As the keen sighted Eagle rises, the strange red hawks pump their wings to climb higher. When Windwing gets to about 1500’ the Hawks suddenly dive, there are 5 in numbers. Windwing dives just as fast and the Hawks pull up at 1200’. A better view of these strange creatures is now available. They are the reddish orange of fire. They appear to have bronze talons. These hawks have about a 5’ wingspan. They have some falcon aspects. You could say they’re built for speed but bodyweight should be low.
When Thoroncir hears a description of these avians, he muses, “Some artificial predator of the skies, I wonder, crafted through the dark mechanical arts of Saruman or his followers, of a piece with this infernal clock? For I have heard that Curunir, the Man of Skill, was ever more interested in things of metal and wire than of flesh and blood.”
“If we can knock one of those out of the sky, I can probably examine it closer and get a better idea of what perversions of artifice went into creating it.”
Gilraen suggests, “Perhaps Hejren & someone under the power of a fly spell could challenge them?”
I was just going to suggest the same thing Gilraen. That fly spell worked pretty great on me earlier.
“They are quite swift and would seem to be avoiding closer examination. Perhaps whoever goes ought to be enchanted with both flight and the ability to be unseen. Though I’m not sure I advise Hejren going should she be forced back into her elven form 2000’ above.”
“It seems like a wise plan. Whoever goes along with Hejren should be someone who can protect her if the birds attack.”
Felareth pipes up.
"I have the capability of casting both spellsl, but only once per day each. Also, both spells need concentration and a person can concentrate on only one aat a time.
So unless Hejren - or someone else - can cast one or the other spell, we’re a bit stuck."
Ghan can offer Pass Without Trace to anyone who goes.
Sadly my shape-change ability specifically precludes any flying form.
However I can get some flying creatures with Conjure Animals e.g. 2 Giant Eagles or 8 Giant Bats.
“Perhaps we had best press on, then,” Thoroncir says, “unless and until the creatures come lower.”
“I have Invisibility prepared, so I’ve got that part covered.”
Ninthel rides up to the front of the group, “So here’s the plan. I volunteer to go up. I can take a few out without even getting close. Felareth casts fly, Bitur casts invisibility, and Ghan can summon some giant eagles or bats as back up if he would like. Then whoever can ride a summoned creature can mount up just in case we need to go on the offensive. Sound like a plan?”
Yes, sounds like a good plan
Ceol nods in agreement with Ninthel. “If a flying mount can be summoned, I would be willing to serve as your aerial cavalry. After all, as an Eorlingas, I’ve trained in mounted combat since I was old enough to sit up straight in a saddle.”
Ghan is happy to help by Summoning 2 Giant Eagles as back-up (hopefully he can put them under Ninthel’s control?) and casting Pass Without Trace on anyone who wants it.
Gilraen, “Perhaps we should send up our Ceol and Hejren, if the eagle is killed that she’s on, she can turn into a bird. She also brings a lot of firepower.”
Thoroncir is inwardly leery of any plan involving flight by anything other than birds, but raises no objection.
"I’m fune with all that, but I think it would be better if Invisibility were cast first.
“I can cope with seeing the unseen if I have to.”
ooc : Felareth will cast See Invisibility on himself to ensure he can cast Fly on Ninthel. He will then keep scanning the surroundings for attackers attempting to sneak up while we focus o the threat from the skies.
I thus agree.
So Ghân summons the pair of Giant Eagles. Ceol is a heavy burden for them but they’re up to it. The other eagle has an easier time of it with Hejren at less than half the weight. Felareth casts See Invisible which lasts an hour. Then from his instrument a Fly spell that which concentration will give 10 minutes. As she was doing this Bitur casts Invisibilty which will last an hour with concetration.
Swiftwing will fly with the Eagles.
Ninthel flies up towards the strange Hawks and the 3 eagles begin to rise.
The hawks take notice fast of the eagles and rise higher not knowing of Ninthel flying towards them like an arrow. It takes about 2 minutes and she is within range of all of them with some to spare.
As a Sharpshooter she ignores long range penalties, she activates Fighting Spirit with her bonus action; giving her advantage on weapons attacks for the turn and then uses action surge for a total of 4 shots. All 4 shots hit and each arrow kills these small birds. The next round she gets 2 shots and kills the 5th before it gets away. She of course turned visible with her first shot. Ceol catches one plummeting hawk, Swiftwing another and Hejren a third.
The eagles look around and see no other foes as the archer descends.
On examining the birds. The party combines with all there skills to determine much. They are somewhat magical in nature and somewhat enhanced with artificer type work.
You already knew:
They are the reddish orange of fire. They appear to have bronze talons. These hawks have about a 5’ wingspan. They have some falcon aspects. You could say they’re built for speed but bodyweight should be low.
Fire Hawks s5 d16 c8 i10 w14 ch6 ac14 hp3 d4 Percept +4adv 10’/60’ Fly By : +6/4+d6 fire; immune to Fire; cr¼ 50xp
They have bronze talons. 5’ wingspan. Some falcon aspects, only about 3lbs. Reddish orange colors.
They never had a chance. Strange scouts to use.