In the Shadow of the Black Riage (IC)

[chadpants]

Link to In the Shadow of the Black Riage OOC thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?579484-In-the-Shadow-of-the-Black-Riage-(OOC))


The Black Riage is an impressive and intimidating mountain range that holds wonders, dangers, secrets, and adventure. This range that separates the Steadfast and the Beyond runs nearly 2500 km/1500 miles from north to south, with its highest peak reaching 7000 meters/33,000 feet. There are three passes that reach between the Steadfast and the Beyond, with only Tremble Pass being accessible year round.

Many are drawn to the Black Riage for a number of reasons: some to hunt exotic game, others wish to hide from pursuers or even from themselves, while some are drawn to the dangers of the mountains. Others are in pursuit of the rumors of technological wonders that inhabit these peaks, and others wish to bring joy to a land of darkness and despair.

Just such a group of adventurers are heading toward the majestic but ominous Black Riage. They have been following a river for a couple of weeks which head forms in the mountain range and they are nearing its foothills. This area is dotted with occasional trees but is mostly made up of rolling hills.

The party comes upon three individuals frantically trying to corral a herd of medium sized pachydermic quadrapeds with tough hides, three toes, a tail ending in three tufts. The front half of the animals have long curly manes, and from their flat ended snouts protrude blunt lower tusks. The three people are trying to manage what look to be roughly 70 of these animals. This indicates to the party that they are not far from a town or village, giving them an opportunity to replenish their dwindling supplies before heading into the mountains.

Twenty minutes later the adventurers come upon the town which rests half a kilometer from the river. The homes are spread out and surrounded by personal crops, and a single path leads into what appears to be a small farmer’s market. The town appears to keep a population of about 200 people, so the supplies available are basic.

The party goes to stock up on their supplies to find the purveyor of the larger quantities of meat is not available. “Grenten and Yaina are not here,” a lady selling woven mats and baskets tells them. “They won’t be selling meat today. Turns out their kids have been missing for the last day or so. They disappeared leaving the entelodon herd wandering around so a couple of folks volunteered to round them up while Grenten and Yaina look for the kids. I mean, they are teenagers and all, but they’re good kids. It’s not like them to be gone this long and their folks sure are worried.”

[BelGareth]

Errant walked along with the wide stride that measured his stature. He was a large man, and his frame was filled out, shoulders stout, and arms bulged, and not all from muscles, a fibrous metallic strands of sinew and synthetic muscle edge the slopes and valleys of his arms and shoulders, from what you could see through his clothing, his arms were bear, ending at his elbows, which was then taken over by a large synth-metallic yellow frame that surrounded his forearms. Fused to his flesh, it was as if the flesh itself had grown outwards, in synthetic plasteel and metal. He moved without acknowledging the large furniture around his forearms, as if he was used to it from a lifetime of experience. He walked with a sure gait, and carried a large Piston-Sledge Hammer on his back, as well as 2 javelins with red clothe tied to them, trailing in the wind.

Once they were inside the village, and heard the lady, he furrows his brow and looked to Ethos as if to say You know we gotta help? shrugging helplessly.

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2


Having spent years wandering The Beyond, seeking anything she could find on the Lightforge, anyone who could try translating the manual she already had, Leana should, perhaps, have lost hope. But she refused to be diminished. She would find a way.

This time, it would be different.

Over the years, she had seen a lot of maps, and, for all that they tended to be not much good, information could be drawn from them. And this information, this lead, pointed to a location in The Black Riage. Unsurprisingly, an expedition there would be no simple thing, but in her travels, Leana had helped more than a few people out, and this time, she wasn't joining a planned expedition. She was putting one together. Not as a leader, but as a guide, an explorer with a lead, but smart enough to not go alone.

It took a couple of months to get the group together, Osron, an excellent hunter, and a solid defense against unexpected animals. They'd worked together before, and she'd been impressed by his professionalism, and encouraged by his need for a break. Breeze, a fellow explorer, someone who would help wherever she could. And the poor girl needed a chance to build a reputation. Errant and Ethos, the lost brothers... she'd done her best to help them when she encountered them, guiding them to civilization, asking only for a favor in return. That favor had been called in. Hopefully, this too, would be their big chance for riches and fame. Or, at least, not their graves. And finally, Lyxtal, entertainment on the road, a good talker, and a second shot at figuring out whatever she might find.

She only had to lead them to a place that might not even exist. But the maps... they hinted fairly solidly, and it was a chance. No one else would have spotted it. She hoped.

It was with hope, perhaps for the first time in years, that Leana walked the trail, passing the hardworking herders, following the trail to a small town, a place, hopefully, where supplies could be refreshed, information sought, and a deeper destination found.

Sadly, it wouldn't be that simple. With one of the main traders missing, things were going a bit badly, but Leana never could pass someone up who needed help, and missing kids? Well, they could just be lost, but... they could also have found something. If they were just lost, well, no one ever regretted rescuing lost children, and there'd probably be a reward, one that would help her shims go further. And they might have found something. Still, no use in worrying too much now, there are children to be found.

With only a brief hesitation, Leana's travel-worn face quickly shifts into a soft smile, almost seeming to sparkle in the afternoon light, as she tries to reassure the woman. "I'm sure they'll be fine, Ms. But just in case, why don't we see if we can help out? Osron is an excellent tracker, and if they ran into something, I'm sure we'll be able to handle it. Do you have any idea of which direction they went, or where they might have started from?"

[chadpants]

The weaver woman shakes her head. "They took the herd out to graze yesterday morning toward the river but their folks thought it was strange that they didn't come back for lunch. Then when they didn't show for dinner Grenten and Yaina went looking for them. Found the herd had scattered all around by the river but no sign of the kids."

[OutOfThyme]

Osron Kaz
| Might: 14/14/1 | Speed: 13/13/1 | Intellect: 11/11/0 | Effort: 1 | XP: 2 |

Osron followed behind the group as they made their way into town. The burly Gaian was a little far from home, but the Indigo Wood was close enough that he didn't feel like he was exactly too far. He'd never been to the Black Riage, but tracking game in the mountains was an interesting experience, to say the least.

Still, Osron took to the new environment well - he was experienced as a tracker, and Leana had brought the large Gaian (who always managed to walk quietly, despite his size) on board for this... expedition? He wasn't quite sure. He wasn't the largest member of the crew - that honor probably went to Errant, but Osron was a hunter. He had to be quick on his feet to track and successfully capture his prey, after all.

