully complete soon. I've named her Soledad.

Okay, I figured out the issue. The missing spells and subclasses are behind a PHB paywall. The book needs to be purchased through the site or the classes and spells can be purchased individually. Cheeky... I don't know if that can be circumvented if someone in the group has it through the site.

Since I'm still working on the sheet it's private, but I'll make it public once it's finished.

I'm good with taking on the leader role, people tend to trust high elves (silly silly)... That all depends on what you all think.

Thanks for setting things up on the new platform. I've begun working on the character and hope to have everything ready soon. Running into a few road blocks with the online system. For a wizard the only arcane path that it allows is Evocation, all the other PHB paths are unavailable (I'm planning an illusionist). Noticed a number of spells from the PHB are also missing. Is there anyway to allow that content? Am I missing something? Thanks!

Great! Happy to be on board with the group. A high elf wizrard it is! 

Reviewing the thread - we are using the 27 point buy system from the PHB, so no scores above 15 before racial mods? Do I have that correct? Are there any other details we need to keep in mind for character creation?

Either campaign works for me. I'm only familiar with the Forgotten Realms world, but could easily adjust to the Blacktooth campaign. Whichever works is good by me. 

If you still have room, I'll throw my hat in the ring. 

Leaning towards an elven wizard (illusionist), either high elf or dark elf. Have an image of an adolescent dark elf illusionist. Might entertain a sorcerer or bard. Let me know what you think.

Oh this is going great - excited to see all of these super great posts! Aplogies for the delay on my end, unfortunately, my work schedule has been extended... (this summer has been cray). I will try to get something up in the next few days but in all likelihood I will not be able to post until after Tuesday. Please don't wait on me, I'm here and can see the light at the end of the tunnel just haven't quite reached it yet.

That said, Za'ahrat has yet to reveal she is an Aes Sedai or even that she can channel. It will be super fun when we get to that revelation

Hiya, busy week of work travel. I should be able to work on this Sunday. Thanks!

Too bad to see this fizzle so quickly, but life happens and we all have to go with. Hope things do calm down some for you, Gruggles. We miss you round these parts!

Glad to see you back, Giddy. Will need time before I can post, but I’m still here and up for more

That the idiot-fool-morons had gone ahead without them was unfathomable. Yet, they had done it nonetheless and it had cost them dearly. If the merchants had spared another few moments or been less concerned with maximizing their own coin, they’d still be alive. Sálome Herodías would never understand the greed-driven stupidity of mortals. 

It really shouldn’t have mattered that they were late in their arrival. If the merchants has any sense, they would have waited and simply been grateful to have secured her talents to aid in the menial task of escorting the caravan. Yet the simple-minded rarely recognized their own inferiority, or the blessings visited upon them. Walking in the lands of the short-lived, the elf had grow used to such behavior so that she barely registered the insult.

There was little point in dwelling on such matters now, the merchants had in some ways chosen their own fate, and beyond that, the four of them had more pressing matters to attend. The approaching pack of wretched, yet massive, wolves needed to be dealt with fast. 

Keeping behind the cover of the more massive and diminutive of her companions, Sálome went to work. Let the others swing their swords and deal deaths blows, let them think themselves the great heroes. As they danced and bled, she would twist the very fabric of reality to ensure her warriors fought another day. 

Swaying, the conjurer drew upon the ancient magic that coursed through her elven veins. She called upon the power in the earth below and the sky above, spinning them together toward the working of a mighty spell. And then, speaking a single arcane word, Sálome Herodías created something from nothing, releasing her wrath upon the beasts.

((OOC: Assuming there are multiple anchor point such as large trees etc, she will cast web aimed to catch as many of the wolves as possible while avoiding the party. If there are not sufficient anchor points she will cast Stinking Cloud to again catch as many wolves as possible while avoiding party. Secondary concern is using whichever spell to block wolves from moving along the southeast route.)) 

Character sheet has been submitted! Yippeeeeeee!

Sounds like we have an ecclectic bunch of megalomaniacs, glorious. I'm mostly done, mostly just need to write up appearance/background. Any info about this world? Deities and countries? Thanks!

Or maybe tango, just something with a beat to celebrate this joyous reunion.

Alas, Xenophobella will not be making her return here, you'll have to make due with Salóme (yes, the biblical one), the effete conjurer. She's better than you, and she knows it. That is totally factual and not at all subjective.