Wystan takes the silver offered by Sirius and nods. "I can do that sir. Safe travels."
Sirius and Perrin: The way to the Three Flags Sailing takes you to the piers of the town. Fishers are busy dragging their boats onto the banks, unloading the fish contained therein. The knucklehead trout are still sizeable animals, often 5 feet long, thriving almost to spite the conditions here. Two men each are required to hoist them onto sleds.
The inn itself gives off a subdued mood. You count a handful of people, most hunched over their drinks and bowls of stew. No-one looks up as you enter. After a moment a plump, gray-haired human woman emerges from a room in the back, sets a crate down behind the counter and gives you a weary smile.
"Welcome to the Three Flags. I'm Ethen. What can I get ye?"
Perrin: A quick glance is all you need to confirm that there are no dwarves or olive-skinned men with eyes of ice present.
As Sirius is walking for the Three Flags Sailing with Perrin he tries to spark up conversation with him which ends up being mostly bombarding him with questions. "I don't think I ever did catch your name, could you write it in the snow or try to get me to say it so I could address you properly. How did you end up here in the far north? I do most sincerely apologize if this offends you, but I thought your kind favored living in cities, according to my textbooks anyhow." Sirius tries to suggest possible explanations to make it easier for him to communicate: "Did you run away from something, come here to reinvent yourself or from pure wanderlust? Or are you from around here?"
Perrin scurries over to a snowbank and spells his name out, "P-E-R-R-I-N." He's glad that at least one person knew his name now, so if Sirius said it, he would finally be able to introduce himself. As for the other questions, he tries his best to answer them by stringing together a bunch of different words others have said. Starting with Sirius voice, he replies, "I am from-" swaps to Yurgrunn, "-Targos." Pointing in the direction of his family's business, he says in serious voice, "Live here."
As they enter the inn, Perrin looks around and quickly ascertains that their target isn't here. He looks to Sirius, shakes his head, and then shrugs. Maybe he would be able to glean some information from the folks here, but Perrin himself probably wouldn't be very helpful, so content just listening and keeping his eyes peeled for anything interesting.
Sirius: ”Perrin, that’s a good name. Shall we go visit your family after going to the Three Flags Sailing, I’d love to see more kenkus.” Sirius says enthusiastically. ”It truly is so weird to speak with you when you mostly speak in my voice.” Sirius chuckles lightly.
As we enter the inn and Ethen introduces herself, Sirius gives her a winning smile, introduces himself and continues, ”Did you have the displeasure of housing a company with an olive-skinned man with eyes of ice? We are investigating them for something terrible they may have done and would appreciate all the information you could give us about them. We are most interested in knowing where they were heading after Targos.” Sirius says in an appropriately serious yet friendly manner.
After speaking with the guards Zenos would head into town keeping his eyes and ears open listening for any possible news and stopping the random townspeople when able to inquire about our targets, possible direction of travel or any rumors about them. Making his way towards the market area in order to find someone that might know more.
OOC: If you feel like there should be a roll for some action you take, feel free to roll without asking me, using the dice roller here in the forum or directly on your sheets. If I disagree with the type of roll, I will take the same die result and apply the correct modifier. If I feel like there should have been a roll, I'm going to roll for you. I wouldn't normally do that, mind, but I feel like it's a heavensent for the speed of play in this type of format.
Sirius: ”Perrin, that’s a good name. Shall we go visit your family after going to the Three Flags Sailing, I’d love to see more kenkus.” Sirius says enthusiastically. ”It truly is so weird to speak with you when you mostly speak in my voice.” Sirius chuckles lightly.
As we enter the inn and Ethen introduces herself, Sirius gives her a winning smile, introduces himself and continues, ”Did you have the displeasure of housing a company with an olive-skinned man with eyes of ice? We are investigating them for something terrible they may have done and would appreciate all the information you could give us about them. We are most interested in knowing where they were heading after Targos.” Sirius says in an appropriately serious yet friendly manner.
The woman's smile falters slightly as she says: "I've seen the fella you're talking about. He was here yesterday, drinking away a sizeable portion of the ale I've in stock. Handsome one, but his eyes gave me the shivers. Haven't seen the company you're mentionin' though."
