DC's Legacy of Fire II [IC]

[Down Comforter]

It has been a week; A long, dreary week under the scorching sun since you departed the town of Solku in western Katapesh, riding camels loaned to you by your employer You are all here on the instructions of Garavel, a no-nonsense major-domo of a merchant princess awaiting you at some unknown location in the northern scrublands.

In the distant haze to the West, you can just make out the immense outline of Pale Mountain looming over the mid-evening horizon like a tombstone. The quickly cooling air is refreshing after the heat of the day as your camels plod ever onwards.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

The young lady bounce along atop her camel. She really didn't like these creatures at first, they were smelly, they spit too much for her liking, and they had terrible dispositions. However, after a week in the wastelands she had come to appreciate them. They were walking not her.

Vikcara wore her usual greens. Her dress had a fine gold embroider at its edges. She wrapped her golden hair up in a tight bun and covered her head with a light scarf to keep the sun away.

[Dayaz]

Geso

Geso leaned back slightly, his eyes closed and his face upturned to the sun. He loved to be out and under the sun, knowing he was under the Dawnflower's gaze made even the scorching heat of the desert bearable to him. He wasn't sure about the camel he was riding, as the beast didn't seem to like him, but it had been almost a week since it had tried to bite him.

He supposed summoning fresh water for it and it's friends every night had warmed it to him. It certainly had helped with keeping the people he was traveling with in better spirits.

Geso peeked one eye open to make sure that his camel was still following the others, and was pleased to see it was. Reassured the beast wasn't going to try to get him lost away from the others, Geso closed his eyes again and began to hum a hymn to Sarenrae under his breath.

'I wonder what the Gods will place before us this day' Geso wondered. 'Oh well, we'll deal with it when it comes, the sun is too glorious to waste with idle worries'

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace tries her best to stay on her camel; for all that she was a ranger, she was not experienced with riding, and she hoped the dizzy sick feeling she got from clinging to the swaying animal's back would subside eventually.

As per her normal practice, Grace keeps looking about for gnolls. Not that such huge monsters are likely to hide in this bleak and unforgiving wasteland, but she would rather be safe than sorry.

[meemaas]

The Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor moved forward on his mount quietly, focusing on the path ahead of him while blanking out the others. He had gotten a basic idea of the lot of them, and while he wasn't too fond of them, he knew he could get along with them. Especially if they were to lead to his freedom from servitude. He kept his hood covering his face, a shadow of blackness where one would hope to see his face, as he had the entire time he had traveled with them, unwilling to remove it even once.

[Starbin]

Krog

As the sun began to dip below the distant mountains, Krog road in silence, eyes clearer than they had been for some time. Of course, when Garavel had found him at the Breakstride in Solku, he had been deep in his cups for almost a week. But the opportunity to kill gnolls ... well that was enough to sober up even a pathetic drunk like Krog.

That didn't mean he hadn't had a drink, or three ... each night. But that was nothing compared to the damage Krog could do to a fully stocked tavern over the course of an evening. But having lived in the desert most of his life, he at least knew better than to full dehydrate himself. The sun was unforgiving enough, without worrying about dry heaves and the like.

Fortunately, the shiny priest kept them sated with plenty of water. If only he could have been one of those followers of Cailean, but that might be too much for even Krog. Between Geso and the magician, he had enough cheerfulness to last a lifetime. He didn't begrudge people being happy ... but couldn't they do it in private, instead of flaunting it to the world? I wonder how happy they would be if their world had been destroyed by gnolls ... and one, stupid mistake ...

Glowering, Krog glanced back at the hooded figure. No name, no face, no story ... just an annoyingly arrogant cuz who for some reason was joining them. Bah, he probably couldn't make across the desert without help and would disappear once they were across. Another foreign free-loader, hoping that the big, ugly Krog and the would keep him safe ... well, him and the girl with the bow. Of all the members of this mini-caravan, she was the one he felt most comfortable around. Maybe it was because she didn't seem to ask anything of him ... and they felt pretty much the same about the dog-faces.

Raising a hand to his eyes, Krog surveyed the land ahead. The air was already starting to get cooler, which was the blessing that dusk brought to travelers in Katapesh. Soon, they would need to stop for the evening, since most of the group couldn't see at night. Clearing his throat, he grunted to the others. "Start thinkin' bout camp. Mebbe we can scrounge some food ..." He nodded towards Grace, then lowered his hand and reached down to one of his skins and took a long swig.

Ah ... that's the stuff ...

Perception check for camp sites (or other traveler's): [roll0]
Survival check for food: [roll1]

Sorry about the delay ... busy day!

[Down Comforter]

Krog's nose picks up the smell of a camp fire, just as the group nears what should be their destination. As soon as the craggy tree appears over the next hill, it becomes obvious why it is called the Sultan’s Claw. With five immense, mostly leafless branches, the growth looks more like a giant skeletal talon than a thing of living wood.

As you top the last rise, a caravan of a half-dozen wagons and a large tent clustered around the distinctive tree comes into view. Camels in a nearby pen prance in agitation, and a clutch of confused goats and livestock wander the grounds around the wagons. Perhaps a dozen men and women rush around the campsite, chasing down an animal or hastening toward the center of the cluster, near the Sultan’s Claw, with pails of water in their hands.

One of the wagons is on fire! Lush orange and red flames engulf an elaborate wooden wagon emblazoned with painted moons and stars. A gout of smoke pours from an open door, and as you approach an
ill wind blows a number of colorful fortune-telling Harrow cards from inside the wagon. One of the singed cards blows directly at The Dagda Mor, catching against his chest in a burst of orange cinders.

Dagda Mor
It is the Cyclone, a card which you know to signify a force that tears through whatever it meets at the behest of an intelligent being. The card portends war, arson, and destructive plans.
As the cards blow past, the whole of the Sultan's Claw erupts into brilliant flame.

The central flap of an elaborate tent flies open and a regal woman who can only be Almah steps out into the firelit night. “Douse that flame!” she shouts to the men surrounding the wagon before turning in your direction. “Ah, Garavel!” she says. “And just a moment later than the nick of time, as usual.”

Looking specifically past her major domo and directly at your group, Almah barks out a simple order before running off toward the fire: “Find some way to help!”

Sultan's Claw
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/jolsby3689/SultansClaw.png


Almah, Garavel, and four soldiers dressed in the distinctive red chitin-plate armor of the Pactmaster Guard run back and forth between the burning fortune teller’s wagon and an uncovered wagon about 20 feet away. The latter contains a huge barrel that looks to be holding a large amount of water.

Four burly mercenaries struggle with an enclosed wooden wagon within feet of the burning wagon, hoping to move it to safety before an errant spark causes it too to burst into flame.

A grey-haired old man, with the robes of a priest, kneels next to two severely burned mercenaries, both of whom look near death.

A modest collection of pigs, goats, and sheep accompanies Almah’s party on the journey to Kelmarane. The flaming wagon has unsettled these creatures, which somehow escaped from their pen in the confusion surrounding the fire’s outbreak. The middle-aged human camel drivers do their best to wrangle the panicking animals, but their efforts are quickly being overrun by the chaos of the situation.


OOC: Initiative rolls if you would. You're on the clock.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace freezes for a moment and stares in horror at the blaze. Tales of what uncontrolled fire could do flash through her mind as she takes in the situation.

Then she barks in a hoarse voice, "Krog! You're the strongest! Go help those men with that big water barrel!"

Then she turns to the unnervingly beautiful man seated on the camel beside her camel, "Uh, uh... Priest! Burn victims, over there!" Grace jabs a finger at the halfling kneeling beside the two dying figures.

Grace herself clumsily and gratefully clambers down from her camel. She stares in consternation at the panicking pigs, goats, and sheep, and she moves as fast as she can towards the animals, blowing on her whistle in hopes of catching the beasts' attention. Her arms are spread wide to make herself look as big as possible.

As she bolts to the animals, she curses to herself over never really bonding to animals the way other rangers do. How embarrassing.



Grace's initiative modifier is +3.

Initiative: 1d20+3

[Frivolous]

Initiative



Grace's initiative modifier is +3.

Initiative: [roll0]

[Dayaz]

Geso watched the blaze wide-eyed for a moment, before his eyes spotted a Halfling wearing priestly robe of some sort kneeling by two men who looked like they were badly burned. He was already off his camel and running by the time Grace had told him too. Knowing that she would likely need help with the animals, and Garaval with the burning wagon, Geso turned his head back towards the others.

"Miss Vikcara, please help Grace and see if you singing can calm those animals down! Cloaked Guy, help with putting out that wagon, once I'm done helping these men I'll come and help you!" He shouted over his shoulder, hoping everyone would do as he asked.

Geso reached the two burnt men and quickly knelt beside the priest. "I'll help. Sarenrae, I plead of thee, guide these men back to us!" He prayed, holding his hands up to the dying light of the sun. He smilled when his hangs glowed, the glow falling on each person within 30 feet of him.

OOC: Using a usage of Channel Energy (does that get a bonus from my stats? the Srd doesn't say but I thought I did?) Hitting everyone within 30 feet of Geso so if anyone has minor wounds this would heal them.



^Ignore this roll I used the wrong dice


[roll]1d6

[Dayaz]

[roll0] What is up with the dice not wanting to work?

[Down Comforter]

As Geso approaches the wounded and the kneeling priest, he sees that the priest is hastily mixing a potion. He looks up as you approach but briefly averts his eyes as healing energy pulses from Geso. As the light fades, the firefighters look much healthier and the priests nods his approval, "Good on you, boy. Now go help the others with that blaze."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

She was about to say something before Geso is off. Instead he does as she is asked and follows grace. Unsure what the other woman is doing she asks, "Are we to free these animals so they can get away on their own or try to calm them down?"

[meemaas]

The Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor moves towards the fire growling under his breath. He made it clear he resented these orders, although filled them to the best of his ability anyways. He moved to help with the group that was bringing water, moving carefully and cleanly, to avoid spilling any, and growled a little, wishing he could just create help.

Initiative [roll0]

[Frivolous]

Vikcara

She was about to say something before Geso is off. Instead he does as she is asked and follows grace. Unsure what the other woman is doing she asks, "Are we to free these animals so they can get away on their own or try to calm them down?"

Grace replies, "Calm them down, so they don't run off and get lost."

[Starbin]

Kroger had stared at the fire for a moment, then turned his gaze across the camp. Two women barked out orders ... and one, surprisingly was Grace. He glared at Grace as she turned to assist others, then stomped over to the men wrestling with the barrel. "This water? Move over ... let me try.".

With a grunt, Krog wrapped his arms around the barrel, bent his knees and heaved ...

Will try to move the barrel closer to the fire, based on 19 STR.

[Dayaz]

Geso nodded at the Priest, and hurried off towards the wagon. Seeing Krog trying to move the barrel instead of the other wagon, Geso groaned. Quickly moving to in-between the two wagons, Geso frowned at the fire, and began to move his hands in well practiced motions. Above the raging fire, water formed from the air and splashed down onto the flames, with Geso guiding it to try and tame the blaze closest to the non-burning wagon.

"Hurry lads, we don't want to lose another wagon!" Geso called to the men behind him, his hands already moving to summon more water.

Summoned two gallons of water, focusing it on the flames closest to the other wagon

[shugyosha]

Vikcara


Grace replies, "Calm them down, so they don't run off and get lost."

Her mouth twists as she thinks of what she can do. "Oh, I got it," she says in a moment of inspiration. She begins to sing. The song is without words, simple notes designed to catch the attention of a single animal.


Cast Lullaby DC 15

[Down Comforter]

As Almah shouts at the group, The Dagda Mor moves to assist with the fire, grabbing a bucket of water just as Krog leaps into action. He runs to the water barrel and attempts to lift it out of the wagon. With what seems to be ease, he lifts the barrel in both massive arms and turns towards the fire, where everyone seems to pause in shock.

Krog
Natural 20 strength check for you :smallbiggrin:
It's heavy, so you have 20ft movement while carrying it, which is about how far away the fire is if you want to bring it there.

