Session 4: Into the Wilds Report

General Summary

The group moves from the market to the tumbledowns. Approaching the area, Jakuki assists with an elderly couple attempting to right their home; the pair don't provide much useful info though.   Human lady, olive-skinned, with white tight hair in a bun named Agnes eyes them warily as they invade her neighbour's home. She mentions that she knows and likes Kasia, and that her and Ivory had left before the goblin raid. She confirmed that Kasia and Ivory were an item and had left together. More information is gathered from other neighbours and the duo were reported as leaving the morning before, seemingly heading north into the wilderness.   The group purchase a few items of warmer clothing, check their rations and prepare to head north after the missing duo. They follow the road north until obvious tracks depart the road, a group of small humanoids, probably the goblins. After a while it becomes apparent that the goblins were pursuing larger humanoids, but then became prey themselves. Goblin bodies occasionally dot the path, while the larger tracks showed signs of struggle and flight, and droplets of blood. Hastening their pace, Gwen notices the trail leading to a cave and seemingly a fire inside.   They gather into battle formation and step into the mouth of the cave. It soon becomes apparent that the only occupants are two women, clearly Kasia and Ivory. Ceonwulf and Theia placate the duo but their attention is soon called to the outside; the cave is the lair of an owlbear, and it doesn't appreciate visitors.   The dwarven pair form a battle line in the mouth of the cave and receive the charge from the enraged owlbear. It's met with Gwen's arrow from the darkness and a few probing strikes from Jakuki and Ceonwulf as it slashes into Jakuki's armour. Roderick joins them in the melee, pressing healing energy into the flagging dwarf and likewise receives a vicious blow for his efforts. The group whittle at its defenses until a mighty holy-infused blow from Ceonwulf followed by a swift arrowshot from Gwen fell the beast.   Roderick, gravely wounded and filled with the adrenaline of battle, stalks outside. Theia attempts to move to heal him but is sharply admonished as he leaves. She stands helplessly aside, while Gwen sets about stripping the owlbear corpse for leather, meat and parts and Ceonwulf sees to the last of Jakuki's injuries. Roderick heals himself.   Theia and Jakuki return to the women by the fire, suggesting they remain camped there for the night with them. They readily agree, but Jakuki rounds on Ivory, calling her foolish for running away from home. Theia points out that this is pretty much precisely what she herself has done, and after a moment of reflection Jakuki apologises.   The band set about cooking the owlbear meat and settling in for the evening.