Expeditionary Travelers IC

[samduke]

Link to Expeditionary Travelers OOC

Pre-amble:
The peaks of a nearby mountain range have been home to Krikk, an old white dragon, for as long as anyone can remember. Aside from claiming ownership of a few villages and settlements near her range, she hasn’t posed much of a threat or even taken much notice of political events around her.
Last week, a king’s prophet had a vision of golems made of ice that wouldn’t melt smashing through the royal castle walls, and of crops frozen under sheets of ice formed by the white dragon’s breath. Alarmed, the king has sent word that he desires someone brave enough to go to the dragon and find out whether she’s about to attack. If she is, the party must stop her before it’s too late. But, another prophet warns that the white dragon has an entirely different plot afoot, and that an icy grave awaits anyone who goes up the mountain. The player characters (PCs) have to figure out what’s going on—then decide on their own what they should do about it, while the fate of a king and his castle hangs in the balance.

King Heldar has been shaken by the visions of these two prophets, A royal adviser has put forth a call to any and all brave souls willing to take on the task of dealing with the dragon.
One of the outlying villages falls close to Krikk's domain, Please find out If the dragon truly seeks to mount an offensive, someone must thwart her effort in order to maintain stability in the area. Rid us of the dragons threat one way or the other in exchange for a reward of 10,000 gp or a royal favor.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Standing motionless, keeping a sleepless watch, Draxus' gaze falls to the nearby mountain range. Understanding that his companions comprised of flesh require onerous things such as sleep and fuel to function at optimal efficiency, he does not begrudge them their maintenance requirements and is content to stand watch as they do so. His role as nightly sentinal providing him with ample time to strategize and analyze the experiences of the day was a welcome benefit he was glad to benefit from.

Shifting his gaze to the sky, he finally shifts from his previously motionless sentry duty. It was nearly time to depart and seek out the village in the dragon Krikk's claimed territory. Manipulating his mind blade's energy, he manifests it as a tool instead of a weapon. A small semisolid chime composed of psychic energy manifests in one metal hand even as he flicks it with the other to let the others know that the agreed-upon amount of time has passed.

Spoiler: OOC

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Draxus
Male C/G Shadow Half-Dragon Warforged Soulknife 10 / Illumine Soul 2 // Psy. Warrior 4 / Ninja 1 / Paladin 2, Level 12, Init -1, HP 111/111, DR 5/Magic, Speed 50'
AC 32, Touch 28, Flat-footed 27, Fort 25, Ref 25, Will 28, Base Attack Bonus +12/+7/+2, Power Points 41/41
+3 Splitting Mind Bolt +28/+28/+23/+23/+18/+18 (4d6+14 + 1d6 Sonic, 20/x3)
+3 Flaming Keen Wounding Armblade Mind Blade +20/+15/+10 (3d8+14 + 1d6 Fire + 1d6 Sonic + 1 Bleeding, 17-20/x2)
+3 Flaming Vampiric Whip-Dagger Mind Blade +20/+15/+10 (3d6+14 +1d6 Fire + 1d6 Sonic +1d6 to Living, 19-20/x2)
Unarmored (+5 Dex, +2 Deflect, +4 Natural, +11 Misc)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 20, Con 17, Int 12, Wis 32, Cha 8
Condition Psionically Focused, Mind Arrow Charged with Psychic Strike (+3d8)
Other Defenses Cold Resistance 15

Action: Used 'Mind Tool' alternate class feature to produce and use a small chime to alert the party of the current time. (Leaving current location and actual time of day up to the DM or rest of the party).

[Dakrsidder]

Shen rose before taking rations from his pocket to snack on. Soon afterwards, he briefly took in his surroundings before jotting something down on a sheet of paper. When he finished, he got ready to get up and move onwards. As there wasn't any preparation he had to do, he finished quickly and simply daydreamed while waiting for the others to finish their business.

[Archmage1]

Looking at the peaceful village behind her, and reading the notice paper held before her, Illaria sighed. Perhaps this is my opportunity. A few days to make the needed arrangements, and then? Then I'll have the freedom I need. A favor could go a long way, and in return for saving a kingdom? It will be quite the favor. And perhaps, just perhaps, this might be what I have been searching for. A chance.
The youthful, terrifyingly beautiful young woman turns away from the small town, away from the bargain she had been sent to make. She had markers to call in, and arrangements to make.