The harried animals are running about at a frantic pace, ignoring the calls of their masters when Vikcara begins to sing, channeling her magical energy in an attempt to calm the animals. While the animals immediately begin to calm down, they still seem restless and the song seems to have an effect on those nearby as well, as eyelids start to droop unwillingly. Grace attempts to calm the sleepy animals.


Grace
Handle Animal check here or in the OOC.

Calmer animals will make it easier to handle them, DC is lowered due to sleepy animals

[Frivolous]

Grace

Grace staggers briefly as Vikcara's cantrip enfolds her in a sluggish warmth. She yawns and continues trying to herd the sheep with her bare hands.

OOC Note: Redacted much of this post as Grace has been allowed the Handle Animal skill by DM retcon.

[Starbin]

With the barrel lifted, Krog stomped his way to the fire, grunting out in between steps, "Move it ... water comin' thru!"

Once there, he put the barrel down and started towards the other wagon that was in danger of catching on fire.

So lift, 20ft move, and setting it down for use (since I'm guessing they didn't want me to huck it on the wagon).

Next action, Krog will push the other wagon out of the way ... or if it looks like the four burly guys have it under control, he'll start shoveling water out and throwing it on the fire ... using his helm, if necessary! :smallbiggrin:

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace tries to use her rusty skills with managing animals to calm the pigs, goats, and sheep down and get them to stop panicking.


Handle Animal: [roll0]

[Down Comforter]

As Krog drops the the barrel to the ground nearby the fire, Garavel fills his bucket and slaps him on the shoulder and adds a gruff, "Well done lad." The work of putting out the fire should be much easier with the water so much closer.

Grace doesn't have quite as much luck with the animals, as she manages to get the attention of a wayward camel but only succeeds in driving it away from the open desert and it remains upset.

OOC: Round two!

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace's previous riding nausea is completely forgotten. Her brown cheeks burn with humiliation at her failure to get the animals to listen to her immediately.

She takes a deep breath to help herself focus and continues to try to get them to calm down, making the appropriate bleating or noises, and wondering how in Sarenrae's name she is going to get so many different kinds of animals to all settle down at the same time.

Since according to PF rules, Grace can retry on Handle Animal checks, except for rearing an animal (which does not apply here).

Handle Animal: [roll0]

[Starbin]

Krog stared back at the man for a moment, eyes dark and unreadable, as if he was about to snarl a response. Instead, he swallowed and grunted "Sure ..." and turned to the nearby wagon. Stepping forward, he checked to make sure the wagon didn't have chocks or anything keeping it place before he settled his shoulder up against the side and pushed.

Guessing this is more like an enclosed carriage-style wagon, instead of an extra-large open cart. Either way, Krog will lend his strength to moving it away from the flames.

[Down Comforter]

Grace continues to struggle with the animals without success. She does manage to keep them from running further into the desert, so she takes small solace from that.

Despite Krog's great strength, he is unable to move the huge, covered wagon. Two of the mercenaries try and assist, but the other slip in the dirt and sand.

[Starbin]

Frowning, Krog knew it would be easy to slip into that dark place and tap into reserves of strength he did not use every day. But that path usually led to someone getting hurt, and now was not the time. Perhaps this was one of those rare times that called for thinking ...

Looking at the mercenaries on the ground, he barked, "Stop laying around and get some horses! Pull this thing out of here!" Glancing back at the barrel, Krog removed his helmet and splashed some of it on the edge of the wagon closest to the flames. If he could not push the wagon away, maybe he could limit the chance that it caught on fire.

This may need to occur next round, but assuming brute strength didn't work, Krog will try to wet the most vulnerable parts of the wagon to prevent the flames from jumping across.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

The young magician continues to concentrate, hold on to the spells lazy effect.

[meemaas]

The Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor continues helping lug smaller buckets of water to the stronger men for the same purpose they had before.

[Down Comforter]

Geso's summoning of water as well as The Dagda Mor's assistance helps to quell much of the fire, but the collapse of one of the tent's walls and a new gout of fire proves that the fire is very much alive still. The animals continue to move more sluggishly as Vikcara continues her magical work.

OOC: Round three.
I've already got Krog's action for this round.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

Seeing how there is much else for her to do, she continues her singing to charm the animals.

[Frivolous]

Grace

Grace continues to try to get the animals calmed down and under control, but her temper is fraying badly.

As she gasps for breath, she prays softly, "Sarenrae, have mercy on me. Help me calm them down."

Handle Animal: [roll0]

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor growls, but continues his efforts, simply ferrying water to the more able bodied.

[Dayaz]

Geso raises one eyebrow at the fallen wall, and sighs.

"It's going to be one of those nights." He chuckled under his breath, summoning more water.

[Down Comforter]

The effort of the group to put out the fire is finally successful, as the flames flicker, gasp, and finally die under the torrents of water unleashed by the fire fighters.

Just as the last of the flames die out out, Grace successfully loops her hand through the reins of one of the camels and manages to calm the animal finally.

With the fire finally out, the guards and mercenaries move to stomping out the rest of the flames and helping the herders in rounding up the loose animals.

As the camp starts to quiet down, the guards move to clean up the mess left by the fire and animals and Garavel motions the lot of you over to the burned tent. As you get closer, you see Almah looking into the wreckage. She turns with a sniff, "Such a waste, he could have been of use." She looks at all of you in turn, then to her major domo, "Find out how this happened. Use the the new blood." She turns and walks into her tent, flanked by her bodyguard.

Garavel crosses his arms and grunts, "Right then, the Lady desires that we figured out the cause of this here disturbance." He picks up a ruined Harrow card and then tosses it away with a humph. "It seems this was Eloais' tent, who was Almah's personal fortune teller, and I want to know why it burned. If someone was behind it, I want to know. Talk to the people and look about, let me know what you find."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

She nods at the orders and heads off to the burnt tent. She begins to poke around, trying to figure out where the fire started or what could have started it.


[roll0] perception

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara's examination of the ruined wagon reveals sooty ashes, a few broken bottles or potion vials, a cracked crystal ball, and several pools of melted wax where candles must once have stood. A charred skeletal form remains near the center of the wagon. Nothing stands out to you immediately, but you do see a man dressed in rags, one of the caravan members, lurking a short distance away behind the corner of a nearby wagon and watching you search.

[Starbin]

With the fire put out, Krog reached for the skin around his neck, opening it up to take a long swig. He stopped mid-drink when Garavel suddenly ordered them to 'look around and find out what happened.'

Staring at Garavel for a long moment, he finally grunted with frustration and let his aleskin drop back to his chest. First, he looked around for the nearest person, focusing on anyone evincing interest in the remains of the the tent.

Perception: [roll0]

Spying someone, he stomped over to the individual quickly, looming over them. "You! Why you staring? You see anything? Or anyone? Answer!"

[roll1] - okay, this might not be the part where Krog shines :smallbiggrin:

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

She spies the onlooker. With the most friendly, nonthreatening manner she slowly approaches. "Hey there, You can come out you are among friends."


[roll0] diplomacy

[Frivolous]

Grace


After handing the camel off to its owner, Grace coughs a lot from the smoke and dust and from the strenuous exertions she had undertaken. She wipes away tears from her eyes, hoping no one sees her weakness.

She approaches and peers into the wagon. "It's nearly dark. Could someone make a light?"

The ranger glances first at Vikcara, then at Geso, then lastly at the Dagda Mor, wondering if any of them have that power.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Oh, sorry about that," she says then hold up her hand as it begins to glow.

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor keeps his distance, watching the stranger closely for any odd movements.

Perception [roll0]

Sense motive [roll1]

[Frivolous]

Vikcara

"Oh, sorry about that," she says then hold up her hand as it begins to glow.


"Thank you."

Grace begins to search through the wreckage of the burned wagon. If she finds anything that is undamaged, she sets it aside to give to the owner.



Perception: [roll0]

[Down Comforter]

The ragged man blinks in surprise as he is suddenly confronted by the angry half-orc and the young woman. He pulls from the large half-orc, wide-eyed and staring, he leans heavily on a wooden cane that seems to be carved from a desert tree. He stammers out, "I didn't see anything! Nothing at all! What are you talking about?"

He seems clearly terrified of Krog.

[Starbin]

Krog peered at him. "You sure? You not lying?"

I suppose we'll try a Sense Motive here: [roll0] :smalltongue:

[Starbin]

As the ragged man seemed to be telling the truth, Krog glared for a moment, then waved his hand with an explosive breath. "Bah, this is stupid!" Stomping around, Krog looked for anyone else that might be close by, so that he might 'interview' them as well.

Rinse, lather, repeat ...

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

Calmly she asks, "Good man, who are you?"


Do you want me to roll again for Diplomacy? If so here it is, if not ignore it
[roll0]

[Dayaz]

*blinks* hmm so much has happened since I woke up this morning >.>

IC

Geso frowned thoughtfully after the Captain as she walked away. Shrugging, but keeping what he heard in the back of his mind, Geso turned towards a few of the guards and civilians(if any) nearby.

"Friends!" He cheered softly, smiling at them as he drew near. "I am happy the fire is settled, although I am saddened by the lose of the fortune teller. Would any of you know how his tent could have caught flame?"


Would this be Diplomacy or Gather Information?

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace mostly ignores the conversation with the ragged stranger. She's not good with people.

She continues to try to search through the wreckage for clues and salvageable goods.


Trying Again Perception and OOC remark



Since Pathfinder allows a character to try again the Perception skill, she is going to do so.


Try Again: Yes. You can try to sense something you missed the first time, so long as the stimulus is still present.

Perception: [roll0]

Also, there is no Gather Information skill in Pathfinder. It was folded into Diplomacy.

[Down Comforter]

The ragged man shudders slightly as the half-orc walks away and looks Vikcara, a frown crossing his face. You notice that his powerful body odor betrays a man with a very loose relationship with hygiene. He seems to grunt out his name, "Dashki. Gnoll expert. What do you want?"

Grace
While your search doesn't reveal anything related to the fire, you do find a scorched coin purse containing an assortment of blackened coins adding up to 55gp that likely belonged to the now-dead Eloais.

[Frivolous]

Grace


When she hears the word 'gnoll', Grace straightens and turns to the strange man quite like a hunting hound points its nose at a target.

She carries a small charred purse in one hand, but she doesn't seem to be interested in it anymore. Her attention is fully on the man, Dashki.

"Dashki. I am Grace of Sarenrae. I hunt gnolls. How do you do."

Grace speaks in a choppy manner, short words and short sentences.

"We seek the cause for the fire. Help us."

After a moment, Grace remembers something. She adds the magic word.

"Please."

[Down Comforter]

Dashki gives grace a wary look. "It's good to see another who hunts the gnolls, but I know nothing of how the fire started. Nothing at all. I was actually finishing up dinner by the campfire when the fortune teller's place went up."

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace turns to the others. "It wasn't him. He knows nothing." Apparently she thinks he is trustworthy.

She goes to Garavel and opens her hand. "I find this coin purse. There's money in it. Did this Eloais have any family? It should go to them."

After a few moments, she says, "Oh, and someone should probably bury the body. Fire purifies, but it's still icky."

She gives Geso a glance.

[Down Comforter]

Garavel barely spares a glance at the coins that Grace offers, "He was a quiet man, didn't say anything much about his past. Lady Almah might know, but I wouldn't be bothering her over such a trifling. Keep it. You lot did good work."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

Seeing how Grace seems to be handling things here, Vikcara lights up a piece of Grace's clothing so that she can see and then moves off to find one of the Priests so she can question them.

"Good evening priests, I am Vikcara. How are you doing this night?"

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara
The old priest sits on a log, tidying up what looks to be alchemical ingredients. He looks up as you approach. "Ah, the young mage, of course. The camp and I are quite grateful for your assistance." He struggles to his feet with the aid of a gnarled wooden cane and extends a hand in your direction. "Father Zastoran, a humble priest of Nethys, at your service," he says with a wrinkled smile. "Can I help you with anything?"

[Frivolous]

Garavel barely spares a glance at the coins that Grace offers, "He was a quiet man, didn't say anything much about his past. Lady Almah might know, but I wouldn't be bothering her over such a trifling. Keep it. You lot did good work."