As Leana spoke to the weaver, Osron nods. "We'll want to find the parents first. I do not know if Grenten and Yaina can track, but I do this for a living. I'll do my best to bring them back." In contrast to his jovial behavior around the campfire, Osron was surprisingly serious about this. He had always taken his marks with absolute seriousness - especially if lives were on the line.

[Gorgon_Heap]

Breeze strolls into town alongside her traveling companions and takes in the view. Aside from various outliers, a cluster of one and two-story buildings makes up what would be a town square if there was an actual central meeting place or park of some sort. She guessed the meager number of ranchers this far from the regular milestones that mark the trade road to Tremble Pass didn’t necessitate much trade. There are no fairs in this town, no marketplace for traveling merchants to peddle their wares, no shops competing for the attention of townsfolk and visitors.

It’s not the first such town she’d seen since leaving The City of Bridges, but it always made her sad. How do people live with the boredom? The mundanity? The lack of education, and culture, and a workable economy?

Around this nameless little mote of life are miles of rolling hills and, to the north, the dark and jagged monolith of the Black Riage stretches off to the ends of the earth and up into the sky, a wall that divides the civilized Steadfast from the untamed wilds of The Beyond. Or at least that’s what she’s heard. The terrifying rumors of what lies outside the “safety” of The Steadfast are half the reason she joined the expedition.

The other half being the delivery she’d make in Charmonde had made her a witness to certain criminal activities, and a certain gang boss named Kentor made it clear he wanted her dead before any authorities could question her. Having no other reason to stay in the city, she’d hightailed it. It was just luck that days later she’d come across Leana gathering supplies for her journey. It was in a proper market, too.

She frowned. “Hello, where your well? I’m in dire need of a cold drink. Oh. Uh, sir? May I ask where I can find the town well, please?” What’s this she hears Leana saying? Lost kids. Seabreeze rolls her eyes. As if this was a problem. Where could they possibly go? There’s nothing around for miles. This must be what passes for an emergency in the middle of nowhere.

She turns to the weaver. “Very sorry to hear it. Where’s your well?”

[PeacefulOak]

Might Pool: 7
Might Edge: 0

Speed Pool: 9
Speed Edge: 0

Intellect Pool: 20
Intellect Edge: 1

Effort: 1

EXP: 2

The walk had been LONG, and tiring, with little opportunity to learn much from their surroundings. Their new companions, however... something about the musical one tickled Ethos' fancy. It had been fun, encouraging small little bursts of light to appear to music, or having small stones to dance through the air to the beat, bobbing and weaving around the party. Being on a journey towards something instead of away from something was kinda new, too. It felt... different... to have a destination other than "Away, and preferably safe.".

Lost children... Of course we'll help, we were lost too, once! His gaze to his brother is clear, and he rubs a hand over the intricate bumps and ridges on his bald head as he steps forward. He doesn't cut a particularly intimidating figure by any stretch of the imagination, and the mechanical appearance of his eyes might be somewhat off-putting. "We'll find them." A fact, spoken clear and direct. People were so much harder than machines!

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2

Slightly disappointed in Breeze, although wise enough to not say so, Leana nods, offering an encouraging smile to the weaver woman. "Thank you." With that, she turns to Orson, and glances towards the rest of the group. "Let's go and see if we can spot something that can help."
With that, she turns about, and starts heading back out, towards where they had seen the herders.

[chadpants]

The three individuals that had been corralling the entelodon seem to have things a bit more under control by the time the party arrives back at the area of the river. One of them looks up at the eclectic party of adventurers.

"Excuse me," one says, "I saw you pass by us on the way into town earlier. In your travels did you happen to see a teenage boy and girl anywhere around? They've been missing for a day now and their parents are pretty worried. The boy is taller, hair the color of wet drit, the girl is more of a slight build, hair black as the void."

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2

Leana shakes her head. "No, I'm sorry, but we didn't see them. We were going to see if we could help find them, and hope their parents might be willing to help us after that. Do you have an idea of where they took the herd before they vanished? Or where we might find their parents, to see if they know anything?"

[Gorgon_Heap]

Though she's spent the last year-plus trying to unlearn a lifetime of courteous deference to her elders and authority, Seabreeze hasn't been very successful, especially when that authority is earned. Even moreso when said figure is obviously doing the right thing. She takes a deep breath and suppresses a pout under a veneer of poise as she follows the older woman and expedition organizer back to the open plain.

Stepping gingerly around entelodon-patties, Seabreeze listens for voices on the wind, scans the nearby hills for movement, and quickly gives up. A city girl accustomed to busy streets and busier people, she just might have to adjust to rural pastures and simple farmers ... if for no other reason than to die of boredom. The journey will likely be dangerous enough without that little complication.

Stupid gangsters.

She's not sure what Leana may be planning, but she's all for a shortcut. Hearing Ethos' cold certainty, she says, "Can't you do something to simplify this? Open up some super-senses or use a device? I imagine the folks here are too busy to explore the mysteries to the extent you have." She hopes that's polite enough not to insult the herders.

[BelGareth]

Errant
Might Pool: 18/18/1 | Speed Pool: 10/10/1 | Intellect Pool: 10/10/0 | Effort: 1 | XP: 2

Errant shrugs his massive shoulders at his twin in embarrassment, joining everyone he follows them with his long strides, once they found the herd again, he drops down to a squat and plays with the dirt. His frame and height wasn't much smaller even in a squat, his hulking frame a ball of muscle, both flesh and machine. He played with the dirt in front of him, wandering if there was a place where kids would go to 'have fun' around these parts.

[chadpants]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2

Leana shakes her head. "No, I'm sorry, but we didn't see them. We were going to see if we could help find them, and hope their parents might be willing to help us after that. Do you have an idea of where they took the herd before they vanished? Or where we might find their parents, to see if they know anything?"

"They brought the herd here. The herd spread out a lot in the area and we had to round them up, but they initially brought them here."



Errant
Might Pool: 18/18/1 | Speed Pool: 10/10/1 | Intellect Pool: 10/10/0 | Effort: 1 | XP: 2

Errant shrugs his massive shoulders at his twin in embarrassment, joining everyone he follows them with his long strides, once they found the herd again, he drops down to a squat and plays with the dirt. His frame and height wasn't much smaller even in a squat, his hulking frame a ball of muscle, both flesh and machine. He played with the dirt in front of him, wandering if there was a place where kids would go to 'have fun' around these parts.