Zenos: (Investigation 19), You're able to snatch up quite a bit of information on what the townspeople are currently concerned with. There is talk of the quality of the fish, of the monster that seems to be bothering the boats from Bremen, and a husband that has gone missing on an expedition here in Targos.
You learn that Torrgs in it's entirety arrived here the day before yesterday, but didn't even bother putting up their entire market stall. They were gone mid-afternoon yesterday, in the direction of Termalaine. You also hear that Termalaine recently closed it's most profitable gem mine, on account of kobolds infesting it.
Aubreen heads in the direction Perrin indicated the other Inn could be found. It has been a couple decades since he was last here. Targos has changed little. Several new buildings or extensive repairs are noted. Signs have changed as old business closed or the homes changed owners. Surprised to see The Luskan Arms still in business after all these years Aubreen pushes the door open and scans the patrons present.
Making sure his quarry is not present before striding to the bar and speaking in hushed tones with the proprietor. "I am looking for a merchant, a Dwarf named Torrga and their crew. You might have recognized a dark haired man with eyes like ice with them?"
Aubreen orders a pint to loosen the lips of the barkeep. "I only arrived in Bryn Shander a couple days ago, hearing rumors of a sacrifice to Auril. I was curious how it was decided who would be next? When is the decision made." Aubreen pauses, listening and contemplating what he hears. "When is the next sacrifice? how is it done?"
Anger simmers within, the people of ten towns may be suffering, they may be afraid, but the cowardly sacrifice of another is unacceptable. These actions are not righteous but what can I do to stop it!
Aubreen makes his way back towards the gate, looking to join up and discuss what has been found.
Aubreen finds the inn with the same old decor that was already ancient the first time you laid eyes upon The Luskan Arms. The only familiar thing about the barkeep is the depressed look in his eyes. The man manages to look old but could not have been over thirty.
A tankard full of ale is slid your way, costing you 4 cp. The proprietor introduces himself as Owenn Tarsenel and grows thoughtful at your inquiry. "Yeah, the dwarf and her company booked rooms here the day before yesterday, just one night. Didn't see this man with eyes of ice though."
The despair in the man's eyes deepens as you question him about the sacrifices. "Simple. A lottery. Whoevers name is drawn on each day of the new moon is sacrificed. Poor sod is led into the wilderness and tied to a post. S'what the council of speakers has decided to stay Aurils wrath."
The mans voice is almost a whisper by the end.
"Next sacrifice is ten days away yet. Bryn Shander, Easthaven and Targos are the only three towns sacrificing people on account of our size. Others sacrifice food or warmth."
Perrin nods at the woman’s words. He had a feeling they weren’t going to be able to get much information here. Maybe they could try the town’s general store? He also needed to grab some writing supplies so he could easily communicate and start a new journal to replace his old one about the wildlife of Icewind Dale.
Repeating Sirius’s serious, yet friendly words, he says, “We are most interested in knowing where they were heading after Targos.” Hopefully the woman could at least point them in the right direction.
Ethen thinks for a moment. "Well, this Sephek didn't much speak to anyone, just ordered a lot of ale and then left as soon as he'd thrown them back. If he belongs to a merchant company then perhaps the folks in the market know more."
Some more of the fishers enter the tavern and Ethen greets them with a warm smile.
After learning what he could Zenos would start searching the town for his companions to letting them know what he learned and hoping others have gathered more information.
"There is talk of the quality of the fish, of the monster that seems to be bothering the boats from Bremen, and a husband that has gone missing on an expedition here in Targos. You learn that Torrgs in it's entirety arrived here the day before yesterday, but didn't even bother putting up their entire market stall. They were gone mid-afternoon yesterday, in the direction of Termalaine. You also hear that Termalaine recently closed it's most profitable gem mine, on account of kobolds infesting it."
Spotting Zenos, Aubreen waves him over. Once the group has again gathered at the gate to discuss our finds and plot a course of action.
"We began 2 days behind, the gap has closed in our favor. Termaline lies but a couple hours walk from here, the only road if I recall coming back at us. Im not one for patience when direct action is called for. I know its late but we should push on- get closer to our quarry. We could end this tonight?" That last sentence pronounced with a distinct upward lilt, yet Aubreen's body language clearly states it was not a question.