It was four days later when she arrived at the gates to King Heldar's capitol, seeing the squat, utilitarian castle resting at the top of the hill in the center of the town. And here we are, the center of... civilization in the area. She takes in the run down walls, the slums spilling out from the town; The muddy, poorly maintained roads, and the peasants who worked the fields near them. It isn't much, but, then, when the poor suffer, the rich thrive. And so long as this King can keep his crown on his head? It doesn't matter. And if not? I doubt that a replacement would be so foolish as to deny a hero their just reward. Now, if I could only keep civilization from my boots. She looks down and raises her left foot, gazing at her finely crafted soft leather boots, before she resolutely lifts about six inches into the air, a small whirlwind of air forming under her feet as she walked over the walls, ignoring any cries the guards might have raised as she headed steadily towards the castle, her cloak billowing behind her as her pale hair blew free in the breeze, rustling over her finely crafted red clothing and chain, not caring about the passage and doings of the mortals beneath her.

Spoiler: Image

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[Feathersnow]

The Problemshooter leads his Flock. Nearly a dozen of The People, in one place. If not openly, then not hiding, either. He is the Senior Chameleon and leads the prayer circle. They are in a rented room of an inn. The hymns sound like drinking songs, but the subtext tells a story of the Before Time and the other Myths of The People. A human convert to The Order guards the doors.

After the last of The Mirror Psalms fade, he addresses the assembled Doppelgangers, changelings, and the human, "For long we have hidden, and perhaps we were not wrong to do so. But today, there is a threat to our community. If we seek to be accepted, it is not unreasonable that we provide aid. To that end, I am going to speak with the Dargon Krikk to learn of this prophecy, and hopefully allay the fears if the human king."

After sharing a meal, he departs for the meeting with the other adventurers

Spoiler

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marking 3 GP off my inventory for a rented room and a nice meal for 12 People, plus tip

[samduke]

Many strangers have come to town as the citizens look on at the newcomers. The castle guard keeps watch over the comings and goings from the castle and the town. You are drawn to the prominent notice of reward for dealing with the dragon.
You have noticed other well armed adventures in the same area of the reward notice.

[Archmage1]

Illaria looks down upon the noticeboard and the guards nearby, and frowns. Such a reward, and yet, no political support? Just an unsigned, unverifyable notice? Shaking her head (Her pale hair seems to settle back into place perfectly, with no action on her part afterwards), she approaches one of the guards. "This notice that seems to have been spread, discussing the dragon. Who posted it? Who stands behind it?"

[Dakrsidder]

Shen approached the notice, was delighted by the details of the quest, and quickly thought about if he knew anything about the dragon. 10,000 gp isn't especially impressive and he couldn't care less about a royal favor, but neither of these things were the cause of his excitement. The reasoning lies in the very purpose of his adventuring which is to obtain experience.

While he knew a bit about dragons, he'd never actually encountered one. Additionally, while he had seen golems and knew how they worked, he wondered how ice golems would differ. If he were to embark on this quest, it'd be the first he'd accepted since he left the library.

He also happened to look around out of curiosity as to what other sorts of people showed up. As expected, many of them were well armed, but for the most part they just blurred together. He also noticed the silver haired woman making a commotion about the validity of the rewards. By impulse, he slightly distanced himself as he was no good in such circumstances.

Spoiler: Rolls

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Trivia (same as bardic knowledge) (1d20+23)[26]
Arcana (1d20+27)[33]
The rolls above are specifically about Krikk

[Feathersnow]

Tyg, The Problemshooter, wonders at the others. He is here to be a representative of his people, though the money wouldn't hurt. Why are they here? Presumably for gold, which is a reasonable thing.
How can she doubt the word of the King? No sane person would claim to be his mouthpeice falsely. No one at all could do it twice

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Draxus' gaze falls from the notice board, deep in thought. "The challenge alone is worthy of consideration." Flexing a metal arm and considering the metallic claws at the end, he seems contemplative. "I believe it to be possible, and could even be considered righteous. It is an acceptable purpose, for now." Having confirmed his own convictions on the matter, the draconic warforged turns to consider the nearby mountains that housed his new goal.