From what Errant can tell the only places a couple of teenagers would be wont to have fun is the river. Other than a few sparse trees there are a hardly any interesting areas that he can see around here.

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2


Leana aims a gleaming smile at the herdsmen. "Thank you. We'll help find them."
With that, she looks over the area, looking for signs of anything unusual.


[roll0] Hoping to use perception, of which she is trained, or visual perception, of which she is specialized.

[OutOfThyme]

Before the others spoke to the shepherds, Osron had already began to look the area for anything that might resemble the children's tracks - specifically, smaller footprints. Leana was better at talking to people than he was, so it was probably for the best to allow her to speak to the villagers that were out here.

Osron's going to attempt to track the children from their current location. He's Trained in following and identifying tracks.

I'm not sure if you would have this as an addition to Archmage1's roll, or have me roll separately. I'll roll separately here, just in case.

[roll0]

[chadpants]

While Leana doesn't find anything unusual, Osron did find many sets of footprints. In comparing the footprints to those of the three individuals rounding up the herd, he was able to narrow the prints down to seven sets. They are of varying sizes for adults, but two sets seem to be smaller, one perhaps the size of a pre-teens and the other of a slighter person.

[Archmage1]

Looking over the scene, Leana quickly realizes that there's nothing unusual in sight. Sure, the river might be slightly dangerous, but not really. It'd be pretty easy to escape. The mountains were mountains, but nothing popped out as something a teenager would investigate. The surroundings seemed to be about as benign as they get, in The Beyond.

With her search turning up nothing, she turns to Osron, hoping that he might have found something to start their investigation.

[OutOfThyme]

Osron Kaz
| Might: 14/14/1 | Speed: 13/13/1 | Intellect: 11/11/0 | Effort: 1 | XP: 2 |

"Leana, look at these tracks," Osron said, pointing out the tracks he had spotted. "We have seven tracks. Three probably belong to the people here, but there are four more. That accounts for the two children and Grenten and Yaina. I should be able to follow this."

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2


Leana smiles as Osron doesn't disappoint. After she walks over, to take a look at the muddy ground, she looks over at him. "Excellent! I'm not much of a tracker, but can you tell if anything unusual occurred here? If not, I think we have a direction to follow. I'll be able to guide us back to the village, so don't worry about getting lost."

[chadpants]

As they study and scan the area they continue to find more tracks from the seven individuals. They seem to turn and follow the direction of the river, going along the bank on their side. As the town is a short ways inland from the river the people could follow the river without ever needing to go through the town.

[spinningdice]

Lyxtal Tel
| Might: 8/8/0 | Speed: 11/11/0 | Intellect: 16/16/1 | Effort: 1 | XP: 2 |

Lyxtal followed along with the others, humming a tune that she couldn't quite get right, in the short time they'd been travelling together the others rarely recall a time she isn't humming, singing or fiddling with something, her mind elsewhere. She does grin and congratulate Osron on finding the tracks. "As much as it may not be exciting, I do hope the children's parents caught up to them and all is fine. They seem to be on the right track at least." lacking Osron's perceptive abilities Lyxtal is happy to let him take the lead, though she does try to peer along the river for some hint of where they may be headed.

[PeacefulOak]

Might Pool: 7/7
Might Edge: 0

Speed Pool: 9/9
Speed Edge: 0

Intellect Pool: 19/20
Intellect Edge: 1

Effort: 1

EXP: 2

"I will look." Ethos kneels down, his irides (the iris of each eye) beginning to spin and flash with circuit tracery as he examines the ground... and then spits. "Nothing, just what is seen. Find them." This last is directed to Osron, as the slight nano stands with a huff.

[OutOfThyme]

Osron Kaz
| Might: 14/14/1 | Speed: 13/13/1 | Intellect: 11/11/0 | Effort: 1 | XP: 2 |

"It follows the river, at least," Osron stood back up, and pulled out his bow. "I'll lead. Come." Osron gestures for the others to follow behind him, as he briskly jogs in the direction that the small tracks lead.

Going to follow the tracks to the best of Osron's ability. I'll roll for this. Fingers crossed.

Osron is trained in following tracks as well.

[roll0]

[chadpants]

The party is able to follow the tracks for a couple of kilometers, but then they get lost to the partially rocky ground along the riverside. However, they do see a little less than a kilometer up the river an object standing in the middle of the shallow river. It is shaped like a large grey metal hat, thick in the middle and tapered on its sides with a somewhat conical portion with a flattened rising from the center. The object stands about 8 meters tall and about as wide, perhaps 4 or 5 meters thick at the center.

Though it's not easy to tell from the distance there appears to be five individuals standing before the object. They look to be dressed in yellow robes and they seem to have just arrived at the object. They begin slowly gesticulating as they fan out in front of it, standing equally spaced from one another.

[spinningdice]

"If they're not who we're looking for, maybe they've seen something? We can ask at least. Unless of course you'd rather stay focussed on the footprints?"


Casual Optimism aside, is losing the tracks likely to be an issue if we abandon them and come back later?

[chadpants]

As Leana studies the robed figures in the distance in front of the strange object she can see that they are performing some kind of ritual in front of it, based on the style of their movements. With more careful and deliberate observation she can tell that there are four adult males and a young female child comprising the group, none of which appear to be teenagers. In addition there were seven sets of footprints leading this way and there are only five figures in front of the object.

I figured that natural 20 gets you all the details on the group and what they are doing for your major effect, including the fact that the teens are not with them.

Any tracks you find will remain for the next couple days if you were to leave and come back to them.

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2


Having finished scrutinizing the ritual, Leana frowns as she considers what she saw. A ritual? Four men, and one girl? Well... it might be ok? But they're here, and the tracks we're following were also here, so they probably would have seen the numenera, and taken a look? Something's not right here.

It only takes her another moment to speak up, softly. "It looks like four men and a young girl are doing some sort of ritual. But the tracks... our quarry must have seen it. Let's approach, and let them hear us coming. But be wary. Something's not right here." With that, she starts cautiously moving towards the numenera, keeping out of sight until she can get closer.