Grace

Grace looks nonplussed. She looks down at the charred coin purse in her hand as if she doesn't know what to do with it.

"All right. And you are welcome, of course."

"I also didn't know Eloais was a man. But burned bodies can lose all gender in death."

Grace falls silent for a while, her face and especially her eyes haunted by the ghosts of her dead family. Then she gathers herself back to the present with effort and continues to talk to Garavel.

"Would you tell me, rather us, about Almah?"

"She seems...important and I want to know what she is like, what she wants and what she hates, before we meet her for real."

The young ranger seems to be struggling to communicate. She is trying to be tactful but her innate bluntness blunders through.

[Starbin]

Seeing the mercenaries gathered over to the side, Krog stomped over to them. Taking a swig from his aleskin, he nodded to the group, glancing around. "Anyone see what happened?"

Oh, he is subtle ...

[Down Comforter]

Krog
You spot the mercenaries sitting around a small campfire, men and women preparing what is either a stew or their laundry."Aye, Zastoran said that Trevvis and Kallien would be right as rain water thanks t' the healer the new ones bring with 'em." The four mercenaries look up as you approach as you catch the tail-end of their conversation and you get your first actual look at them. They are tough, disreputable lot, thick with soiled armor and greasy hair, a distinct contrast to the well-mannered, meticulously attired soldiers who guard Almah.

One of the larger men takes a sip from his own wineskin before answering, "The fire, eh? I don't know much about that. We were all here about the fire, finishing a fine dinner by dear ol' Dullen here with a sturdy drink. Shame about the poor fop, useless he mighta been, but burnin' alive is a whole 'nother thing altogether." He looks at his companions with a grin, "A shame he didn't have the mettle of us, eh?"

[Starbin]

Krog grunted, nodding his head in presumed agreement. He knew as well as these men the rigors of warfare, and had little sympathy when those who hovered around violence were caught up in it's chaos. That wasn't to say he thought the fortune-teller deserved to die, but he didn't know the man and didn't really care ... hazards of life on the road.

He was certain, however, that these men wouldn't care unless the would-be prophet had promised them riches. The state of their arms and armor spoke volumes about the kind of mercenaries they were ... and why they weren't guarding Almah.

Taking another swig, he grunted, "No use, eh? Faker or doomsayer? Anyone else hold a grudge against 'em?"

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

She smiles at the man, "Father Zastoran, I have been tasked to find out what I can about the fire. Could you tell me the events leading up to the fire?"


[roll0] diplomacy

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara
"Let me think now... I believe that I was reading my book by the fire-pit, but that lot," he gestures towards the mercenaries Krog is speaking to, "were much too loud with their carrying on and I'd just stood up to return to my wagon when the fire broke out." He leans in, lowering his voice. "I do admit, I believe that he was a quite the charlatan and dear Almah is better of without him, despite her fondness for him." He sighs, "It's a shame that he parted company with us in such a horrid manner."

Krog
"Certainly his fortune-telling ne'er helped us! We've torn through every manner of beastie this side of the Pale Mountains and that one could be bothered to give us a warning over a single ambush. Hardly a fortune teller by my thinkin'." He takes a long draw on his wineskin, "I don't know 'bout a grudge, but I'm sure Dashki will be quite happy he be gone."

[Starbin]

Krog glanced around the camp. "Wait, who's Dashki? And why'd he be happy?"

Looking back, it appears that Krog left that conversation before introductions were made :smallbiggrin:

[Down Comforter]

Grace
With a lantern jaw and short black hair, the dashing Garavel looks more like a swordsman than an accountant and business expert, yet it is he who oversees much of Almah’s personal business. He looks you up and down as you speak with him and you catch a glimpse of a strange metal bolt protruding from the left side of his skull, hidden beneath his plain white keffiyeh.

"She is a good woman, knows her stuff. At the very least, the Pactmasters have faith in her which says a lot. Do not seek to bandy words with her unless you can keep up. For anything else, speak to her."

Krog
"The scruffy-looking fellow you were grunting at earlier. Works as a scout and 'gnoll expert'. The Lady seems to trust him, but I certainly don't." He lowers his voice, "He's a bit obsessed with the Lady, he is."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"So you were reading when the fire was started," she says with a smile. "Why do you call him a charlatan?"

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara
"He was a mere conjurer of cheap tricks. His knowledge of the future was no more than any of us had. That is, none whatsoever. His 'divinations' were spoken in vague terms and generalities such that any might think they had substance but there was naught behind his Harrowings." Zastoran seems uncomfortable, "I've said too much. It is poor behavior to speak ill of the dead."

[Starbin]

Krog grunted. "So was he jealous? Did the pansy give advice she took over his?"

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Yes, it is never good to speak ill of people, but the truth is the truth. Did he get along with anyone besides Almah? Did anyone dislike him in particular?"

[Down Comforter]

Krog
The man shrugs. "Eloais worked for the Lady first and only. If ya want ta know what they talked about, you'll have to speak with Lady Almah. She doesn't exactly sharer her decision makin' process with the likes o' us."

Vikcara
Zastoran tugs at his beard, "I know the common fighters had no real love towards him, but they are a rough sort and don't much like anyone who doesn't know how to stick things with a bit of steel and iron. Dashki... who knows about that rough one... No one with healthy desires skulks around a pretty woman the way he does; who knows what a scoundrel like him is capable of?

[Starbin]

Krog nodded, turning to walk off. Pausing for a moment, he raised the skin and took a swig. "Uh, thanks."

He then proceeded back over to the man known as Dashki. His stride said in no uncertain terms that he meant business, although what that would mean to the 'gnoll expert' remained to be seen.

[Frivolous]

Grace
With a lantern jaw and short black hair, the dashing Garavel looks more like a swordsman than an accountant and business expert, yet it is he who oversees much of Almah’s personal business. He looks you up and down as you speak with him and you catch a glimpse of a strange metal bolt protruding from the left side of his skull, hidden beneath his plain white keffiyeh.

"She is a good woman, knows her stuff. At the very least, the Pactmasters have faith in her which says a lot. Do not seek to bandy words with her unless you can keep up. For anything else, speak to her."

Grace


Grace's eyes widen in shock and she reaches forward, speaking quickly in a horrified voice, "Dear Gods, what is that? Are you all right?"

Then she seems to realize something and straightens, looking around, and saying in hurried manner, "Oh it was nothing. I thought I saw a scorpion but it was only a shadow."

In a slightly unsteady voice, Grace says, "I do not think I can keep up, as you put it, so I will keep away from Lady Almah."

"But she said something to you earlier. 'Just a moment later than the nick of time', she said. What does that mean? Is this camp often beset by fire or other troubles?"

Despite her verbal assurances, Grace is now watching Garavel a little more warily than she should.

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor remained at the edge of the camp, circling it he'd keep his eye out for others who might be lurking outside the camp, allowing the friendlier members of his party to deal with the others.

[Down Comforter]

Grace
Garavel frowns and resettles his keffiyeh. "We are a group employed by the Pactmasters working in the shadow of the Pale Mountain. There is always trouble. These are gnoll lands."

Dagda Mor
With the sun almost dipping behind the hills, the people of the caravan seem to be migrating towards their fires and the smell of cooking meat can be scented, wafting from a cook fire the camel herders have set up.

Krog
The ragged man you had intimidated earlier sees you coming and he rests his hand on his scimitar, a frown crossing his face. "And what do you want, orc?" he growls.

[Starbin]

Krog glanced pointedly at the man's hand on his scimitar, before looking back at the man's eyes. "I want the truth. But you'd best take that hand off your weapon unless you want to lose it ... at the shoulder." Krog glares at the man intently, more than a little angry at the man's threatening gesture.

Oh, sure, it's a double standard, but Krog sees a hand on the weapon as a precursor to fighting. So I guess we'll go with what, diplomacy again? heh, just kidding - Intimidate: [roll0]

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Yes, Dashki, we saw him sulking around early this evening. What do you know about him? What is his job?"

[Down Comforter]

Krog
Dashki's hand tightens on the hilt of his sword, but he lets it drop. "Then start talking half-breed. You've wasted enough of my time as it is."

Vikcara
Zastoran shrugs, "I've not spoken with him at any length. I know he is a gnoll expert and acts as a scout for our party. His knowledge of the terrain has been invaluable. From what I've heard."

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace gives a 45-degree angle bow to Garavel. "Of course. With your permission, I will continue trying to find out how the fire started."

She goes to the camel drivers. After a week of riding camels, she has much more respect (and pity) for the profession than she did starting out on this journey.

"A man died in the fire, Lady Almah's fortune teller Eloais. I need volunteers to help me dig a grave or raise a cairn for the poor man, say a few prayers for his soul, and tell some stories about him if you know any."

"Any man or woman who is kind enough to help me take care of his body and give rest to his soul may have a share of this purse of coin."

Grace jingles the charred purse to demonstrate that there is indeed coin inside. She doesn't care about the coin at all; she figures that even if she learns nothing useful, the coin will at least go to some hard workers.

"Anyone know where we can borrow a shovel or two?"

[Down Comforter]

Grace
The two camel drivers, husband and wife by the looks of them, are seated around a cook fire. The husband looks distraught and seems ready to jump off his seat, while the woman tends to a pot of stew. She looks up, "We've our own herd and troubles to tend to, otherwise we would." She looks over to her husband and pats him on the shoulder, "It's alright, dear. I'm sure we'll find him. We must wait until morning though..."

He sniffles, "It's Rombard though! He's never gone missing before! He won't know what to do out there and who knows what kind of beasts are out in the night?"

[Frivolous]

Grace
The two camel drivers, husband and wife by the looks of them, are seated around a cook fire. The husband looks distraught and seems ready to jump off his seat, while the woman tends to a pot of stew. She looks up, "We've our own herd and troubles to tend to, otherwise we would." She looks over to her husband and pats him on the shoulder, "It's alright, dear. I'm sure we'll find him. We must wait until morning though..."

He sniffles, "It's Rombard though! He's never gone missing before! He won't know what to do out there and who knows what kind of beasts are out in the night?"

Grace

Instantly the memory of Garavel saying this is gnoll territory flashes to the forefront of Grace's mind. She inhales sharply.

"What is this? What is Rombard?"

[Starbin]

Krog growled as he leaned forward. "I don't remember calling you names ... disrespect me one more time and I'll cut you in half.

What do you know about the fire? Jealous of the fortune teller?"

Ah, Mr. Subtle and his leaps to concussions ... I mean conclusions ...

[Down Comforter]

Grace
The man seems on the edge of tears, "He's my favorite goat. He went missing during the chaos of the fire and all and I haven't been able to find him. You'll find him for me, won't you?"

Krog
“No! I had nothing to do with the fire! How do we even know the fire was set? That idiot burned a hundred candles in his wagon. Perhaps he just got unlucky. We’re in gnoll country. It was probably pugwampis.” He crosses his arms. "And unlike you, I actually add something to this expedition. Lay a hand on me and Garavel or Almah will take it from you."

[Frivolous]

Grace

Grace relaxes a bit. "Ah. I see."

And she does see. Rural people often need their animals to make ends meet. At least it was just a goat and not something -really- valuable, like a cow.

"Tell me about Rombard. Where did you last see him? Does he have any quirks?"

"How do I recognize him? There might be other goats running around."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Did you see the two talking? Did you notice who the fortune teller was close to, besides Almah of course? Oh, and when was the last time you saw him?"

[Starbin]

Frowning, Krog crossed his arms. "First off, it won't be my hand that touches you, but my axe. Second, what do you know of what I bring? I'm sure you're valuable and all, but I'll bet a skin of ale they can do without you.

Tell you what - you decide you want to call me a name or grab your blade in my presence, I'll go ahead and kill you. When Garavel or Almah need someone to lurk, frown and grump around, I'll take your spot. Deal?"
Not sure I'm going to get more out of this guy, despite my best efforts to be friendly! I think Krog will probably wander off, having made a new enemy!