Spoiler: OOC

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Draxus
Male C/G Shadow Half-Dragon Warforged Soulknife 10 / Illumine Soul 2 // Psy. Warrior 4 / Ninja 1 / Paladin 2, Level 12, Init -1, HP 111/111, DR 5/Magic, Speed 50'
AC 32, Touch 28, Flat-footed 27, Fort 25, Ref 25, Will 28, Base Attack Bonus +12/+7/+2, Power Points 41/41
+3 Splitting Mind Bolt +28/+28/+23/+23/+18/+18 (4d6+14 + 1d6 Sonic, 20/x3)
+3 Flaming Keen Wounding Armblade Mind Blade +20/+15/+10 (3d8+14 + 1d6 Fire + 1d6 Sonic + 1 Bleeding, 17-20/x2)
+3 Flaming Vampiric Whip-Dagger Mind Blade +20/+15/+10 (3d6+14 +1d6 Fire + 1d6 Sonic +1d6 to Living, 19-20/x2)
Unarmored (+5 Dex, +2 Deflect, +4 Natural, +11 Misc)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 20, Con 17, Int 12, Wis 32, Cha 8
Condition Psionically Focused, Mind Arrow Charged with Psychic Strike (+3d8)
Other Defenses Cold Resistance 15

Actions: N/A

[Archmage1]

Taking a final look at the hapless guard, Illaria tries one last time to seek an explanation. "And you are confident in your choice?" She searches the guard's face for any reaction, before she nods once, slowly. "Very well. This is your choice."

Turning away from the guard, Illaria approaches the noticeboard once more, before she turns to address the crowd, a grave expression on her face. Her words are slow, initially, each delivered in a weighty fashion as she begins."Unsigned, unsealed, and not even the guards know who put it there." She shakes her head. Her words flow a little more smoothly, still clearly understood, but more phrases, rather than statements in and of themselves. "Such a "deal" is no deal. It is simply words on the wind. A wistful wish, hoping to ensnare anyone foolish enough to accept it without an actual agreement." She turns to look at the castle, not so far away, before she looks back at the crowd. "Perhaps confirmation might be obtained, although this is not the place to do it." Another pause, and her eyes somehow seem to meet everyone's eyes simultaneously, even as the wind blows her hair smoothly out of her face, and red cloak flutters dramatically. "But there is such a place, not far from here, should any be interested."

[Feathersnow]

"Are you really suggesting that someone would brazenly forge the kings name in such a public venue!? But, indeed, if it will set your mind at ease, let us see an official. We will have to when we are done! I, whose epinym is The Problemshooter, Chameleon and Reb of the Doppelgangers, am interested in pursuing this quest! While I in no way doubt the integrity of the poster, I am interested in learning more."

[Archmage1]

Illaria gives the mongrel before her a hard look, clearly evaluating The Problemshooter. "Perhaps. More importantly, the writing claims to be done by a royal advisor, but is offering a royal favor, or gold." She shakes her head. "Making deals on behalf of another is simply not done. At least, not without some confirmation or agreement to that extent. As this is now? There is nothing binding the king to this arrangement." She looks back to the palace. "That is not acceptable to me. An agreement is an agreement, but only if it is an agreement."

[samduke]

Lord Krom himself placed that very noticed 3 days prior, the royal advisor is a very busy man as is the king and I doubt either has time to talk to you about that notice. several other groups of creatures have come and gone over the last few days. None have returned.

[Archmage1]

Looking back to the guardsman as he finally speaks(Only after she threatens a rebellion, of course), she shrugs. "That might not be his best option, but that is another discussion. More importantly, what do you know about the other groups that went first, and, presumably, failed?"

Spoiler: More diplomacy? And some sensing of motives.

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(1d20+29)[40] Diplomacy(Keep him talking)
(1d20+12)[23] Sense Motive(Assessing truthfulness, if he is holding back information, basically, is the guard being a reliable choice.)

[samduke]

Illaria Stormwind

Spoiler: reactions from guard

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(1d20+29)[40] Diplomacy(Keep him talking)
** see dialog below **

(1d20+12)[23] Sense Motive(Assessing truthfulness, if he is holding back information, basically, is the guard being a reliable choice.)
** he is being truthful, not holding back as far as you are aware**

What I know personally is there have been four other groups, one had 3 men, two had 6 men, and the last had 11 men and a woman
each group was outfitted similarly to yourselves. I know not what they did when they left here. They headed in the direction of the mountains. as to what became of them, again they have not returned so anything is possible.
Now then I am must return to my post - good day.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

"If a dragon is to blame, there is little chance of rescuing the previously sent parties... but it is worth attempting, regardless. Two birds with one sling stone." Giving a stiff half-bow to the guardsmen in thanks for his time and provided information, Draxus double checks that his warforged components are integrated and functioning optimally, preparing to set off.