[chadpants]

Once Leana gets near within long range of the group of robed figures, one of them turns to see her. The others stop their ritual and turn to watch her approach.

When she is just over a short distance from them, one takes two steps toward her and stops. From this distance she can see that their yellow robes are rather plain, quite dirty and past well worn.

"What ever you want from us, never you mind and just go away. We're in the middle of something as I'm sure you could see and we don't wish to be disturbed. So go away." The gruff man who addressed her folds his arms defiantly, waiting for her to comply with his demands. He is quite disheveled and the breeze carries his ripe odor. The others simply watch and wait.

[Archmage1]

Taking a whiff, Leana tries to not let any hint of her disgust color her features, as she calmly responds. "My apologies, Mr. I'm looking for a couple of people who came through here recently. Would you have any idea where they went?"

While she speaks, Leana looks over the small group, trying to determine if everyone seemed to be there of their own free will, and if there seemed to be any activity from the numenera.

[chadpants]

The gruff man who seems to eschew personal hygiene sighs heavily. "And here I told you to go away and you start asking me questions. What part of 'go away' do you not understand?" He looks at a device on his wrist that seems to indicate some bit of information. "We are in a bit of a hurry and don't have time for any Q&A sessions." He waves a hand to dismiss her then steps back with the other robed figures. They are clearly waiting for Leana to leave before they resume whatever ritual they were performing.

No one seems to be forced to be there, as they were all participating in the ritual as if they were comfortable and familiar with it. The object they stand in front of just stands there in the river.

Is there anyone else there with Leana or is it just her talking to these people?

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2


Leana shrugs, and offers a beaming smile to the rather stinky man. "I don't really have anything better to do this afternoon. And rituals can be quite interesting! But once you answer, I'll be gone, don't worry! Has anyone else been through here recently? If so, which way did they go?"

[Gorgon_Heap]

Tier: 1
Effort: 1
XP: 2

Might Pool: 12/12
Might Edge: 0
Speed Pool: 16/16
Speed Edge: 1
Intellect Pool: 10/10
Intellect Edge: 0


Watching with mild disinterest, Seabreeze kicks a small stone back and forth for a few moments. That man does not look happy. Aaaaand she's pestering him again.

Rolling her eyes, Seabreeze steps forward lightly. "I realize this is inconvenient, but we only need an answer and I swear she'll leave you alone. She's afraid lives are in danger, so time isn't on our side, either. Please?"



Skilled with polite interactions.

[roll0]

[PeacefulOak]

Might Pool: 7/7
Might Edge: 0

Speed Pool: 9/9
Speed Edge: 0

Intellect Pool: 19/20
Intellect Edge: 1

Effort: 1

EXP: 2

Ethos has been looking curiously at the large structure in the water, examining it with great interest. His interest carries him all the way to the edge of the water, where he leans forward over the edge, fully focused. "What is this?" Not waiting for any form of answer, he reaches out his hand towards it and narrows his eyes.

A busy post, action-wise! Spending the minute or so of conversation that has happened to Sense "Magic", looking for any sign of activity around the object.

Rolling a specialized "Understanding Numenera" [roll0] to see if I can glean anything from this oddity.

Trying to remotely activate the machine, even though I'm relatively sure it's bigger than me so it auto-fails.

Edit: Uh oh, that's a 1. ><

[chadpants]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2


Leana shrugs, and offers a beaming smile to the rather stinky man. "I don't really have anything better to do this afternoon. And rituals can be quite interesting! But once you answer, I'll be gone, don't worry! Has anyone else been through here recently? If so, which way did they go?"


Tier: 1
Effort: 1
XP: 2

Might Pool: 12/12
Might Edge: 0
Speed Pool: 16/16
Speed Edge: 1
Intellect Pool: 10/10
Intellect Edge: 0


Watching with mild disinterest, Seabreeze kicks a small stone back and forth for a few moments. That man does not look happy. Aaaaand she's pestering him again.

Rolling her eyes, Seabreeze steps forward lightly. "I realize this is inconvenient, but we only need an answer and I swear she'll leave you alone. She's afraid lives are in danger, so time isn't on our side, either. Please?"



Skilled with polite interactions.

[roll0]

The man sighs even louder this time, and quite exaggeratedly so. He looks impatiently from Leana to Seabreeze. "Fine. No, nobody's been through here recently." He looks at the device on his wrist again. "Now I've answered your question, so keep your word and leave us to our business! If you find rituals so interesting you can watch from over there." He points to a spot about 35 meters away from them. He once again crosses his arms and stands staring, waiting for the party to leave the vicinity.


Might Pool: 7/7
Might Edge: 0

Speed Pool: 9/9
Speed Edge: 0

Intellect Pool: 19/20
Intellect Edge: 1

Effort: 1

EXP: 2

Ethos has been looking curiously at the large structure in the water, examining it with great interest. His interest carries him all the way to the edge of the water, where he leans forward over the edge, fully focused. "What is this?" Not waiting for any form of answer, he reaches out his hand towards it and narrows his eyes.

A busy post, action-wise! Spending the minute or so of conversation that has happened to Sense "Magic", looking for any sign of activity around the object.

Rolling a specialized "Understanding Numenera" [roll0] to see if I can glean anything from this oddity.

Trying to remotely activate the machine, even though I'm relatively sure it's bigger than me so it auto-fails.

Edit: Uh oh, that's a 1. ><

A broad-shouldered man from the robed group steps over to Ethos and slowly draws a sword from a scabbard that hangs from the tie of his robe, slowly enough to indicate that he is not going to strike him, but to merely display in a threatening manner. The man does not make any statement, he just displays the sword.

[Gorgon_Heap]

Seabreeze is true to her word and tugs at Leana's arm, hoping the woman will allow herself to be lead away, at least to where the man indicated so we can continue to talk out of earshot.

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2

Leana's smile broadens slightly, and she nods, before she departs, heading to a different spot(More then 7 meters away from the original) to view the ritual(Still 35 meters clear.) Once there, she speaks softly, so as to not interrupt the ritual further. "Well... that was much less helpful than I was hoping. Did anyone see any tracks from them coming to this place?"

[OutOfThyme]

Osron, who had kept up with Leana - mostly looking somewhat intimidating - had spent the time looking around, trying to see if there were more tracks to find the children. He didn't really care much for this numenara - it was strange, to be sure, but not the strangest thing he'd seen.