[Down Comforter]

Grace
"He's about this high," he raises his hand above his knee. "Shaggy brown hair and a little brass bell about his neck. I saw him last just before the fire, but I lost him in the confusion. He's very sweet, but not the brightest."

Vikcara
"I last saw him this morning, when we were setting up camp. He wasn't truly close with any except perhaps Almah."

Krog
Dashki's eyes narrow and his face takes on a feral appearance, but it is gone in an instant. He turns and walks away, back towards his tent on the fringe of the camp.

[Starbin]

Krog watches the man walk away for a moment before turning with a snarl, muttering to himself as he stomped off. Heading towards the ruins of the fortune teller's tent, he looked for a stump, sitting down and taking a long swig from his aleskin.

Way to make friends, Krog ... what's next, punch a baby? You really are a piece of work ...

Time to get drunk ...

Depending on how long it takes the others to return, or find him in his cups, Krog will sit drinking for awhile.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Setting up camp? What was he doing and were was he?"

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara
"What in the heavens are you talking about? He was setting up over there." He points to the burned wreckage. "Now if you'll excuse me, I time to pray and a need rest after today."

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace takes her leave and finds the other members of the party.

With a completely straight face, she says to each, "We need to find a missing goat for our camel drivers. It ran off during the fire, wears a bell and answers to the name Rombard."

If anyone gives her a wide-eyed look or otherwise seems skeptical, she replies, "Come on. It'll be fun, get us to stretch our legs out, and let us explore the outskirts of the camp for anything suspicious lurking about, like gnolls or the possible arsonist."

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor continues his rounds around the camp, taking one more loop before silently joining the largest group he could see. Returning to meet up with Grace at just the right time, he speaks up. There was nothing of interest surrounding this camp."

[Starbin]

I'm making a leap of faith that we have all gathered again ...

Krog sighed as the other returned, cutting short his drinking time. When their own intrepid scout told them of their new 'quest' Krog just stared at Grace for a long moment. He didn't react when she tried to sugar-coat the task, but simply glanced over as the Dagda Mor returned with his assessment.

Krog snorted and took a long swig before putting his skin away. "You ain't been keeping up on current events ... there's a lost goat out there and Grace wants to find it. Should be fun, she says." Krog just shook his head and continued to sit. First they were fire-fighters, then they were investigators, and now they were goat-herders.

Perfect.

[Frivolous]

Grace


The young ranger Grace seldom smiles much, but now she is grinning at Krog.

"Oh, come on, we might find something to fight and kill out there. Are you sure you want to miss out on the excitement?"

"How long has it been since you slaughtered anything? I bet the answer is: Too long."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Thank your time," she says pleasantly before leaving his tent.

She returns to the scene of the fire and with a renewed interest she begins search. She is not looking for evidence of the fire, instead she is looking for what ever arcane spell equipment he might have. A spell book or any spell components.


[roll0]

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara
You don't find anything that might be related to spell work, it's quite likely the fire destroyed anything that might have been in the wagon.

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

"I keep my distance. People don't like me and i do not like people. Better to keep the people business to you lot." He moved back, leaving the others to the front where they could do what they do better than himself.

[Starbin]

"I keep my distance. People don't like me and i do not like people. Better to keep the people business to you lot."

Krog nodded. Yeah, you're right - people don't like you. But since this is a goat, you should be fine. Plus, it's better than sitting around here talking with these yahoos.

Gear up and let's go."

It's hard to tell, but it looks like Krog is more interested in doing something ... and an opportunity to give the Cloaked One grief is always fun.

[Down Comforter]

Seeing everyone gathered up, Garavel walks over to the group. He looks over you all, "So. What have you managed to find out about our possible arsonist?"

[Starbin]

Krog frowned, looking around at the others. "Nuthin but squat. Mercs look clean ... just no money in killin' a fortune teller. Not sure about your gnoll 'expert.' I don't like him and I think he's dirty. But I got no proof. I don't know what they found out." Krog waived vaguely at the others.

[Frivolous]

Grace


"Nothing yet. I'm about to go and look for the camel drivers' missing goat. It got lost during the fire, and they're worried about it."

In a matter of fact manner, Grace adds, "If I can find it, maybe it can tell us who set the blaze."

[Down Comforter]

Garavel nods at Krog, but narrows his eyes when Grace speaks. "And why would you think I would allow you to go chase after a goat in the dark when your task is discover the origins of this fire? Goats aren't known to be the most talkative of creatures regardless."

[Frivolous]

Garavel nods at Krog, but narrows his eyes when Grace speaks. "And why would you think I would allow you to go chase after a goat in the dark when your task is discover the origins of this fire? Goats aren't known to be the most talkative of creatures regardless."


Grace


Grace looks defiant but a little troubled. "I'm not good with people or their motives. The drivers are really upset over their missing goat."

"I saw Vikcara talking to the priest earlier, and Krog here was talking to the mercenaries. I talked to the camel drivers and to you, Master Garavel."

"The only people we haven't talked to about the fire are Lady Amala herself and her bodyguard."

"Would you back us up if we talked to the guards? They might think we're accusing -them- of setting the fire."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"I would like to to talk to Lady Almah, if that would be possible."

[Down Comforter]

"You have my authority in your investigation and the Lady's behind me. Speak with them on your own, that's why we hired you. Speak with Almah if you like, but don't push it beyond her desires. You'll find her in her tent."

[Frivolous]

"You have my authority in your investigation and the Lady's behind me. Speak with them on your own, that's why we hired you. Speak with Almah if you like, but don't push it beyond her desires. You'll find her in her tent."


Grace

Grace nods. "All right."

She turns to the other party members who accompanied her on the journey here. "Let's pool our information first before we continue."

"I talked to the camel drivers. They're just two, a husband and wife, I believe. They're very upset over their missing goat."

"I don't think they did it. People who get upset over a goat don't set fires and murder people."

"I don't think that fellow Dashki did it either. He doesn't feel like a murderer when I talked to him."

[Starbin]

Krog grunted. "I think you're wrong. Killin' gnolls ain't much different than killin' anything else ... except mebbe harder. Mebbe he offed the fortune teller and mebbe he didn't, but the man's a killer ... I saw it in his eyes."

[Frivolous]

Krog grunted. "I think you're wrong. Killin' gnolls ain't much different than killin' anything else ... except mebbe harder. Mebbe he offed the fortune teller and mebbe he didn't, but the man's a killer ... I saw it in his eyes."


Grace

Grace shrugs. "You could be right. I don't know."

She prods the huge half-orc gently. "So who did you talk to and what did you learn?"

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"The priest is pointing at Dashki, although he is the only one I've heard that might have had a reason. He was jealous of Almah's attention she gave the fortune teller, but I don't know if that is a good enough reason."

[Starbin]

Krog shrugged, looking back at the mercenaries. "I talked to the mercs. Not the best lookin' bunch, but they said Dashki would be glad the teller was gone. Somethin' about him being obsessed with the Lady."

Krog thought for a moment, then took a swig from his skin. "The first time, Dashki acted scared. When I was there alone, he grew balls, threatening me and callin' names. Both times he denied knowing anything ... the second time he blamed pugwampis. Seems very proud of his 'place' around here, and his value to the Lady and Garavel."

With a belch, he nodded towards Vikcara and Geso. "You should talk to the Lady. Get the real answer. Mebbe Grace, me and him," he pointed at the Dagda Mor, "can search for pugwampis. And your goat, if you're still looking for that."

Anyone heard from Dayaz? Geso seems particularly silent, so I'm just presuming he's around with us ...

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace looks confused. "Pugwampis?"

She looks at the others to see if they heard the same word as she did.

"So the priest and the mercenaries both said Dashki was the enemy of the fortune teller? That's interesting."

She addresses Vikcara, "Disliking someone is not a very good reason to kill, but Dashki's the only one we know so far who might have a motive."

"I guess we can go talk to the Lady and her bodyguards before we go search for the goat."

She sounds reluctant but resigned to the task.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"No, not disliking, the priest was jealous of his counsel he had with Almah, but you are right not really quite enough for motive," she says as she begins to move to the grand tent.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace goes to talk to the bodyguards. She tenses up as she approaches them; armed men in authority make her nervous.

The slim young ranger fashions a weak smile. "Hello. I'm looking to find out what you know about the fortune teller, the one who died, and the fire."

"Why do you think the fire started? What did you think about the fortune teller, Eloais?""

Grace instinctively stops about 5 feet away, just far away enough that a grown man could not grab the frightened little girl she had been.

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor nods to Krog, showing his acceptance of the suggestion, but otherwise remains silent.

[Down Comforter]

Grace
The bodyguards all stand near Almah's tent, wearing the black and red armor of the Pactmasters. They're clearly a whole different breed from the dirty mercenaries. The largest of the four looks you up and down, "Don't know why it started, we were here watching over the Lady. As for Eloais, he was a companion to Lady Almah, he spent much of his time with her or on his own."

[Starbin]

Watching Grace and Vikcara walk off, Krog frowns. "I thought I had said ..." Shaking his head, he sat back down on the stump for a moment, then glanced over at the Dagda Mor. Holding out his skin, he grunted, "Want some?"

Krog didn't really care about the man (?), but figured maybe the mysterious figure would be more interesting if he was drunk. Failing that, Krog could always get drunk.

I figure Krug doesn't know what a pugwampi is, so he's a little hesitant to go out hunting for one until then ... :smallsmile:

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

As Grace talks the guards she enters the tent. Meekly she asks, "Lady Almah do you have a moment to spare?"

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace nods to what the guards say. Very carefully planning each word, she says, "Garavel asked us to find the cause of the fire that killed him."

"Please tell me what you can about Almah's relationship with the dead man. What did he predict was in her future? What did he advise her to do?"

"I know you have to be loyal to her, but it's in her name that I ask this. Garavel asked us to investigate on her orders."

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

Shaking his head, the Dagda Mor points carefully. "We were to search for that creature. Were we not? The females will be safer here at camp then following us. Shall we set off? It should not be too far out."

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara
Two of the bodyguard part to let you into the tent and one follows you inside to stand guard beside the door. Almah sits at a small folding desk, looking over what appears to be ledgers. She gestures you over as she puts the papers away. "How can I help?"

Grace
As Vikcara passes into the tent, the big man shrugs, "The Lady's business is her own. We are only involved when dealing with others. I would not advise intruding on her personal affairs, but if you must I'm sure you can join your companion in speaking to her.

Dagda Mor and Krog
Garavel looks at the two of you, eyebrow raised, "Did I not just tell you that I would hear no more of hunting for a lost goat while you are to be investigating the fire?" He points at Dagda, "And you, finger-wiggler, shouldn't you be of use to us somehow rather than just lurking about. Maker's breath, you're worse than Dashki."

He turns away to growl at someone else, but pauses, "And no drinking until the job is done." With a grunt, he walks off and starts yelling at the mercenaries to help with cleanup, which they quickly scatter to do.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace stares at the bodyguard for a moment, then nods and passes into the tent after Vikcara to address the Lady Almah.

She looks relieved that the much more companionable bard is there to do most or even all the talking.

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor straightens up and turns at the one who had addressed him. "Friendly, I am not. No person wishes to confide in me, and knowledge gained requires trust earned. Friendly gestures loosen lips. The females handle the talking for us. We can do what we will to make those who might be hesitant to speak with us look upon our help a bit more kindly. Stop us if you wish. But help can be found in the most unlikely of places."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Your Ladyship, I was wondering if you could tell me about the fortune teller? What was he like? Did he mention that he had any trouble with anyone here?"

[Starbin]

Dagda Mor and Scrag
Garavel looks at the two of you, eyebrow raised, "Did I not just tell you that I would hear no more of hunting for a lost goat while you are to be investigating the fire?" He points at Dagda, "And you, finger-wiggler, shouldn't you be of use to us somehow rather than just lurking about. Maker's breath, you're worse than Dashki."

He turns away to growl at someone else, but pauses, "And no drinking until the job is done." With a grunt, he walks off and starts yelling at the mercenaries to help with cleanup, which they quickly scatter to do.