Spoiler: OOC

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Draxus
Male C/G Shadow Half-Dragon Warforged Soulknife 10 / Illumine Soul 2 // Psy. Warrior 4 / Ninja 1 / Paladin 2, Level 12, Init -1, HP 111/111, DR 5/Magic, Speed 50'
AC 32, Touch 28, Flat-footed 27, Fort 25, Ref 25, Will 28, Base Attack Bonus +12/+7/+2, Power Points 41/41
+3 Splitting Mind Bolt +28/+28/+23/+23/+18/+18 (4d6+14 + 1d6 Sonic, 20/x3)
+3 Flaming Keen Wounding Armblade Mind Blade +20/+15/+10 (3d8+14 + 1d6 Fire + 1d6 Sonic + 1 Bleeding, 17-20/x2)
+3 Flaming Vampiric Whip-Dagger Mind Blade +20/+15/+10 (3d6+14 +1d6 Fire + 1d6 Sonic +1d6 to Living, 19-20/x2)
Unarmored (+5 Dex, +2 Deflect, +4 Natural, +11 Misc)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 20, Con 17, Int 12, Wis 32, Cha 8
Condition Psionically Focused, Mind Arrow Charged with Psychic Strike (+3d8)
Other Defenses Cold Resistance 15

Actions: N/A

[Archmage1]

Illaria shakes her head. "Rescue isn't really what we should be primarily concerned about." She looks up at the robot dragon thing before her, her expression thoughtful for a moment, before she continues speaking, her well trained musical voice easily understandable, despite her unusual accent. "Finding out what happened to them, and ensuring that it doesn't happen to us is rather more important. I would hope I speak for everyone when I say I am not interested in dying on a mountain. I suppose they might have succeeded, but I think not."

She floats a few inches back from the robot dragon thing, and looks over at The Problemshooter, and the quiet one. "I take it that you are both also interested in investigating this opportunity? And, potentially working together?"

She looks them over, seeking signs of agreement, and, assuming she finds it, she nods. "That can work. Why don't we start in the direction of the nearby villages, and talk a bit along the way, after we depart the city?"

[samduke]

OOC: I am going to presume everyone to agree to travel at this point.

It is a full three days average horse speed ride to the village of Mulhessen. when you get there you notice it is a normal village with some minor villager comings and goings. as you walk around you notice while it does have a blacksmith, who doubles as a Ferrier and runs the stables. but there isn't really a real market or any other place to purchase goods. the people here must travel a lot or be very good at foraging. a self important small town mayor is making the rounds and greeting people, he seems nice. there is also a small town sheriff, leaning on the support post in front of the small jail, it might hold two or three people.

there is much talk and small town gossip about a stranger that recently rolled into town. he is seen occasionally at the blacksmith, occasionally wandering the town, but no one knows where he goes or comes from. he must be staying with someone in town, as this town has no inn or camping just outside of town.

you also notice that you quickly become the targets for a new buzz of gossip as the villagers start looking and pointing in your direction as well. they must not seen many outsiders, but that's not surprising really. in a village with only a blacksmith and no real market and not even an inn, most travelers must just ride on by.

[Feathersnow]

The Problemshooter lands and shifts back into his normal form, then spends several seconds applying cosmetic changes to his looks. At last, having drawn a crowd, he asks Have any of you seen the last party sent up here or know anything about them?

[samduke]

The Problemshooter lands and shifts back into his normal form, then spends several seconds applying cosmetic changes to his looks. At last, having drawn a crowd, he asks Have any of you seen the last party sent up here or know anything about them?

The Sheriff walks closer in your direction. Party as in a group like yours no I am sorry you must have the wrong village. Stranger you and your friends are the only new faces around here in many months except for the stranger that recently rolled into town a month or so back.

[Dakrsidder]

Shen blinked a few times as he exited autopilot before wondering where he was and why he was with the most scary people present. He then took in his surroundings and realized progress was made, so it wasn’t a problem.

As he went around taking mental notes, he realized there was a good chance this village wouldn’t be of much help on the quest. Despite this, he decided it was worth asking a question. ”By any chance have you noticed anything strange happening from the direction of the mountains?”