Tracking, Round 3!

[roll0]

[chadpants]

While Leana talks with Seabreeze in the area away from the robed people Osron can make out seven sets of distinct tracks. He can see them all lead toward the object that stands in the river.

[BelGareth]

Errant was following, but lagging behind, a flower had caught his attention, and he was enraptured by its beauty, but then he saw the glint of metal flash into his eyes, looking up, he saw the man, drawing it, his eyes found where he was looking, and he saw his brother.

The flower lost, he strode forward, almost at a run, it fell slowly in the breeze, almost lazily back the ground, as he strode forth, and stood at his full, immense height, pulling out, slowly, his own weapon, a giant power sledge, so large, that most people couldn't even pick it up with both hands.

"I'd advise against that, sword." using the weapon he had drawn as the mans name.

[chadpants]

The gruff man turns to witness the triangle that has formed between the broad-shouldered man, Ethos, and Errant, with two of the three brandishing weapons.

"Thank you, Duranis..." he says, then to Ethos and Errand: "We told you to leave, then you come around and touch the Narthex? You need to take a page from your friends' book and give us space and leave us to our business!" The man nods to the one he called Duranis and Duranis backs away, still extending the sword. He waggles the sword, gesturing for them to move over to where Leana and Seabreeze are standing.

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2

Watching the unfolding Drama, Leana sighs, and tries to wave Ethos and Errant over.

[PeacefulOak]

Might Pool: 7/7
Might Edge: 0

Speed Pool: 9/9
Speed Edge: 0

Intellect Pool: 19/20
Intellect Edge: 1

Effort: 1

EXP: 2

Ethos notices the man, takes in the sword, and stands up straight. "Yes, that's a lovely sword." He turns to leave, sees his brother. Almost without inflection... "Yes brother, yours is bigger. Shall we?" He moves past his brother, a gentle hand rising to turn the warrior towards their companions standing some distance away.

[chadpants]

Satisfied to see the party is keeping their distance, the gruff man nods to the others and they turn back to the Narthex and continue their ritual. They all extend their palms toward the structure and move them in a wavy figure-eight pattern. They chant an atonal rhythmic chant, which they raise in pitch in intervals. Each one then raises their arms and bows toward the Narthex in turn, first with each person in a row bowing in turn from left to right, then from right to left.

Once they complete the bowing it appears they have finished the ritual. The gruff man agitatedly waves the rest of the robed figures close to him as he produces an instrument from within his robe; a thin synth rod about 20 cm long with two prongs at the tip. He reaches out and touches it to a set of matching holes in the Narthex and a door shaped opening appears. The man rushes them in through the opening as quickly as he can, glances back at the party, then steps inside where the opening disappears and is suddenly replaced by the hull of the Narthex once again.

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2

After the man and his companions dart inside, Leana's only reaction is a silent frown. Well, that's a problem. And one I should have seen coming. I was rather expecting something a little less unhandleable. Well, nothing for it now. But we're still missing quite a bit. No sign of the parents, or the teenagers, and I'd have expected them to pass this way. And if they went inside, it was willingly. Maybe Ethos can open the door?
After a few moments of silent, she speak up, her voice rather less cheerful than it was before. "So, that happened." She looks over at Osron, clearly curious. "Would you be able to tell if the parents, or the kids came through here? The cultists didn't seem armed, and I didn't see any signs of struggle, so if they entered, it was willingly. And, well... I believed him when he said no one had been through here, so maybe they passed it?" She pauses, looking thoughtful. "Or they were unconscious. But even ragged cultists need supplies, and the parents were the largest supplier of meat around." She seems mournful, and her voice goes softer. "And I was rather hoping for a discount on supplied." She lets that thought hang for a moment, before looking over at Ethos, her voice more determined. "Do you think you can open it?"

[spinningdice]

"Well, I'm not sure I'd want to be alone with them all in there, but I've got a cypher that lets me swap places with someone I can see? Maybe one of you more physically imposing types could use it... if they ever come out again?"

[BelGareth]

Errant, ignoring his brothers barbs, such as they were, watched the strangers enter the strange crypt.

Well, there was a door. And he was good at breaking down doors.

And the key was inside...

"I could try to break the thing open?" he said, taking a step forward.

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2

Leana smiles at Errant, clearly pleased by his offer. "Thank you for the offer, Errant, but we should see if all of the tracks went inside first. No point in destroying numenera when we don't have to."

With that, she steps out and starts surveying the area, looking for signs or tracks.


[roll0]
Specialized in Perception task that involves sight.
Trained in perception.

[chadpants]

As Leana searches the ground for signs or tracks she sees seven tracks are definitely going in the direction of the Narthex. The tracks lead directly to where the opening had appeared for the robed group that entered it.

She can also see from the tracks that two of the sets of tracks show signs of hesitation, of trying to dig into the drit as if resisting going into the Narthex.

It also appears in their haste to enter the Narthex one of the robed people left a leather bag. Inside the bag are a small set of tools, a pen and a notebook. Upon flipping through the notebook Leana sees it's filled with maps. One of the last maps in the notebook appears to be a map of the area they are currently in, with an indication on the map that shows the nearby town as well as their exact location. On the map is a date from three days prior as well as today's date. There is another spot indicated on the map that appears to be about 110 kilometers / 70 miles up river, toward the Black Riage. There is also a date by that spot that is 8 days away.

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2

Seeing the tracks vanish inside the Narthex, Leana looks around, spotting the discarded backpack, and promptly helping herself to the contents. Well... the timing doesn't quite match. If the doors can only be opened at these times... how did the kids get inside? And where are the tracks of the parents? 5 robed figures, two teens, and two adults should be nine... unless the kids tracks got buried, and vanished, somehow? But... they seemed almost gleeful with their escape. And someone was forced inside. And the next spot is eight days away, and quite the distance to cross physically. I wonder why the different spot? Well, it's something, even if it isn't what I'm looking for. Or maybe it is. Besides, they were rude.
Putting the notebook away with a frown, Leana looks over at Errant. "I think it's time for a more... direct, solution. These notes..." She pauses, and shakes her head. "Nothing to explain the missing kids, but too many things aren't adding up."

[chadpants]

A ways up the river, about 60 meters / 200 feet they can see a couple, a man and a woman, roughly in their 40s, appear to be searching around the area. In the distance the party can hear the two people yelling out two words: "Shome! Evanna!"