"A missing man on an expedition, A monster stealing fish, kobolds, distractions the lot. We accepted a job, we need to see it through? Well! that's my stance, what say you." Searching the faces of his companions. Listening his thoughts roil;
Does the missing man have any connection with the sacrifice? What kind of expedition I wonder. At least the monster isn't hurting anybody, but should be taken care of before Bremen starves, would they starve? Why doesn't it attack Targos fishers? Kobolds, no love lost there, I wonder how Greet and his clan are doing?
If the group discusses any of these topics in depth I will ask my question(s), only pertaining to the topic discussed. Otherwise I keep my thoughts to myself. My desire is to see the current job through.
Aubreen will listen to his companions and acquiesce to the majority. Unless it is moving on to Termaline he will grumble a little. Stoically joining the group as he feels his loyalty to a cause being tested.
Sirius: As the group has formed back up again and conversation about the next steps of the group has begun by Aubreen, Sirius continues the conversation. "We must end this once and for all, let us march for Termaline and bring justice to the company. It seems to be the most acute of the problems in the area though we can certainly get to them after finishing the job." Sirius says confident in his view.
Bringing murderers to justice also seems like the best course of action in starting to build a legend for myself.
As the conversation about the next steps ends, Sirius sparks up another. "What if the monster in Bremen is simply but a natural predator, one large enough to scare the villagers and take their fish but not the villagers themselves. Someone needs to deal with it though whether it be fey, fiend or just a beast." Sirius says pensively.
As Zenos joins the group sharing his information and listening to others, shaking his head side to side while having an odd smile on his face. "This does sound exciting, so many choices and interesting directions to choose from. I know we need to find the Torrgs but this monster in Bremen sure sounds fascinating and could make an interesting tale if we were able to find and dispatch it. Either direction we decide to go will surely be an adventure and I have no strong feeling as where we go next."
As you head back through the gates of Targos and look for the path west, the light snowfall has let up. Not that it helps the visibility any; it's gotten dark and even Aubreen can only see so far into the distance.
You can use torches to light your way and to stay on the path (1 torch per hour). It is unlikely for wild animals or worse things to approach the paths between the towns, but darkness is nevertheless a tempting cover for all sorts of dangers.
All: Please describe how your character acts on the 4 hour treck to Termalaine.
DM Note: Travel in the darkness and/or wilderness and resting in dangerous locations will be accompanied with a chance of a random encounter. Chances go up and down depending on environmental circumstances, your parties travel procedures (equipment used, survival skills) and distance to civilization.
Zenos would light a torch or two during the trek to keep the baddies away, at least out of his mind if nothing else. He would use caution during the trek and not try to break any speed records, looking around every once in a while but mostly trying not to get lost in the dark and stick to the path. There is a good chance he would start working on his next story in his head so long as nothing interrupts, starting off meeting his companions, the long arduous journey to Targos where the group was set upon by bandits, injuring 6 of them before the other two turned tail and ran off into the snow. It might need some additions but it is a good start to an epic story.
Aubreen hoists his pack, ensuring the straps are tight, in an all to fussy manner. Catching the eye of the bird he shrugs "Be sure, or be dead." A final pat down he turns his attention to the hills and snow outside the gates. Braziers burning nearby destroy his night vision, casting the distance into deepest night.
"If you are going to use torches, I will take point; keeping about 30 to 40 paces ahead to keep my night vision crisp. It's dark already and sure to get darker, don't wander off. The sound of wolves in the distance is nothing to worry about. Its when you cant hear them any longer that you should fear." Aubreen stays close until the lights of Targos fade behind. Regaling his companions with a tale of younger years. A boring, rambling, tale; more a reminiscences. Stealing apples in Shander, chased from the city all the way to Termalaine. Meeting a girl, joining 'The Rats'. As Aubreen takes the lead, his mind remains back all those years before wondering What happened to Laureielle, did she stay with Riven, are they still alive?
Staring into the darkness, occasionally dropping back to make a comment or draw attention to a landmark. "No sense in rushing, too dangerous out here if not paying attention." With back to the torch and eyes on the horizon. "We should split up when we reach termalaine, try to suss out where there holed up, maybe inquire about lodging for ourselves. then rejoin at the gate and decide the next course of action."
