Tests

Ray: "This plan works fine for me. I have quite the spell list to deal with the package alone if we ever need me to.

Let's ace this thing, team!

Don't worry, I'll try not to test fancy theories on this one."

“Here, let me try.”

Misha, Ray (Erin, Balthazar)

"Works for me.  I'll move a bit to the right and you watch the left, K?" Erin suggests.

"Right, then..." Balthazar picks up one of the handles and helps Ray lift it.  "Hmmmph.  Gonna be a pain to carry this long-distance on the uneven terrain...  We'll need to either take a break or swap with the ladies sooner or later.  Can't react to any problems if we're too worn down."

You start down the trail.  Misha watches for any potential threats, and occasionally catches sight of things moving in the distance.  Usually birds or small animals darting away as you approach.  Sometimes she can't tell.  Soon, the sound of a river draws near.

Balthazar keeps a moderate pace, not in any rush, not trying to talk, just trying to stay steady.  Your group arrives at the river without any issue.  The river itself is moving quickly, and very cold.  At its deepest at the crossing, it's about 3ft, and 20ft wide.  The rotted remains of an old bridge bob slightly in the water, barely poking above the surface.


Rishan (Fenian, Hero, Gwyn)

Hero's ears perk up a bit.  "Hm.  Yes, that does help some.  Just be careful not to overdo it.

Gwyn takes off, darting through the trees.

Fenian looks around carefully, sniffing.  "I have spent some time in this forest already.  The trees whisper no warnings.  I think we are safe, for now.  Gwyn could walk with us if she wanted..."

"I... do not think she much cares for others," Hero says.

Your group makes its way forward.  At one point Fenian signals for everyone to stop and crouches down, staring into the distance.  "...A pack was hunting nearby recently.  They probably will not interfere, but I will stay behind Hero just so our most vulnerable is not at the rear."

You make it to the river to find Gwyn perched on the remains of an old, rotted bridge half-sunk into a quick-moving river.  She looks over at you, a half-eaten squirrel clutched in her talons.  "You're finally here.  I didn't see any other groundlings nearby.  No 'assassins' this time."  The river looks about 20ft across and 3ft deep, moving fast and very cold.


Selfless, Cantrelle (Iora, Alice)

Cantrelle tries lifting the crate.  It is indeed very heavy.  She can barely lift it for a few seconds before starting to get tired.

Alice looks at Selfless for a minute.  "But we are being timed, probably, and that's a long extra trip..."  She turns to Iora.  "But maybe we could use something else..."

"Maaaaaybe," Iora says.

"Something like... your cloak, maybe?" Alice suggests.

"But I don't waaaaaanna..." Iora whines.

"You don't really get cold, right?  And I'll warm you right up if you do.  C'mon.  I'll owe you one."

Iora whines.

"I'll let you off easy next time you wanna sleep instead of taking a bath..."

Iora sighs, then takes off her cloak.  Underneath, she's dressed in a swimsuit.  The top seems to be made out of shells and seaweed.  She keeps a hand on her cloak while the rest of you work together to get the crate on it, and keeps staring down at the crate instead of watching where you're going.

Lifting together, you're able to carry the crate without much trouble or effort.  You're not even a bit tired when you make it to a fast-flowing river, 20ft across and about 3ft deep at the crossing.  A rotted wooden bridge spans the gap, creaking and slipping under the water's surface as it ebbs and flows.

"Oh...  I can swim it acro-o-o-o-o-oss," Iora says.  "If we go over there.  Where it's deeeeeeeper."


Rachael (Colette, Darius, Jake)

Everyone sits and stares at each other.

“Hold on, do we know if what’s in the crate is waterproof? If these are important papers or something that’s going to ruin them.”

Rishan nods "Thank you for the report Gwyn that lines up with what Fenian said, seeing as we don't have to worry about any stabbings I'd appreciate if you stay within ear shot at least for the rest of the trip. Now then Hero I'd like to test something real quick" Rishan casts leap on Hero "See how far you can jump while holding the chest"

Misha, Ray (Erin, Balthazar)

Erin wastes no time tossing the coat on, then skipping across the stable, dry parts of the bridge over to the other side.  She lands, taking up watch to make sure nothing goes wrong.

Balthazar picks up his side and waits for Misha.  Ray dives into the freezing water and checks for any damaged planks.  He finds a few that look worn through, and magically Pushes against them as Erin and Balthazar cross.  A few crack, but even the broken planks hold steady with some extra bracing.

As the pair crosses the bridge, Erin fires a rock off into the forest.

"What?" Balthazar asks.

"...Nothing.  Just a trick of the light.  I think...  Probably."  Erin takes the coat off and hands it back to Misha.  "Right, let's... go...?"

You follow Erin's gaze as she trails off.  The tree she's staring at is staring back.  With very tree-like eyes.


Rishan (Fenian, Hero, Gwyn)

"Eh...  Very well then.  I shall make an attempt..."  Hero takes a few steps, then jumps.  He goes much further than usual, even with the heavy crate.  It rattles softly as he adjusts as he lands.  "I... believe that distance will be sufficient.  Most likely."

It looked like he went far enough.  Probably.  Maybe.  It's closer than you'd like.

Ray will stare at the tree, walking out of the water, rubbing his body trying to heat himself.

"Huh.. Guys... Did they say anything about monsters? I'm unsure if animation magic gives faces to the animated object..."

Ray will continue staring at the tree while walking, preparing to cast Shield on the person closest to the tree if/whenever it attacks.