[BelGareth]

Errant moves up, and drops his hammer, stretching both arms, he gears up to punch the wall where they all entered the strange artifact, as if he could break solid steel, theres no way.....

[Archmage1]

Seeing the pair, Leana waves to them, trying to attract their attention. And distract herself from the sounds of Errant's hammering.

[spinningdice]

Lyxtal Tal (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sIWTqupKs_2-rE6y8YSeM-I1KAsO1XDHiDjqC27Of9k/edit?usp=sharing)

Lyxtal frowns at Errant's hammering. "Y'know I have a cypher drill, might still not be enough, I imagine it's built for rock and soft ores, not treated steel. But if the kids are in there it might be worth a try, beats leaving them for eight days while we trek the next location?"

[chadpants]

Errant moves up, and drops his hammer, stretching both arms, he gears up to punch the wall where they all entered the strange artifact, as if he could break solid steel, theres no way.....

Errant's blows do not seem to have any effect on the exterior of the Narthex. It does not suffer any dents or scratches or breaks from the pummeling Errant gives it.

The Narthex is a level 10 structure, so it cannot be damaged or broken. Errant realizes just how hard it is while smashing on it.


Seeing the pair, Leana waves to them, trying to attract their attention. And distract herself from the sounds of Errant's hammering.

It takes a moment for the two figures to see Leana waving to them, but eventually they catch sight of her. They pick up their pace and jog over to the group.

"Hello," the woman says. "My name is Yaina and this is my mate Grenten. We are looking for our children, two teenagers, a boy and a girl. Have you happened to see them by chance? They've been missing since yesterday."

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2


Leana looks at the undamaged structure after Errant finishes, and sighs, before looking at Lyxtal as she speaks. "It might work? But maybe we should talk to the parents, maybe they'll know more, before we do?" She offers Lyxtal a small smile, before turning her attention to the approaching pair.

Leana's expression quickly becomes grim at the parent's words. "I'm sorry, but I'm fairly sure they were kidnapped by a group of yellow robed cultists, and dragged into this structure." She offers them a small smile. "We were planning an expedition, so when we heard what happened, we set out, to try and help. We were able to follow their tracks, but we didn't figure out what had happened until after the cultists were gone. And this structure seems fairly solid. We were just discussing how to get inside." After a brief pause, she continues, a little sheepishly. "I'm sorry, names. Right. I'm Leana, and these are Lyxtal, Errant, Ethos, Osron, and Seabreeze." As she names each individual, she offers a brief glance in their direction. "We have some cyphers that might help, but... it's pretty solid." She pauses for a moment. "And maybe we should move away from the structure, as they might be able to listen."

[chadpants]

Yaina touches Leana's arm. "You believe they've been kidnapped by a cult? What would they want with my children? Please, if you can get in there and save them we would be oh so grateful! Whatever you can do..."

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2


Leana looks to Lyxtal. "Would you be willing to try the drill?" Her gaze lingers on Lyxtal for a few moments, before looking back to Yaina. "We'll try. Our other options... are going to need more discussion."

[Gorgon_Heap]

As Leana and the farmers raise their collective blood pressure about sinister kidnappings, Seabreeze grunts under her breath, "I'm still not convinced." She wanders off a little, peering off over the hills and into the mountains, enjoying the scents in the air (now that they were well past all the animals). She continues her original line of thinking - that the kids just wanted to get away from Boringsville - and returns to the parents with a question. "Hi. Do your children have any experience on the river? Could they have taken a rowboat or raft downstream to ... anywhere that's an actual place?"

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2

Leana gives Seabreeze a dubious look. "The tracks were fairly clear. Five individuals dragged two resisting individuals inside of that structure. True, it might not have been the kids, but... they're the most likely victims."

[BelGareth]

Errant raises an eyebrow at the structure, this was not like anything he had seen before.

"I cannot break this, it is harder than anything I have seen." he says simply, deflated

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 2

Hearing Errant's comment, Leana offers him a conciliatory smile. "It was a good effort. And we learned." She frowns faintly as a thought occurs to her, and the looks to Ethos, her tone rather questioning. "Ethos... do you think Lyxtal's drill has a chance? It seems like the Narthex is fairly durable, but I'm not a tech expert."

[BelGareth]

Errant
Might Pool: 18/18/1 | Speed Pool: 10/10/1 | Intellect Pool: 10/10/0 | Effort: 1 | XP: 3


Errant pipes up, "My fists can break through pretty much anything, if i'm unable to do it, i doubt the drill will...."

He's not one to overly boast, so his statement is more of a factual one.

You can hear a faint whirring sound as the contraption around his forearms, shifts, and settles back into place, having engaged, and expanded to allow for Errant's strikes.

[Gorgon_Heap]

Seeing her argument was going nowhere, Seabreeze sat lazily in the grass and watched the lack of progress with disinterest. "I don't suppose any of you know how to reproduce the effect that opened it the first time? No? Didn't think so. Hey you two - I don't think we should make promises, but they're going to try no matter what. Please have a seat. let them work. Tell me about your kids. What do they like? What are their talents?"

Even if they learn nothing of use, keeping the farmers hopeful and alive with the memory of their children will keep them from panicking.

[spinningdice]

Lyxtal (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sIWTqupKs_2-rE6y8YSeM-I1KAsO1XDHiDjqC27Of9k/edit?usp=sharing)
Lyxtal sighs, "You're most likely right, but what are our other options? We should be able to make that trek in eight days, but we leave the children to the mercy of these people for that long?" she kicks at the drit at the side of the Narthex, "I suppose its like this all the way down? We can't just dig underneath?"


Lyxtal wll be convinced to give it a try if anyone pushes, but don't think it's going to work

[PeacefulOak]

Might Pool: 7/7
Might Edge: 0

Speed Pool: 9/9
Speed Edge: 0

Intellect Pool: 19/20
Intellect Edge: 1

Effort: 1

EXP: 1

The display of physical might is quite impressive, as is the efforts put in to calming the parents. Ethos has little patience for progenitors, and while impressive the physical might of his brother proves to have little impact. The children... there were children lost within. Perhaps lost, likely afraid or confused... blameless in their situation. A solution, though... every problem has a solution, regardless of how impossible it appears.