The day has been long and dark, when fatigue comes over Aubreen he recalls those long nights beating the harbor in The Gate. Techniques learned and used, sometimes successfully, to remain vigilant through out the journey.
Sirius lights a torch and starts the trek with the group. Sirius simply listens to Aubreen's tale experiencing the hardest journey in his life. Growing up in Waterdeep where Sirius saw snow just twice surely didn't prepare him for this. As the wind tries to blow them off the course and the cold bites through his thick layers, Sirius simply focuses on living and keeping his torch alight barely being able to acknowledge his surroundings.
How comfortable that pile of snow looks, what if I lay down there until it gets a bit warmer. Sirius shakes himself out of his thoughts of resting realizing that he would never get up again.
Sirius has grown very quiet but affirms Aubreen's plan of splitting up in Termalaine. "The faster we get to them, less chance that they have killed again."
OOC: Going to move it ahead and move Perrin along. Morthal will be dropping out here, as the player let me know that PbP wasn't really for them. That is fine and we'll be continuing with 4 players. I'll reopen recruitment if we drop to 3 players.
The 4 hour stretch on for a long time as you're stomping through the layer of snow that covers the road, trying to focus on your destination. The wind howls around you and any snowflake hitting exposed skin feels like being stabbed with a tiny knife.
Zenos, Aubreen (Perception: 18, 9): Keeping an eye on your surroundings is challenging, but you somehow manage. In the distance towards the forest you spy a lonely blue light bobbing up and down occasionally. Squinting hard, you make out a herd of animals. Reindeer. Among them, the light source is raised as a majestic set of antlers. The animals pay you no mind, being a good quarter mile away still.
The reindeer herd:
In the end, your feet carry you to Termalaines town outskirts. Unlike Bryn Shander and Targos, there are no walls to be seen. Also unlike Targos, it seems Termalaines side of Maer Dualdon is still ice-free, a rare blessing in these times. The town is half-surrounded by trees, the southern edge of the Lonelywood forest.
The lights shining out from a few houses tell you that the town is not yet asleep, but you hardly spot anyone on the streets. The only exception are two lonely figures carrying one lantern between them. From their dress and arms, they are likely town guards.
Zenos: Please remove 2 torches from your sheet Sirius: Please remove 4 torches from your sheet
Entering town and having a look around Zenos "Well it looks like this town shut down for the evening, maybe we should seek a warm meal and a warm bed for the night and take up our search in the morning? Or at least find a place out of the weather that has something to eat and drink, what do you all think?"
Aubreen nods his head "True, it is getting quite late. I dont wish to sleep on the streets if at all possible. Lets ask these gentleman for directions."
Catching the attention of the 'Guards'? Aubreen saunters over to the 2 men sharing a single lamp. "Good sirs, a moment of your time if you will? We just came from Targos, can you point out the local inns and tavern's?" After listening for a few minutes, making note of their answers and directions. "We are actually looking for a merchant, a travelling crew run by a female dwarf named Torrga Icevien. She travels with a dark haired man with eyes of ice. Perhaps you have seen them recently?"
"Zenos, perhaps the Eastside will have rooms available. If you spot our quarry don't engage. And don't let them close the kitchen, i am damn hungry already but I want to check the blue clam (And any others mentioned) before calling it a night. I feel we are close, we can not let them slip between our grasp simply because we are tired, or hungry?"
Just as in Targos, Aubreen wishes to search the inns and taverns for their quarry. Scanning the patrons for Torrga or Sephek. If they are there he will order an ale, watching while drinking it then leave to find his companions.
If they are not there and his Insight (roll: 14+5=19) doesn't warn of Torrgas crew (Their are 4 unknown individuals in Torrga's crew and he does not want to tip them off either) he will ask of the barkeep or proprietor, the same questions asked of the guards.
"We are looking for a merchant, a travelling crew run by a female dwarf named Torrga Icevien. She travels with a dark haired man with eyes of ice. Perhaps you have seen them recently?"
He is also interested in the owner of the Gem mine and will inquire if the situation allows.
Wystan takes the silver offered by Sirius and nods. "I can do that sir. Safe travels."
Sirius and Perrin: The way to the Three Flags Sailing takes you to the piers of the town. Fishers are busy dragging their boats onto the banks, unloading the fish contained therein. The knucklehead trout are still sizeable animals, often 5 feet long, thriving almost to spite the conditions here. Two men each are required to hoist them onto sleds.