Krog stood up, a scowl on his face. He started to shout out a response to the man, but stopped. Taking a deep breath, he smiled, an expression that looked particularly evil on the half-orc. "Wasn't going after the goat, just pugwampis ... whatever those are. But if you don't think that's the answer, we can wander about asking random people about the fire."

Once Garavel left, he turned to the cloaked figure, snarling to himself for a few moments. "So, he wants us to ask questions ... when I did, I got nuthin but distrust for Dashki. Hell, even Garavel doesn't like him, sounds like. So what do you think we should do?

And what the hell do we call you?"

I think we've talked to all the folks identified as options except Almah (which is in progress), so not really sure how to proceed with the two least social characters in the party :) Add to the fact that our bardly sort has gone vacant in the eyes, and that leaves Krog with threats and grunts.

Barring any ideas from Baba Yaga over there, I suppose Krog will attempt to search the area and try to figure out where the fire started (dammit, I KNEW I should have taking Profession (Arson Investigator)!) ... barring that, checking around for folks who seem to be acting guilty.

Oh, and Down Comforter, I think you're mixing your half-orcs ... Scrag is in your other group :smallbiggrin:

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara and Grace
"What would you wish to know? I hired him in Solku about a month ago to read cards for me. It felt... right, to have a harrower at my side. He was a good man." For a brief moment, Almah seems to sag and seem her young age, her face distraught. "I saw him often and he never mentioned any problems with the people here."

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

"I have never had a name. Simply a title. I was once called The Dagda Mor, in times long past, in event better forgotten. If we do not go searching to earn anothers trust, then the alternative is to simply sit back and allow our friendly....comrades..." He says that last word almost with a snarl. "To do all the talking for us."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Did he mention anything at all about anyone else, good or bad?" she asked with concern.

[Starbin]

Krog raised an eyebrow at the man's response. The Dagda Mor? What the hell does that mean?. Aloud, he simply grunted and looked around the camp. He knew he couldn't go talk to Dashki again ... another encounter would probably end in violence. The others said they talked to everyone else, so how would he and the cloaked one get any more info?

Thinking for a moment (Krog hated when he had to think through a problem), he glanced back at the nameless man. "First off, I'm not callin' you by that ... whatever it was. Dagy More? Hell no, I'm callin' you ... Heyu. Second, I'm gonna check and see if I can tell if the fire started inside the tent or outside. Come on if you want to help."

Without much of a pause, Krog rose and started towards the fortune tellers tent, to see if he could find out any more information.

Perception check: [roll0]
Not sure what else to try right now.

EDIT: Woot! Natural 20! Well, as natural as one can be with a software driven random number generator :smallsmile:

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara
Almah hesitates, but moves on, "Much of what he said is personal, you understand of course? I can tell you that he was unconcerned with much of what went on in the camp. He did not mingle much with the others. I'm truly sorry that I can't tell you more about him."

Krog
It seems that the campsite has been utterly cleared, but something catches your eye. In the mess of confusion and burned debris, you spot a set of tracks that seem too small to belong to any in the camp. They appear only briefly at the back of what was once Eloais' wagon before disappearing into the tracks that fill the area from those putting out the fire, but you're certain they aren't human.

[Starbin]

Frowning, Krog leaned down and stared at the tracks. Without looking up, he grunted to Heyu. "Grace is a tracker, right? Get her - I found something ... weird."

Krog will go to the edge of the camp, trying to find the tracks again. He'll keep an eye out for the others and show them what he found near the fortune teller's tent.

Hmm, not sure, but here's a Perception check to find the trail again : [roll0] and/or a Survival check to follow the tracks: [roll]1d20+5[roll]

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace speaks with her gaze lowered to the ground. "He must have had enemies, lady. Either that, or someone didn't like the advice he was giving you."

"Did you ask him for advice recently on a major decision? And was anyone in the camp strongly -against- what he advised?"

"Maybe someone killed him so he couldn't change your mind."

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor approaches addresses Grace in the middle of her conversation. "The man we travel with wishes for your help."

[Frivolous]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor approaches addresses Grace in the middle of her conversation. "The man we travel with wishes for your help."


Grace

Grace turns around, not recognizing the unfamiliar voice, and stares at the Dagda Mor.

Of all the people who might have interrupted her conversation with Almah, he'd been the last on the list.

She sounds confused as she asks, "What? What man? What help does he need?"

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

Rather than speaking, he simply points at Krog, unwilling to speak a name.

[Frivolous]

Dagda Mor

Rather than speaking, he simply points at Krog, unwilling to speak a name.


Grace

Grace looks at where the strange man is pointing, then mumbles something like, "I guess I should go. I'll be back."

She walks out of the tent to Krog, still looking terribly confused.

"What is it, Krog?"

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Okay, what can you tell me about the others?" she asks politely.

[Starbin]

Krog pointed towards the tracks he found. "Found these near the tent. Don't know what they are. You kin track, right?"

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara and Grace
Almah gives a slight smile, "You know how harrowers can be. They love their generalities and never give specifics." She frowns as the Dagda Mor appears unannounced, more so when he pulls grace away.

Vikcara
Once Grace and the Dagda Mor have left the tent, Almah sits quietly for a moment, staring into nothing. "I must admit, Eloais' readings had grown increasingly grim of late. When he last performed a reading in my presence, it centered on an auspicious card, the Cyclone, portending death by fire and schemes by powerful evil." She leans forward, "You can understand why this might make me wary of what has happened and why it cannot leak out. I have already lost a good man. I will not have more panic spread as well."

Scrag
Despite your attempts, you lose the trail among the many other tracks that cover the ground from the edge of the camp to the wagon.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace nods and kneels down to look, holding up Vikcara's magical light spell to help her see. "Yes, I can."

"So small... Like a child. Or a halfling or gnome. But not likely a halfling if they are of shoes. Have you ever seen a halfling wear shoes?"

Queries Are there imprints of toes present in the tracks?

Are the tracks of a two-legged creature or four-legged?

She examines the tracks very carefully, thinking of all the creatures she knows of that could make such tracks. And she follows the tracks as far as she can, again taking extreme care to do so.

Rolls Knowledge (Nature): [roll0]

Taking 20 on the Survival and/or Perception roll to follow the tracks.

If the Light spell fails too early, Grace lights a torch and asks Krog to hold it up while she searches.

"I often wish I had your night-sight, Krog. Having to use a torch to follow tracks at night is so inconvenient."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

Vikcara nods in silent understanding. She knew the power of portents and would not want to bring any more ruin by saying the wrong thing. However she has to ask, "When he gave that reading, who else was around?"

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara
Almah shakes her head, "No one. Our time together is, was, private. My guard keep away any who would trouble me."

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace seems excited as she stands up. Her eyes gleam and she's smiling broadly. She calls to Krog, assuming that the big half-orc was still near her, following her as she followed the tracks. Her voice is animated, enthusiastic.

"I've never seen tracks like these. Two legs, but the thing's knees seem to be bending backwards."

"And look here. Goat tracks."

"Krog, I need you to stay right here so I don't have to find these tracks again in the dark. I'll go and explain to Master Garavel, and fetch Vikcara and Whatshisname."

Since she knows Krog can see in the dark, she takes the torch and runs back to the camp, where she calls and/or gestures for the Dagda Mor to come and listen to her explain.

She talks in a more serious voice to the Dagda Mor and to Garavel, but her eyes are still shining with joy at the prospect of using her training for something useful and not just a teaching exercise.

"Sir and sir, I found tracks leading from the burned wagon. Very strange tracks, like I've never seen before. Very small, like a halfling or a human child, but with two legs that seem to bend backwards like an animal or a gnoll."

"I ask that you let us go follow them while the tracks are still fresh. Vikcara, too, as soon as she is finished talking to Lady Almah."

Grace deliberately doesn't mention the goat tracks since the caravan master might get exasperated.

[Starbin]

Krog shrugged, not saying much as Grace searched for tracks and spoke intermittently. He had seen people who talked as they worked, almost as if it helped the thinking process ... he was not one of those people.

Suddenly, she got really excited and asked him to stand guard over the tracks while she ran back. "Uh, okay." As she ran back to camp, he pulled out his axe and looked around. "But why didn't we just follow them?

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor simply trails behind Grace, not speaking a word, but listening intently to her conversation.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"This is becoming stranger and stranger," she comments as she pulls her on her ear neverouly. "What do you know of the priest?"

[Down Comforter]

Grace and Dagda Mor
Garavel takes in your quick explanation stoically. He scratches at his beard before nodding, "Follow them, but take Dashki, ragged he might be, but he knows these lands and creatures better than anyone else."

Vikcara
"Father Zastoran? He is my personal physician and an adviser in things spiritual. He's been with me since the beginning. Surely you don't suspect him?"

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace raises her eyebrows in surprise. "Dashki? But he's the one..."

Her voice falls to silence as she balances the risk of what they'd been told about the ragged gnoll hunter versus the knowledge he is known to hold of the surrounding area.

Grace nods. "All right. Why not?"

She says to both Garavel and the Dagda Mor, "We'll just wait for Vikcara to finish talking with Lady Almah. I'll fetch Dashki in the meantime."

She goes to Dashki.

"Dashki. Garavel says you know the land around better than anyone in camp. We have tracks to follow, to find why the fortune teller burned."

"Will you join and help?"

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

She shakes her head and replies, "I don't want to point fingers just yet, I just need to know about the people here. What do you know of Dashki?"

[Down Comforter]

Grace
Dashki just looks at you, then nods. "I'll get my things together. I'll meet you by the fire in several minutes."

Vikcara
"He's an odd one, bit a of a brute. But what men of the land aren't? I hired him weeks ago in Solku, at about the same time as Eloais. He knows more about the beasts of the area than any men I've ever met."

[Frivolous]

Grace

Grace nods and smiles tentatively at Dashki, then goes to wait beside the entrance to Lady Almah's tent for Vikcara to emerge.

She takes deep calming breaths while she waits, freshening her blood for the potentially long and tiring chase ahead.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"I'm sure he is good at his job, however, what do you know about the man? Have you heard anyone talk ill of him? Have you seen him talking to anyone?"

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara
"To be honest, I am not among the men all that often. I leave the day-to-day duties to Garavel and he always does well. Eloais never mentioned having a problem with him, however and Garavel has not brought anything up."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Thank you, you have been most helpful. I have one last question. I assume you were here when the fire started. Who else was with you and what are the event of that evening leading up to the fire?"

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace starts to get impatient and she listens more keenly to the sounds coming from within the tent.

After a moment's thought, she copies what she saw in a play once. She coughs loudly and says to one of the bodyguards standing near the tent entrance, "Oh, I do hope they finish talking soon, as we may have found some clues to how the fire got started."

[Down Comforter]

Vikcara
Almah shakes her head, "I was the only one here in my tent, I'd just retired to my tent after speaking with Father Zastoran over dinner. Something about poetry or the like. Nothing seemed amiss then."

Grace
One of the guards looks at you, eyebrow quirked. "You can just go in, you know. You're working for the Lady."

[Frivolous]

Grace

Grace looks down at her feet. For all her athleticism, the ranger is too shy to easily break into a private conversation, even when she is implicitly allowed to do so.

But the creature that made the tracks (and the missing goat) might get away if the hunters delay too long, so she takes a deep shuddering breath and parts the tent flap, stepping just far enough into the tent so that both Almah and Vikcara can see her.

Still looking down at her feet, Grace says, "Krog found strange tracks near the fire. If we move swiftly, we may catch them."

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Thank you your ladyship. I'll join the others and see what we have," she says and head out of the tent.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace gathers Vikcara, the Dagda Mor, and Dashki and leads them through the night.

As she walks, she explains, "I found strange tracks by the burned wagon, made by something with its knees bent backwards like a gnoll, but obviously much too small to be a gnoll's prints."

"Later it seemed to be accompanied by a goat, for I found goat prints. Maybe from the goat the two camel drivers are missing."

"Krog is waiting for us where I last saw the tracks."

Assuming nothing stops her, once she reaches Krog, she speaks to the big half-orc.

"Master Garavel recommended we ask Dashki to accompany us. He said he knows more about the surrounding area than anyone."