His thought is deep and patient, extended... and Ethos opens himself to the numenera, his eyes flashing a brilliant sapphire blue lined with the gleaming silver tracery of circuits. He watches, he waits, and perhaps in a way he prays for the numenera to reveal truth to his gaze, or to inspire his mind.

Using an Intervention by spending 1 exp to gain a clear answer or suggests a course of action with regard to an urgent question, problem, or obstacle you’re facing - being the need to enter and free/retrieve the children.

[chadpants]

Might Pool: 7/7
Might Edge: 0

Speed Pool: 9/9
Speed Edge: 0

Intellect Pool: 19/20
Intellect Edge: 1

Effort: 1

EXP: 1

The display of physical might is quite impressive, as is the efforts put in to calming the parents. Ethos has little patience for progenitors, and while impressive the physical might of his brother proves to have little impact. The children... there were children lost within. Perhaps lost, likely afraid or confused... blameless in their situation. A solution, though... every problem has a solution, regardless of how impossible it appears.

His thought is deep and patient, extended... and Ethos opens himself to the numenera, his eyes flashing a brilliant sapphire blue lined with the gleaming silver tracery of circuits. He watches, he waits, and perhaps in a way he prays for the numenera to reveal truth to his gaze, or to inspire his mind.

Using an Intervention by spending 1 exp to gain a clear answer or suggests a course of action with regard to an urgent question, problem, or obstacle you’re facing - being the need to enter and free/retrieve the children.

To enter the Narthex one would need a key such as the one the gruff man used to create the opening.

Without the key one would have to wait for the inhabitants to eventually exit the Narthex, which they will have to eventually.


Seeing her argument was going nowhere, Seabreeze sat lazily in the grass and watched the lack of progress with disinterest. "I don't suppose any of you know how to reproduce the effect that opened it the first time? No? Didn't think so. Hey you two - I don't think we should make promises, but they're going to try no matter what. Please have a seat. let them work. Tell me about your kids. What do they like? What are their talents?"

Even if they learn nothing of use, keeping the farmers hopeful and alive with the memory of their children will keep them from panicking.

The parents take Seabreeze's suggestion and sit. The mother gives a small sigh as she begins to talk of her children.

"Evanna... she's a sweet girl but she's a bit awkward in her manner. Slight build, black hair. She is not necessarily a quick study and gets frustrated easily. Her brother Shome is a bit more even tempered. He is a bit passive and tends to go along with things. Taller lad, dritty colored hair. They're both good kids though. Shome like to carve things out of-"

Group GM Intrusion: Every one gets 1 XP

As Seabreeze talks to the parents, Ethos gets swept up in the numenera, and the others discuss the pros and cons of attempting to crack into the Narthex, the structure simply blinks away in an instant. Sediment from the river's bottom and dead fish that were trapped under the Narthex swirls up to the surface of the water, the current churning where the water had displaced it.

[spinningdice]

Lyxtal (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sIWTqupKs_2-rE6y8YSeM-I1KAsO1XDHiDjqC27Of9k/edit?usp=sharing)
Lyxtal blinks and checks the building has actually gone, "Well, that rather makes the decision for us doesn't it... and explains the map a little more." She looks to the parents. "We know where it's going to be, but it's a going to be a few days trek, I promise you we will do everything we can to get them back."

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 14/14/1 Effort 1 XP 3

Listening with half an ear to Yaina and Grenten's discussion of their children, Leana inwardly swears to find them, as it hits home how much they mean to each other, and reminds her of her own loss. She tries idly throwing a small pebble at the Narthex, to see what it sounded like, when... it vanishes. She blinks, clearly surprised, as her pebble flies cleanly through the spot where it once stood, and she immediately stands, and looks over the surrounding valley.
Nothing. Just the building being gone.
Leana curses under her breath at the disappearance, shaking her head in disgust. After Lyxtal speaks up, Leana looks at Yaina and Grenten, and tries to offer them a comforting smile. "We'll find them. The owners left some notes, and a hint as to when and where their exit will be. If we get their first, we should be able to rescue Evanna and Shome, but..." She pauses, frowning sadly. "It's eight days to get there, and at least five back. We'll need supplies, and extra to feed Evanna and Shome. Would you be able to help us get them? And, well... has anyone else vanished? Or..." She pauses, before changing tones. "If I can describe the robed individuals, might you be able to identify them, if they're local?"

[chadpants]

"We can certainly provide you with supplies and we can-" Yaina stops her sentence short as Grenten shakes his head at her. She closes her mouth and nods once in acknowledgement. "Unfortunately we cannot accompany you as we have to tend to our herd. Our hands are quite full now without our children to help us."

"There's no one else missing from our town, just our children," Grenten answers. "I've never seen anyone from our town in yellow robes, but that's not to say there aren't those who might dress in them secretly. I would be very surprised, but I suppose nothing is impossible."

[Archmage1]

Leana nods slowly, before she turns to look over her band of unlikely companions. "Does anyone object to going to rescue Evanna and Shome, and investigate the numenera we saw here?"

[spinningdice]

"You're kidding of course, how could anyone refuse a request like this?" Lyxtal smirks.

[Gorgon_Heap]

Seabreeze could. But her plan had already been to continue traveling across the mountains, so she figures as long as she's moving away from murderous crime figures she was heading in the right direction. But she is wishing she hadn't chosen a direction opposite the comforts of civilization. Maybe they'll surprise her and have a nice wine or especially good ale stocked away for special occasions she can purchase for the road. A quick hot bath would be lovely as well. And a real meal - with all these animals they must have some tasty recipes...

"Of course. I'd love to help."

[Archmage1]

Not hearing any disagreement, Leana offers Yaina and Grenten a smile. "In that case, once we have the supplies, we can begin. The sooner we get there, the more we can prepare."

[chadpants]

"What supplies will you be needing?" Grenten asks. "Let's take you back to town and we'll see if we can get you what you need."

[Archmage1]

Leana nods, and starts to follow Yaina and Grenten back to town, as she elucidates their supply needs. "We're going to need about twenty days worth of food each, spare waterskins, ten days of food for Evanna and Shome, some warmer clothing for them, a first aid kit or two, some digging tools, as I think a pit trap or two might be a wonderful idea for handling the cultists, probably an axe or two, so we can gather wood, and, well, probably a supply animal." She pauses for a moment, before offering an explanation, a little sheepishly. "We're going to need to move quickly, so we won't be able to hunt along the way, and Evanna and Shome may slow us down on the way back, so extra food seems like a good idea. The tools, well, if we have time, traps can go a long way."