The inn itself gives off a subdued mood. You count a handful of people, most hunched over their drinks and bowls of stew. No-one looks up as you enter. After a moment a plump, gray-haired human woman emerges from a room in the back, sets a crate down behind the counter and gives you a weary smile.
"Welcome to the Three Flags. I'm Ethen. What can I get ye?"
Perrin: A quick glance is all you need to confirm that there are no dwarves or olive-skinned men with eyes of ice present.
Perrin scurries over to a snowbank and spells his name out, "P-E-R-R-I-N." He's glad that at least one person knew his name now, so if Sirius said it, he would finally be able to introduce himself. As for the other questions, he tries his best to answer them by stringing together a bunch of different words others have said. Starting with Sirius voice, he replies, "I am from-" swaps to Yurgrunn, "-Targos." Pointing in the direction of his family's business, he says in serious voice, "Live here."
As they enter the inn, Perrin looks around and quickly ascertains that their target isn't here. He looks to Sirius, shakes his head, and then shrugs. Maybe he would be able to glean some information from the folks here, but Perrin himself probably wouldn't be very helpful, so content just listening and keeping his eyes peeled for anything interesting.
Sirius: ”Perrin, that’s a good name. Shall we go visit your family after going to the Three Flags Sailing, I’d love to see more kenkus.” Sirius says enthusiastically. ”It truly is so weird to speak with you when you mostly speak in my voice.” Sirius chuckles lightly.
As we enter the inn and Ethen introduces herself, Sirius gives her a winning smile, introduces himself and continues, ”Did you have the displeasure of housing a company with an olive-skinned man with eyes of ice? We are investigating them for something terrible they may have done and would appreciate all the information you could give us about them. We are most interested in knowing where they were heading after Targos.” Sirius says in an appropriately serious yet friendly manner.
After speaking with the guards Zenos would head into town keeping his eyes and ears open listening for any possible news and stopping the random townspeople when able to inquire about our targets, possible direction of travel or any rumors about them. Making his way towards the market area in order to find someone that might know more.
OOC: If you feel like there should be a roll for some action you take, feel free to roll without asking me, using the dice roller here in the forum or directly on your sheets. If I disagree with the type of roll, I will take the same die result and apply the correct modifier. If I feel like there should have been a roll, I'm going to roll for you. I wouldn't normally do that, mind, but I feel like it's a heavensent for the speed of play in this type of format.
The woman's smile falters slightly as she says: "I've seen the fella you're talking about. He was here yesterday, drinking away a sizeable portion of the ale I've in stock. Handsome one, but his eyes gave me the shivers. Haven't seen the company you're mentionin' though."
Zenos: (Investigation 19), You're able to snatch up quite a bit of information on what the townspeople are currently concerned with. There is talk of the quality of the fish, of the monster that seems to be bothering the boats from Bremen, and a husband that has gone missing on an expedition here in Targos.
You learn that Torrgs in it's entirety arrived here the day before yesterday, but didn't even bother putting up their entire market stall. They were gone mid-afternoon yesterday, in the direction of Termalaine. You also hear that Termalaine recently closed it's most profitable gem mine, on account of kobolds infesting it.
Aubreen heads in the direction Perrin indicated the other Inn could be found. It has been a couple decades since he was last here. Targos has changed little. Several new buildings or extensive repairs are noted. Signs have changed as old business closed or the homes changed owners. Surprised to see The Luskan Arms still in business after all these years Aubreen pushes the door open and scans the patrons present.
Making sure his quarry is not present before striding to the bar and speaking in hushed tones with the proprietor. "I am looking for a merchant, a Dwarf named Torrga and their crew. You might have recognized a dark haired man with eyes like ice with them?"
Aubreen orders a pint to loosen the lips of the barkeep. "I only arrived in Bryn Shander a couple days ago, hearing rumors of a sacrifice to Auril. I was curious how it was decided who would be next? When is the decision made." Aubreen pauses, listening and contemplating what he hears. "When is the next sacrifice? how is it done?"
Anger simmers within, the people of ten towns may be suffering, they may be afraid, but the cowardly sacrifice of another is unacceptable. These actions are not righteous but what can I do to stop it!