"Dashki, if you can tell us what you know about these tracks or where they seem to lead, please do so."

"Also what kind of monsters lurk around here, besides the gnolls?"

She shows him the tracks she found, relighting her torch so he can see.

OOC
I think this means we're all together again (save for Gesa)

[Down Comforter]

Dashki crouches next to the tracks and looks them over, "Definitely pugwampi, good find." He straightens and looks out into the scrublands the tracks lead into, "As for what lives here? All manner of things, but most are not nocturnal, so we shouldn't run into any trouble from the wild life. It will be safe to follow... well, as safe as following a pugwampi ever is."

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace looks blank as she tries to search her memories.

While she exercises her powers of recall, her mouth asks, "What's a pugwampi? And why would one set the poor man's wagon on fire?"

Knowledge check
Knowledge (Nature): [roll0]

[Down Comforter]

"It's a little jackal-headed beast, small but vicious little bastards. Reckon there will be a group of them somewhere in these hills. No idea why they'd set a wagon on fire though, they're hard creatures to understand."

Grace
You've never heard of pugwampis.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace glances at her other companions, then asks Dashki, "Can they talk?"

"If they can't talk, they can't answer questions about the fire, can they?"

She glances furtively at Vikcara and the Dagda Mor, who have either evinced uncanny powers or hinted at the capability.

[Starbin]

When Grace returned with the others, he rolled his eyes and grunted as Dashki appeared. Stepping away from the tracks, he did his best to keep his hands from gripping his weapon, but it was a serious trial of willpower.

She just had to bring this jacka$$, didn't she ...

[Down Comforter]

Dashki nods, "They can talk, shall we go?"

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

Skeptically she listened to the man talk about pugwampis. She lifts her small crossbow into a ready potions and says, "Lead on."


[roll0] sense motive on Dashki

[Frivolous]

Grace

Grace nods. She smiles at Dashki, appreciating how few words he used.

She kneels and resumes tracking the tracks of pugwampi and goat, holding her torch high above her.

Tracking and Question on Tracking
Grace is continuing to take 20 on Survival rolls to track.

If I may ask, could the DM clarify what the conditions are for tracking? Grace might just take 10 if the check DC and modifiers are not too bad.

I am hesitant to take 10, though, because one can retry a tracking check only after an hour.

She says apologetically to her companions, "Sorry for being so slow. Tracking at night is not easy for me. I only have human eyes."

[Down Comforter]

Geso appears from among the camp hands just as you are about to head out. Dashki glances at him briefly before he heads out into the growing darkness without looking back.

As you follow him, the shadows cast by your torches illuminate the rocky ground covered in shrubs and cacti. You hear noise all about you, the hidden movements of nocturnal creatures. Dashki looks back at you and quietly says, "We're looking for a little humanoid creature that’s much smaller than a halfling, with light fur, dirty claws, and a tiny jackal head."

Grace and Dagda
You notice dozens of small footprints leading to and from the camp at the Sultan’s Claw, finally retreating into the darkness of hill country.

The scout points out what could be tracks every now and then, leading further into the dark.

After following the trail for several hundred feet, you all begin to feel an inexplicable rise in the natural tension of the environment, as if you expect something terrible to happen even though nothing about the terrain has changed.

You all hear a sound, not unlike the brief cry of a human child, coming out of the darkness ahead.

Everyone but Krog
You determine that the sound must be coming from the lost goat, though the timbre of the cry makes it sound as if the creature is in pain.

[Starbin]

Walking behind the group, Krog was glad for the relative silence. Since both Grace and D*&khead were focused on the tracks, he kept his head up, searching the darkness for anyone, or anything. Just because they were close to the camp didn't make the night safe ...

As they continued on, suddenly Krog felt a chill down his spine. Tensing, he pulled his axe free and looked around. Years of fighting often brought about a sixth sense, the tickling feeling that something was about to happen. Then, a cry in the darkness, almost like the mewling of a human child.

Krog whispered to the group, "Loose your weapons ... something's 'bout to go down ..."

Not sure what you need, but here's a Perception check: [roll0]

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace nods acknowledgement to Dashki upon hearing the strange man's description.

Grace nods at Krog. She frowns into the darkness and puts on her buckler.

"They're hurting the goat." Her voice is flat and even, not at all showing her distress.

She points with her torch down at the ground. "Small tracks. There, see? All going to the hills."

"Let's move faster. Vikcara, could you summon light again? I think I'm going to be too busy to hold a torch soon."

Tracking
Grace will try taking 10 this time, hoping that she can be less careful and catch up with the pugwampis before they harm the goat too much.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

She nods and casts another light spell centering on Grace's armor.

[Down Comforter]

As you all progress towards the sound, the local cacti grow more and more intense, until you find yourselves at the edge of a dense thicket of the prickly plants. The sound of the bleating goat is now obvious to everyone—and it seems to be coming from somewhere deep within the cacti.

Krog
You spot Rombard the goat, tethered to a scrub bush by a hairy, knotted length of rope in the middle of the cacti forest.

As you reach the edge of the cacti forest, the goat’s tiny bleats erupt into full-fledged brays of fear.

OOC
The cactus forest, though very wide, is not so terribly deep. Only 25 feet separate you from the trapped goat, but you will have to be careful navigating through the cacti if you don't wish to be harmed.

[Starbin]

Holding his axe ready, Krog looked at the goat, then around the perimeter of the cactus field. Who the fug ties a goat up in cactus?

Muttering, he glanced over at Dashki. "Hey, these pighumpers ... are they sneaky gits? Cuz that goat didn't get in there by accident."

This doesn't feel right ... scanning around for signs of an ambush. Perception: [roll0]

[Down Comforter]

Dashki crouches at the edge of the cactus field and nods, "If they don't want us to see them, we won't."

[Starbin]

Looking back at the others, he grunted. "So why trap the goat? Leaving it for later, or trying to suck in someone from camp?"

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor speaks under his breath, plotting. He holds his hands together, spreading them as material was forming, solidifying into a form of a light, yet hooded cloak. Holding it up, he speaks quietly. "If those creatures have set a trap, then it is possible to spring it early. If it works, we will be able to ambush them when they spring on us, however, this trick will last exactly six seconds, and after that, it will fade." He holds the cloak he had just made carefully while he speaks.

Manifested Ectoplasmic Creation to make a simplistic cloak

For the other players sakes, i'm suggesting creating a construct, covering it with the cloak, and sending it in to try and retrieve the goat, in an effort to lure the ambush out. I really wish i had asked for PsiEx material for this.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace gives the Dagda Mor a look of surprise that he had ventured something about his mysterious powers.

"If it does not risk anyone's lives, sure, why not?"

[Starbin]

Krog nodded, eying the perimeter.

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

He focuses, a small construct forming in front of him, he quickly drapes the cloak over it and it hurtles out towards the goat and attempts to untie it.

Manifesting Astral Construct for 1 power point, making it with the Mobility and the Celerity options.

It takes its move to go through to the goat, and try to untie the goat. It'll last long enough to take one more turn, and then its toast.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace blinks in surprise at the sudden manifestation of the Dagda Mor's construct.

As the thing appears to untie the goat, Grace carefully lowers her still burning torch to the ground. With her hands now free, she takes up her bow and an arrow, preparing to attack any pugwampis.

Readying action
Readying action: Loose an arrow at anything that resembles Dashki's description of a pugwampi.

[Down Comforter]

The cloaked construct glides through cacti, narrowly avoiding several large needles. As it nears the goat, an arrow whistles through the air, and strikes the construct as it moves through the forest.

OOC
Two damage to the construct.

Grace is the first to track the arrow back to its source, a small creature attempting to hide in the cacti forest just as Dashki described, a looses an arrow. Just as her fingers move to release, the sandy ground beneath her foot shifts and her arrow goes wide. Realizing it has been noticed, the creature slides another arrow to its small bow.

Initiative

Grace
Pugwampi
Geso
Dagda
Krog
Vikcara
And this is what a pugwampi looks like:
http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt222/nrfc49/Legacy%20of%20Fire/pugwampi.jpg



The Cactus Field, Round 1

Ignore my screw up with gridlines at the bottom, still working with maptools. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/jolsby3689/Pugwampi_Huntround1-1.jpg

[Frivolous]

Grace


As she spots the ambush, Grace says, "Pugwampi, there."

A moment later, she adds, "And I think the ground just moved."

Sparing no further words, she draws another arrow and looses it at the monster and goat-napper.

Shortbow: [roll0]

Shortbow: [roll1]

Arrow damage: [roll2]


Circumstancial modifiers: I believe the pugwampi is within 30 feet, so Grace's feat of Point-Blank Shot gives her a +1 bonus.

On the other hand, there is a +2 bonus to its AC from partial cover as the DM mentioned, and I believe another +4 bonus since Grace is shooting at a target so close to the goat, which she does not want to kill.

It is possible that the pugwampi also has 20% concealment since Grace is seeing it by Vikcara's Light spell, which only grants illumination equal to a torch (normal light up to 20 feet), and I think the pugwampi is 30 feet away.

If so, here is my roll for miss chance, with a 1 or 2 meaning she missed.

Miss chance: [roll3]

[Down Comforter]

As the gremlin ducks behind a rock after loosing its first arrow, you all feel the tension in the air seem to lessen. Grace looses her arrow just as the creature pokes its head out from cover a second time and she skewers it cleanly through a tiny eye. The newly dead pugwampi finds itself pinned cleanly to the cactus behind it.

The death of the pugwampi does nothing to help the panicked goat, but you feel the tension in the air dissipate.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

Darkness was not her friend. She really couldn't see well. Instead she finds someone else with a range weapon and casts light on their projectile.


I'm not sure who is armed with what but she is casting light on whoever's arrow or bolt. Hopefully this will light up the area.

[Frivolous]

Grace

Grace draws another arrow from her quiver and says softly, sounding worried and fearful, "Is it dead?"

"Dashki, how many are there usually? Do they travel in packs?"

She doesn't move, yet. The goat doesn't sound like it's going to die anytime soon, and there might be more pugwampis around.

Actions
Readying to loose an arrow at any threat that pops up.

[Down Comforter]

Dashki stays crouched behind you, a bow in hand. He tilts his head and mumbles quietly to himself before looking up at you. "In this sort of place? Could be a group of over a dozen, but the little fire we had back at camp makes me think it's only one or two. More would have caused more damage or been noticed."

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace nods to Dashki and keeps looking into the darkness for further pugwampis and listening to the goat panic. The sound seems to be really getting on her nerves, because she sounds agitated as she speaks a few moments later.

"I have to go get the goat. And the pugwampi's body."

"If any other spring up, kill it. Just please don't hurt me, too."

Grace hangs up her bow. She hangs up her buckler so it does not encumber her. She gently tosses the arrow Vikcara made glow with Light towards the pugwampi's corpse.

Then she draws her scimitar and begins very carefully moving through and around the cacti towards the goat and the corpse. Her face is already taut and perspiring from anticipation of the pain of being pricked.



Armor class penalty is only -1 from her studded leather armor since Grace is not using her buckler at the moment.

Acrobatics: [roll0]

[Down Comforter]

Grace attempts to navigate the cacti field, but roughly halfway to the goat, her blade catches on an unseen bit of foliage and when she pulls it free she stumbles into a cactus. Newly decorated in quills, she finds herself on a thin strip of land at the edge of a ravine.

A casual glance down the edge reveals a huge multi-armed, wickedly barbed cactus dominating the ground 10 feet below the ledge, almost directly below where the sad little goat Rombard has been lazily tied to a scrub bush.

The small goat seems to have a number of cactus quills stuck in him, but seems no worse for the wear. He walks in circles, jerking away from your approach.

OOC
Grace takes one point of damage from stumbling into a cactus.

[Frivolous]

Grace

Grace cries out in pain, "Ow, ow!"

She grimaces and tries to maneuver her way past the remaining cacti. Then she sees how close she is to a cliff and the big cactus the goat is tied to. She shivers and steadfastly avoids peering over the edge.

"There's a cliff here! Your magic was a really good idea! If we'd drawn closer, we might have fallen over! I'm gonna tie a rope around myself so I don't fall!"