[spinningdice]

"Or we'll take food and whatever else you can spare. We're not in this for profit." Lyxtal smiles sympathetically as she walks alongside.

[chadpants]

Laina and Grenten leads the party back to town and to the market.

"We can offer you enough food and water for your party to last three days. I know it's not much, but it's all we can offer. If you need more food or supplies for your travels, you can talk to any of the vendors here to see if they can work with you. Let them know you're helping to rescue our children and perhaps they will give you a favorable deal."

[Archmage1]

Leana nods understandingly at Laina and Grenten's inability to offer enough food to last the whole journey. When she speaks, her voice is a little slow, as though she were thinking about something else. "Would you have any recommendations on who to start with?"

[chadpants]

Laina points to a very thin and old woman visiting with a man selling a variety of cheeses. "That's Branna. She is the town leader. She might be able to give you some advice on how you can get the supplies you need for your journey. Let me introduce you to her."

She leads the group over to the old woman and introduces her to them, explaining their situation to her. The old woman looks up at them with eyes that appear to be those of someone half her age. When she speaks her voice is devoid of the creaking raspiness of the elderly as well.

"We would be grateful if you were to help find our children," Branna says. "We may have some surplus food we keep during lean times, but if we were to give you some it would cut into our reserves. Plus, you are strangers to us. Though you were trying to help find the kids, we do not know that you would just continue on your way if you don't find them, leaving us with a shortage of food and supplies."

The old woman thinks for a moment. "If we provide you with what you need, it would be us investing in you. To be sure we are getting something out of our investment, a bit of insurance, I would like you to do something for us, for our town. Just north of the town is Dog Lake, from which we gather medicinal reeds. However, there are strange voices and apparitions that have been seen and heard out there. A month ago the Troit brothers went out there and never came back. We'd like you to investigate what's going on out there so we can commence to harvesting the reeds. It's doubtful the children are out there as they were afraid of the lake and the lake is on the other side of town from where they disappeared, but it couldn't hurt to see if they might be lost out there as well. What do you say?"

[Archmage1]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 12/14/1 Effort 1 XP 3

Leana considers Branna's offer for a few moments, before shaking her head, firmly. Her voice is almost icy. "No, sorry, but that isn't going to work. We're on a time limit to reach the location the kidnappers will be, and it's tight enough that we don't have time to take care of other problems first." She shakes her head again, and her voice drops, becoming kinder. "Regardless of whether we find them or not, you wouldn't be getting much of the supplies back. Because we'd need them, on the journey back." Her voice rises a little, speaking loudly enough so villagers nearby can hear. "If you're not willing to prioritize rescuing Evanna and Shome, that's your choice. We can potentially discuss investigating Dog Lake, but right know, Evanna and Shome need help. Are you willing to help us to help them?" She looks fiercely at Branna, her silver eyes seeming to glow with her intensity. After a few moments of silence, she speaks again. "Or do you have another plan?"

[spinningdice]

Lyxtal sighs, "On the one hand, we have a long march ahead of us. We can scarce afford the time for this diversion. On the other, I'm low on shins and can't afford to outfit our expedition. How far away is Dog Lake?"

[chadpants]

Might 9/9/0 Speed: 13/13/1 Intellect: 12/14/1 Effort 1 XP 3

Leana considers Branna's offer for a few moments, before shaking her head, firmly. Her voice is almost icy. "No, sorry, but that isn't going to work. We're on a time limit to reach the location the kidnappers will be, and it's tight enough that we don't have time to take care of other problems first." She shakes her head again, and her voice drops, becoming kinder. "Regardless of whether we find them or not, you wouldn't be getting much of the supplies back. Because we'd need them, on the journey back." Her voice rises a little, speaking loudly enough so villagers nearby can hear. "If you're not willing to prioritize rescuing Evanna and Shome, that's your choice. We can potentially discuss investigating Dog Lake, but right know, Evanna and Shome need help. Are you willing to help us to help them?" She looks fiercely at Branna, her silver eyes seeming to glow with her intensity. After a few moments of silence, she speaks again. "Or do you have another plan?"

The old woman with the young woman's eyes nods thoughtfully. "We are willing to help us help you in any way we can, but it would not be prudent to put the rescue of the two teens above the welfare of the village. As it stands we have a few that are ill and in need of the healing medicine we derive from the plants at Dog Lake. We are picking up their work while they are sick and cannot spare anyone to send on such a long journey. We have few spare resources to give up while we are short handed in replenishing our food supplies. If you are willing to help us but do not have the means, we do understand. However, we would have more to spare and yield if we could heal up those that are sick and unable to work."


Lyxtal sighs, "On the one hand, we have a long march ahead of us. We can scarce afford the time for this diversion. On the other, I'm low on shins and can't afford to outfit our expedition. How far away is Dog Lake?"

"Dog Lake is not far at all, only a couple kilometers away from here."

[Archmage1]

Leana sighs, and looks to her companions, seeking their opinions.

[spinningdice]

"If we can do this, return and get supplies, it may still be quicker than having to forage or hunt on the way - of course we run the risk of running up against more than we can handle - and it taking more time than we have to spare." Lyxtal shrugs, she'll go with the group consensus, though she's inclined towards going to the lake first, she's no hunter and not confident on her foraging skills.

[Gorgon_Heap]

Realizing this backward little place would not be able to offer her half of what she desires and annoyed at the mounting requests, Seabreeze says, "At this point I'm betting that if we talk to another person we'll be asked to do yet another task. We'll spend the rest of our lives here saving them with endless mundane errands."

[Archmage1]

Then we'll need to make sure we don't get drawn into doing task after task for this village, without being able to accomplish what we want. So, conditions, establish a reward, and make it clear that this is it. Having received the opinions of her allies, Leana speaks, her voice soft. "We can investigate Dog Lake, in return for seventeen days worth of supplies for each of us, and some tools. At that point, we'll head out, to rescue Evanna and Shome. The extra food should be enough to help them recover, should they be injured. Once we return, you'll outfit us for the next step of our journey, further into the Black Raige, as a reward. Does that seem acceptable?"

[roll0] Persuasion