[samduke]

Shen blinked a few times as he exited autopilot before wondering where he was and why he was with the most scary people present. He then took in his surroundings and realized progress was made, so it wasn’t a problem.

As he went around taking mental notes, he realized there was a good chance this village wouldn’t be of much help on the quest. Despite this, he decided it was worth asking a question. ”By any chance have you noticed anything strange happening from the direction of the mountains?”

Responding to Shen
Well now there have been a few odd clouds over the mountain as of late but other than that nothing that obviously stands out.

[Geeksthenewsexy]

Listening and considering the sheriff's reply, Draxus tilts his metal head and seeks clarification. "I am not familiar enough with clouds to know what would be considered 'odd' about them. Can you elaborate?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Draxus
Male C/G Shadow Half-Dragon Warforged Soulknife 10 / Illumine Soul 2 // Psy. Warrior 4 / Ninja 1 / Paladin 2, Level 12, Init -1, HP 111/111, DR 5/Magic, Speed 50'
AC 32, Touch 28, Flat-footed 27, Fort 25, Ref 25, Will 28, Base Attack Bonus +12/+7/+2, Power Points 41/41
+3 Splitting Mind Bolt +28/+28/+23/+23/+18/+18 (4d6+14 + 1d6 Sonic, 20/x3)
+3 Flaming Keen Wounding Armblade Mind Blade +20/+15/+10 (3d8+14 + 1d6 Fire + 1d6 Sonic + 1 Bleeding, 17-20/x2)
+3 Flaming Vampiric Whip-Dagger Mind Blade +20/+15/+10 (3d6+14 +1d6 Fire + 1d6 Sonic +1d6 to Living, 19-20/x2)
Unarmored (+5 Dex, +2 Deflect, +4 Natural, +11 Misc)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 20, Con 17, Int 12, Wis 32, Cha 8
Condition Psionically Focused, Mind Arrow Charged with Psychic Strike (+3d8)
Other Defenses Cold Resistance 15

Actions: N/A

[samduke]

Listening and considering the sheriff's reply, Draxus tilts his metal head and seeks clarification. "I am not familiar enough with clouds to know what would be considered 'odd' about them. Can you elaborate?"

Pointing in the direction of the mountain. You will notice that today is a very nice day yet over that portion of the mountain there is that small dark grey cloud. to me that is odd.

(OOC the small cloud observed, compared to the mountain would be about this size of the whole current village that you are presently in. there are no other clouds around or near the mountain)

[Archmage1]

Taking in the town, Illaria smiles warmly at the Sheriff. "It is an interesting town you have. But are you certain no one else has visited in the last few days? I was rather expecting to pick something up that should have been here first."

Spoiler: Diplomacy/Sense Motive

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(1d20+29)[35] Diplomacy(Keep him honest.)
(1d20+17)[18] Bluff(Nothing to see here.)
(1d20+12)[26] Sense Motive(Is he lying?)
(Notably, what happened to the other parties to depart?)

[samduke]

Taking in the town, Illaria smiles warmly at the Sheriff. "It is an interesting town you have. But are you certain no one else has visited in the last few days? I was rather expecting to pick something up that should have been here first."

Spoiler: Diplomacy/Sense Motive

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[roll0] Diplomacy(Keep him honest.)
[roll1] Bluff(Nothing to see here.)
[roll2] Sense Motive(Is he lying?)
(Notably, what happened to the other parties to depart?)

No one person or group of people other than yourselves, have come into the village in well over three weeks and the last to do so was a strange old man who did not buy anything and was seen wandering about before leaving. I am unaware of anything having been left for anyone by any other person.

[Feathersnow]

That... is not what we expected to hear, but it is very informative. Thank you for your time, sir.

[Archmage1]

Taking in the Sheriff's words, Illaria frowns slightly. Interesting. Not one of the other groups even considered visiting the village, and seeing if they knew anything? Were they all really that foolish? Considering my erstwhile companions... I suppose it is possible.
"How long has that cloud been present?"

[samduke]

Taking in the Sheriff's words, Illaria frowns slightly. Interesting. Not one of the other groups even considered visiting the village, and seeing if they knew anything? Were they all really that foolish? Considering my erstwhile companions... I suppose it is possible.
"How long has that cloud been present?"

clouds have been around the mountain for about 17 days, near as I can recall.