Grace sheathes her scimitar and takes out her 50 feet of silk rope. She fashions a crude lasso out of the rope and throws the large loop over a sturdy cactus at least 10 feet away from the edge.

She tugs hard as she can on the rope to see if it the knot she made is good and the cactus is well rooted.

Then she ties the rope securely around her own waist, but with plenty of rope still left so she can tie the goat as well.

Only then does she approach Rombard the goat, making soothing noises to calm it down and trying not to think about the cliff.



Rolling for Handle Animal and Acrobatics. The latter is just in case two Acrobatics rolls are needed to get to the goat, not just one.

Handle Animal: [roll0]

Acrobatics: [roll1]

[Down Comforter]

Your knot feels strong as you approach little Rombard, but the goat moves away from you, hopping about and clearly frightened despite your efforts. The pugwampi rope around his neck, though clearly roughly made, is strong enough to keep the goat stuck to the cactus.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace grits her teeth and tries really really hard to get Rombard to calm down so she can cut the rope. She tries using his name.

"Rombard, Rombard, Rombie baby, calm down. I'm going to bring you back to mommy and daddy."

Frequently she glances over her shoulder in case another pugwampi tries to kill her.

She also glances towards the dead pugwampi to make sure it really is dead and doesn't spring up and try to kill her.

Handle Animal
Take 10 on the Handle Animal check. Maybe saying his name gives a circumstance bonus?

If take 10 doesn't work, take 20. I don't see any time pressure.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

She readies her crossbow and covers Grace's approach to the goat.

[Down Comforter]

At first, Grace doesn't seem to have any luck, but with some several minutes and a lot of coaxing the goat seems to calm down. It nuzzles at Grace's leg several times before laying down. Dashki appears from behind you and unpins the dead pugwampi from the cactus, holding it by the neck. He scans the cacti field before saying, "It seems this was the only one, damn good shot."

He makes his way back through the cacti and tosses the corpse to Krog, "There you go greenie, Almah will want to see the corpse." He scratches his stubbled chin, "We should get back before full dark, too many things out here that make the night their home."

[Starbin]

Since most of the excitement seemed over, Krog put his axe back across his back, ready to return to the camp. He waited for Grace to convince the goat to come back with them, rolling his eyes at what they had been reduced to doing.

However, when Dashki insults him yet again, tossing the dead pugwampi at him, he simply caught the body and threw it back. "Then feel free to take it back to your Lady." He waited until his companions were ready to go, then turned to leave. If they wanted to hunt sneaky midgets out in the dark, more power to them. He wasn't really sure that this solved anything, but maybe there were enough clues to satisfy their employers.

Besides, Krog wanted to get back soon. He needed a drink ...

[Down Comforter]

Dashki's catches the corpse awkwardly and grins, "Careful orc, for the these nights are dark and full of terrors." With that, Dashki begins trekking out into the dark, not waiting for the group.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace smiles and says mildly to Krog, "You didn't even check the body for belongings. It was a tool user; it might have had something valuable on it."

She begins retracing the path she took here, basically following Dashki.

She puts on her buckler and draws her scimitar again just in case. She pulls Rombard using her shield hand.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"Do you really think they started the fire?"

[Frivolous]

Grace


The ranger shrugs, "I don't know. The only one who knew for sure is dead now."

Then Grace giggles a little at how excellently her arrow found its target even in the dim light, but then she frowns and feels bad for once again chortling over killing.

She wonders, though, if pugwampis even count in Sarenrae's eyes.

[Starbin]

Krog shrugged. "Dere footprints were all over the place ... unless Dashki planted those."

At Grace's comments, he glanced over at her. "You shot it ... I figured you'd search it if you thought it was carrying anything good."

[Frivolous]

Grace


"I had my hands full with the goat."

[Starbin]

Krog snorted. "Maybe you should've searched the goat.". But after they walked for a bit, he glanced back at the goat and Grace. "You know, as much as I enjoy getting my arse chewed, you may want to let your friend there 'wander' back into camp. Garavel was pretty pissed about us going after that thing ... might not be worth the effort to explain."

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace nods. "Yes. That's smart. I'll take Rombard back to his mommy and daddy before we approach Garavel."

"I think the goat was meant to be bait for a trap, but that would be complicated to explain and not really too important."

[Starbin]

Krog walked on in silence. The problem with returning the goat meant that the owner's would be all about 'thanking the heroes' ... which would inevitably happen in front of Garavel. But he was done with this ridiculous waste of time ... and his flask was calling.

Trudging on, Krog kept an eye on the tracks back, making sure to keep them on the right path.

If we can take 10 to track, Krog gets a 15 for Survival and a 17 for Perception

[shugyosha]

Krog shrugged. "Dere footprints were all over the place ... unless Dashki planted those."


"But was it their footprints?" she asks skeptically. "I'll tell her ladyship what we found," Vikcara says as she heads back to the main tent.

[Starbin]

"But was it their footprints?" she asks skeptically.

Krog rolled his eyes. "Are you not payin' attention? How do you think we found that thing? Its tracks were near the fortune-teller's tent ... then Grace found some more of them leadin' to the goat. If they ain't the same, you'll have to take it up with our tracker. Or Dip-sh*% up ahead."

[Down Comforter]

Finding your way back to camp was easier than finding the gremlin, as the lights of the campfires light up the night sky and you soon find yourself on the edge of the camp. Everyone seems to be starting to bed down for the night and the camp is growing quiet. As Vikcara heads to Almah's tent, Geso nods to you all, indicating that he will speak with Father Zastoran a bit before taking to his bunk for the night.

Vikcara
The bodyguards nod as you approach and Dashki appears beside you, holding the body of the thing he calls a Pugwampi. On of the guards pulls aside the thick curtain for you and you see Almah and Garavel speaking with one another over some game you don't recognize.

[Starbin]

Once they were back to the camp, Krog watched the others scatter in different directions, all intent on some private mission. Shrugging, he wandered back over to the site they had originally claimed and slumped down onto his stump. Sighing, he took out a flask and took a long swig, the familiar burn of the liquor feeling good. After a few like swigs, he began to feel the warm numbness that slowly filtered through his limbs, both heightening and dulling his senses.

Glancing up at the stars, he wondered, not for the first time, what the boy he had killed would be doing now ...

[shugyosha]

Krog rolled his eyes. "Are you not payin' attention? How do you think we found that thing? Its tracks were near the fortune-teller's tent ... then Grace found some more of them leadin' to the goat. If they ain't the same, you'll have to take it up with our tracker. Or Dip-sh*% up ahead."

Vikcara

"I thought you were following the goat's tracks."

Once at the tent young Vikcara asks, "I beg your pardon your ladyship may we enter. We may have found the culprit to the fires."

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace alternately cajoles and pulls Rombard towards the camel drivers.

"Here he is."

The excitement of the hunt and the battle has left Grace, and she is once again using as few words as possible."

[Down Comforter]

Grace
"You've found him! You blessed girl, thank the sun!" Hadrod runs over and scoops up the small goat, who is braying happily. The happy pair wander off towards the animal pen, Hadrod cooing in the goats ear the whole way. Hadrah chuckles as her husband heads off, "You've done good, miss. If ye ever need assistance with animals of any sort, you let me know and we'll do our best to help you."

Vikcara
Dashki lays out the corpse of the pugwampi on an empty table as you speak and Almah approaches it, looking the creature over. She studies it for several minutes, Garavel looking over her shoulder, before she nods. "There must be more of these creatures about and the Sultan's Claw is far too exposed. Only one of these creatures managed to cause this much havoc." She pauses and purses her lips, "There is a monastery to Sarenrae that stands near the village of Kelmarane. It would act as a far better base of operations for our coming work."

"You've done well, all of you. I'm prepared to offer each of you 200 gold pieces for your work in the investigation as well as for your aid in acquiring the monastery for our use. If this is acceptable, please communicate my desires to your fellows."

OOC
Everyone gets 150xp each for the investigation and tracking down the Pugwampi, as well as another 100xp for rescuing Rombard for a total of 250xp. I'll update the OOC with your total.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

I'm sure your generous offer will be accepted by my companions, m'lady.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

If there is nothing else the young woman returns to her companions and reports their offer, "200 gold each if we help them secure the monastery. So what do you say?"

[Starbin]

Krog looked up from his flask as Vikcara and the others returned. Without much preamble, she said, "200 gold each if we help them secure the monastery. So what do you say?"

Peering at her for a moment, he thought, I thought bards were more talkative ... Aloud, he belched and grunted, "No."

If questioned, he simply shrugged. "You didn't say please. Or thanks. Screw 'em."

C'mon ... he can't be too easy going! I mean, I've got a -2 to Charisma ... what's that? <checks sheet> Wait, I didn't dump my Chr? Hunh ... well, he's still not all that nice! What's that? Chaotic Good? Dammit, I thought he was CN! Well, he's still a drunk, so that means I get to play him as an a$$ sometimes!

:smallsmile:

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace smiles at the camel drivers, Hadrah and Hadrod. She points in the vague direction of the other party members.

"The others helped, too, but you're welcome."

"Thank you for your offer. I will try to remember that, if we ever need help."

Then she walks away and towards Lady Almah.

""By the way, did they find anything interesting on the pugwampi's corpse?"

While Grace talks, she takes the charred pouch of 55 gold retrieved from the burnt wagon and wordlessly offers it again to the others.

She really doesn't seem to want it herself, but if no one picks it up, she just shrugs and puts it back in her backpack.

[Down Comforter]

Grace
As Grace sticks her head into Almah's tent she sees Dashki stringing the corpse of the pugwampi to his staff by a small noose. "Nothing interesting on the body. Bits of string, shiny stones, and the like. They're not much known for their wealth." With that, he slips past you and out into the night. Almah looks you over, "You look weary, you should get some rest and speak with your friend about my offer for further employment. Zastoran is also under orders to provide some of his potions for half price, so don't mind his grumbling."

As everyone begins to settle in for the night, Garavel approaches, a half-orc at his side. "We've a latecomer, just wandered in. He's been hired for the same duties as you lot. Now get some rest, big day tomorrow."

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor nods at the job offer, saying nothing more, and settles down to sleep, keeping his senses aware until he dozes off.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace reports to the other party members, "Lady Almah says there wasn't anything of value on the pugwampi."

"She also said the priest, Zastoran, is under orders to sell us some of his potions at half price."

She holds up the charred pouch and says, "I think we should buy a potion or two with this money. Gold is worthless in the wilderness, and it's heavy."

She asks Vikcara, Krog, and the Dagda Mor, "Did she talk to any of you about employment opportunities?"

Then Garavel comes over and brings with him an unfamiliar half-orc. Grace eyes the stranger curiously.

[Starbin]

Everyone else seems to accept the mandate for taking the monastery as required, to which Krog shrugged and took another drink. When Garavel arrived with another half-orc in tow, he snorted. "This b'comin' the half-way house for outcastsh?"

Raising his flask to the newcomer, he stood, swaying slightly. "Welcome aboard and have a sheet. That's Grace the Goat-saver ... um, Vikcara the Mime ... Heyu the Friendly ... and uh, I'm Krog the Not Drunk Enough. Sit a spell ..."

With a belch, Krog sat back down on his stump, waiting for their new companion to introduce himself.

[Morbis Meh]

It had been a long day for Scrag, first his new bunch of friends didn't want him around anymore (though it may have had to do with him using all of their rations to cook a true orcish meal... it wasn't THAT bad), then they took away miss daisy from him (the most painful blow they struck) and finally they made him wander the desert alone but despite his awful turn of luck, Scrag made new friends, better friends, friends that actually paid him in shiny not rocks! The big man led him to a fire where people were hanging about: one appeared to be asleep, a perty lady who was eyeing him eye (Scrag was popular with the women) and a very stereoptypical representation of his people. Truth be told Scrag was no better but his grandad would always prevent Scrag from getting that bad... silly granpappy and not letting Scrag have fun! Scrag clears his throat and adresses his fellow man in his more civil tongue whilst giving a small bow.

Orc
"I do say my good Orcish sir that I accept your friendly proposal and may I add that I wish that you and your children will forever be fertile. If I may be so bold to request a refreshment while we converse as civilized men? My name, good friend, is Scrag and I hail from the more prosperous regions of the humans. I am simply on a path seeking fortune and glory for my family but I digress so far I am sad to say that my luck has been ill. I do look forward forward to working together bringing the destruction of our enemies. May your axe be swift and the blood of your enemies flow like a river my good man."

He turns and addresses the others before sitting down "Hi! I am Scrags, I like shiny and foods. I make da ouchies go away and create the wet stuff peoples drink. I hope you all become Scrags friend, Scrags likes friends!"

[Starbin]

Krog blinked for a moment, wondering if any of the others even spoke his language. The mention of family brought a glower to the already grumpy warrior, touching on memories that he tried to put at the bottom of a cask. However, when Scrag spoke to the rest, he practically spit out the ale in his mouth. Looking around at the others, he looked back at Scrag, opened mouth for a long moment ... then he started to laugh. An honest-to-goodness belly laugh that echoed through the camp. The others had never heard anything so ... pure ... from their companion. It softened his features for a moment and seemed to reveal a different person from another time ...

After a full minute, he paused, wiping his eyes as he regained his composure. Reaching over to his pack, he pulled out another flask of ale and tossed it to the other half-orc. "Here's hoping our 'ouchies' are few! Well met, Scrag."

In his own tongue, he continued, "Well said, friend, well said. Sit and be welcome."

As he raised his own flask back to his lips, he chuckled again, muttering to himself, "Heh ... 'I like shiny and food ...' heh heh ..."

[Morbis Meh]

Scrag offers a big toothy grin and bends down to pick up the flask but before he can pick it up it moves just out of hands reach by an unseen force. Obviously frustrated, Scrag shouts out in displeasure "Stop it gramps! Nice man offered Scrag a drink and Scrag been good, he ate all of his vegertables yesterday!" With a quick gesture, Scrag nagged the flask and with a victorous cry he opened the cap, taking a large swig before sitting down.

Orc
"Thank you very much for your generousity sir and please forgive my outburst, as ridiculous as it sounds I am actually haunted by my late grandfather for an unfortunate transgression that I made without thinking as a child. So please don't be alarmed if from time to time objects move out from my grasp. Also I am very glad you have decided to forgo on the traditional 'orc' greeting of fisticuffs for it has been a long days travel and I am fatigued."

[Starbin]

Krog raised an eyebrow at the explanation, nodding absently.

Orc: "Uh, no worries."

Just a little bump ... everyone else can jump in and respond, too!

[Frivolous]

Grace

Grace eyes the big and dumb-sounding half-orc carefully, wondering if this was a joke of some kind.

She speaks in an even tone, "Hello, Scrag. I am Grace."

"And I only saved a goat ONCE. I hope that doesn't make me a goat-saver."

She gives Krog a glower.

[Starbin]

Krong shrugged. "I don't think that made sense, and you're not even drunk! Besides, Grace the Pighumping Tracker or Grace the Cactus-Navigator didn't sound as impressive."

She wasn't sure, but those might have been jokes from the normally grumpy barbarian.

[shugyosha]

Grace

She asks Vikcara, Krog, and the Dagda Mor, "Did she talk to any of you about employment opportunities?"


"Her Ladyship thanked us and asked us to help set up and secure a monastery. She'll be paying us 200 gold each for it."

"Welcome," she says to the new comer. "I am Vikcara."

[Morbis Meh]

Scrag looks back and forth at the two, obviously perplexed but he just shrugs it off and replies with a toothy grin "I am pleased to meet you perdy lady Grace! I like goats too, specially in stew full of taters, I had a camel once but they took her from me." He frowns at the last statement and takes another drink from the flask.

[Starbin]

Krog snorted, muttering under his breath, "Humph ... guess they did say thanks ..."

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace continues to talk to Scrag in the level, patient voice she uses when she converses with someone she must tolerate.

"I like goat meat, too, Scrag."

"I will go to sleep now. We can talk more in the morning. Good night."

She goes to unroll her bedroll and gets into it, falling asleep quickly due to her many earlier and fatiguing actions.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

"I will turn in as well. Good night all."

[Down Comforter]

You all awaken the next morning to the smell of breakfast being prepared as the sun peeks over the horizon, revealing the land around you shrouded in a thin veil of fog. Garavel motions you over from his place by the cookfire, where the camel drivers are hard at work preparing food for the camp.

"Good morning to all of you. I hope the night brought you some rest, as today will be another busy day." He waits until the "chefs" bring over your breakfast, a mix of eggs, biscuits, and some sort of meat, before continuing. "Lady Almah has mentioned what will be required of you next, but if you need any more information, feel free to ask me. The monastery that you need to clear is roughly a mile to the northeast, but the trek shouldn't be too much of a problem. We've no idea what's inside, but that doesn't matter. You've all proven yourself capable. Once the area is clear, notify myself or Almah and we will move the camp and fortify our position.

Garavel, scratches at his beard, "Now. Any questions?"

[Starbin]

Krog groaned himself awake, slowly rolling to his feet. The sunlight felt like daggers in his eyes after staying away way to long drinking. He stumbled to the edge of camp and began to relieve himself, scratching the back of his head and yawning. He peered blearily around the camp, wondering what sort of malady would befall the camp today.

Heading back, Krog gathered his gear and dressed, partaking of any water the spellcasters provided. Once clad for war, Krog made sure his flasks were full, then headed out for breakfast. If anyone was still left in the tent, he nudged them with a toe and grunted, "Breakfast!"

Outside, he followed his nose and took a plate full of food, shoveling it all in. Afterwards, he let out a loud belch, and nodded his thanks to the cooks. Using a whittled toothpick, he waited for the others while he picked his teeth. When Garavel came over, Krog listened attentively, watching their their employer through bloodshot eyes. Once he was done, Garavel scratched at his beard. "Now. Any questions?"

Krog glanced around, then nodded. "First, how do you know the temple's got folks in it? Second, got any magic goodies for us to take?"

[Down Comforter]

"The place was abandoned two decades ago. Something that large and defensible would not go unused over that period of time." He gestures over at the priest, "Almah has given instructions that Father Garavel is to sell you his potions at half price. Feel free to speak with him if you need anything."

[Morbis Meh]

Scrag sat on the ground cheerfully devouring his breakfast, sitting in his polished armour, every now again looking up at his surroundings. At the approach of his new best friend Scrag gives a big smile, displaying his mouthful of semi chewed egg and meat. "God morning friend Krog! You no look good, are you alright, do you need duh medikal attenshun? These people are great they feed Scrag and all he has to do is make water for them."

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

The Dagda Mor silently listens and eats, then once the talking is done, he holds his hands together, his power focusing in it as he weaves his hands back and forth, forming the ectoplasm into a single solid staff, which he uses as a walking stick, already ready to go.

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

She gathers up her things and purchases 6 potions of CLW from the good father. Now she was ready to go.

[Starbin]

Krog waived distractedly at Scrag. "I'm fine. I'd be better with the hair of the dog, but water will do for now." The last was said with a glance at Garavel, who had previously shown disapproval of drinking during the day.

After breakfast, Krog joined the others at Zastoran's tent, spending most of his earnings on a single potion and two vials of blessed water. He looked at the others, shrugging. "Never know what might be hanging out in an old church."

Gathering his equipment, he waited to depart for the monastery. The sooner they took care of this, the faster they could get back.

Purchasing 1x Lessor Restoration and 2x Holy Water; I'll update mythweavers later.

[Down Comforter]

The travel to the monastery takes roughly half an hour as you make your way through the morning mist across the rugged scrubland. As you crest a ridge, you see the monastery ahead of you. It stands atop a bluff overlooking much of the land around you and you can all see even from this distance, that the two huge doors that serve as entrances are either open or missing.

OOC
You're about 200 feet from the monastery itself. Let me know if you want a map or some such of the exterior.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace eyes the monastery portal and says, "I would like to circle around the monastery so we can get a look at all the sides of it.

"It would take some time for us to do that, but maybe there are other entrances."

Something about the way Grace speaks indicates she finds the thought of entering through the huge, unblocked portal dangerous and intimidating.

[Morbis Meh]

Scrag bobs his head eagerly but then makes a sad face he begins speaking in an exaggerated whisper "Scrag no sneaky like you peoples, he the opposite his mom said so. She used to yell at Scrag all the time for being clumsy..."

[Starbin]

Krog shrugged. "Knock yourself out. Scream if you get et."

Krog settled in to scan the area, looking for sentries and the like.

Perception - [roll0]

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

The young magician follows Grace.


[roll0] perception

[Frivolous]

Grace

Grace reconnoiters by traveling counterclockwise all the way around the monastery and the bluff where it sits.

Since it's daytime, she doesn't bother to be very stealthy. She walks with her bow in one hand and an arrow in the other, ready to loose.

She looks for visible windows in the monastery wall, and also tries to determine how tall the building is, how many storys it has above ground.

As she reconnoiters, she muses to Vikcara, "You know... I bet that building has basements. Dungeon levels. Look at how it sits in that bluff."

[Starbin]

As they waited for the ladies to return, Krog reached back and pulled out a javelin, just in case something came rushing out of the monastery. Once they spotted the women coming around the far side, he would motion to the others and close the distance to the temple, stopping about 100m out.

"Find anything?

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

Her inexperience shows as she remains silent and simply nods.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace describes her observations of the monastery to the other party members.

"There are other entrances we can use. The windows. There is a ruined tower."

"And after all this time, the roof probably has a hole in it. It should be easy to climb up, since the monastery is mostly only a single story high."

"Does anyone want to enter through the front door?"

[meemaas]

Dagda Mor

"Those who control this building would be watching or prepared for any entrance. An intelligent force always would. Be it the front door, or any other door, we would likely meet the same greeting, especially since, being broad daylight, there stands no chance of sneaking up on our prey."

[Starbin]

Sorry for the delay ... like the signature says, I don't post as often over the weekends.

Krog shrugged at the discussion. "I dunno who or what is in there. If it's a group takin' over, then they should have guards. Or magic. Otherwise, they're stupid. If it's just something looking for some place dark, then it'll be deep inside.

Climb through a window and your only way out is ta jump. I say use the doors."

Guess we could make a KS: Nature check to see if Krog's assessment is applicable, especially as it pertains to gnolls ... can't access my sheet, so I think it's [roll0]

[Morbis Meh]

Scrag frowns at the suggestion of windows... In the past he has received multiple scoldings over broken windows "Scrag likes using doors over window, believe Scrag he much quieter that way.

[Frivolous]

Grace


Grace moves towards the door of the monastery, assuming that the others will go the same way. She peers ahead intently.

She also keeps looking down at the ground to see if she can discern any tracks of anything going in or out of the doors.

Various rolls

Perception: [roll0]

Survival: [roll1]

She asks, "I can't see in the dark. Krog, Scrag, can you see anything in there?"

[Morbis Meh]

Scrags nods vigourously "Sure thing pretty lady! " Scrag walks over and peers inside, sticking his tongue out and placing his hand on his brow.

Perception... [roll0]
Well I'll be damned... Scrag just might see something!

[Starbin]

As the group moved forward, Krog kept his axe handy, advancing with the rest. He was already peering inside when Grace asked him to check. This 'seeing-eye orc' stuff is gonna get old ...

Since nobody seemed concerned with magic alarms, he tromped up to the doorways and took a look around.

Perception: [roll0]

[shugyosha]

Vikcara

Standing in the back she moves with the group. She looks around...


[roll0] perception

[Down Comforter]

Once you are close to the monastery, you can tell that what you first thought were doorways are in fact fallen sections of the wall. Scrub brush and a light, patchy carpet of weeds invade the monastery through two huge fallen sections of the western wall. The exposed nave beyond is a huge hallway littered with bits of debris ranging from tiny rocks to enormous sections of collapsed masonry. Most of the roof above the long promenade is gone, but several jagged pillars remain.

Map
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/jolsby3689/Legacy%20of%20Fire/Exploring1.jpg