Aubreen makes his way back towards the gate, looking to join up and discuss what has been found.
Aubreen finds the inn with the same old decor that was already ancient the first time you laid eyes upon The Luskan Arms. The only familiar thing about the barkeep is the depressed look in his eyes. The man manages to look old but could not have been over thirty.
A tankard full of ale is slid your way, costing you 4 cp. The proprietor introduces himself as Owenn Tarsenel and grows thoughtful at your inquiry. "Yeah, the dwarf and her company booked rooms here the day before yesterday, just one night. Didn't see this man with eyes of ice though."
The despair in the man's eyes deepens as you question him about the sacrifices.
"Simple. A lottery. Whoevers name is drawn on each day of the new moon is sacrificed. Poor sod is led into the wilderness and tied to a post. S'what the council of speakers has decided to stay Aurils wrath."
The mans voice is almost a whisper by the end.
"Next sacrifice is ten days away yet. Bryn Shander, Easthaven and Targos are the only three towns sacrificing people on account of our size. Others sacrifice food or warmth."
Perrin nods at the woman’s words. He had a feeling they weren’t going to be able to get much information here. Maybe they could try the town’s general store? He also needed to grab some writing supplies so he could easily communicate and start a new journal to replace his old one about the wildlife of Icewind Dale.
Repeating Sirius’s serious, yet friendly words, he says, “We are most interested in knowing where they were heading after Targos.” Hopefully the woman could at least point them in the right direction.
Perrin & Sirius:
Ethen thinks for a moment.
"Well, this Sephek didn't much speak to anyone, just ordered a lot of ale and then left as soon as he'd thrown them back. If he belongs to a merchant company then perhaps the folks in the market know more."
Some more of the fishers enter the tavern and Ethen greets them with a warm smile.
After learning what he could Zenos would start searching the town for his companions to letting them know what he learned and hoping others have gathered more information.
"There is talk of the quality of the fish, of the monster that seems to be bothering the boats from Bremen, and a husband that has gone missing on an expedition here in Targos. You learn that Torrgs in it's entirety arrived here the day before yesterday, but didn't even bother putting up their entire market stall. They were gone mid-afternoon yesterday, in the direction of Termalaine. You also hear that Termalaine recently closed it's most profitable gem mine, on account of kobolds infesting it."
Spotting Zenos, Aubreen waves him over. Once the group has again gathered at the gate to discuss our finds and plot a course of action.
"We began 2 days behind, the gap has closed in our favor. Termaline lies but a couple hours walk from here, the only road if I recall coming back at us. Im not one for patience when direct action is called for. I know its late but we should push on- get closer to our quarry. We could end this tonight?" That last sentence pronounced with a distinct upward lilt, yet Aubreen's body language clearly states it was not a question.
"A missing man on an expedition, A monster stealing fish, kobolds, distractions the lot. We accepted a job, we need to see it through? Well! that's my stance, what say you." Searching the faces of his companions. Listening his thoughts roil;
Does the missing man have any connection with the sacrifice? What kind of expedition I wonder. At least the monster isn't hurting anybody, but should be taken care of before Bremen starves, would they starve? Why doesn't it attack Targos fishers? Kobolds, no love lost there, I wonder how Greet and his clan are doing?
If the group discusses any of these topics in depth I will ask my question(s), only pertaining to the topic discussed. Otherwise I keep my thoughts to myself. My desire is to see the current job through.
Aubreen will listen to his companions and acquiesce to the majority. Unless it is moving on to Termaline he will grumble a little. Stoically joining the group as he feels his loyalty to a cause being tested.
Sirius: As the group has formed back up again and conversation about the next steps of the group has begun by Aubreen, Sirius continues the conversation. "We must end this once and for all, let us march for Termaline and bring justice to the company. It seems to be the most acute of the problems in the area though we can certainly get to them after finishing the job." Sirius says confident in his view.
Bringing murderers to justice also seems like the best course of action in starting to build a legend for myself.
As the conversation about the next steps ends, Sirius sparks up another. "What if the monster in Bremen is simply but a natural predator, one large enough to scare the villagers and take their fish but not the villagers themselves. Someone needs to deal with it though whether it be fey, fiend or just a beast." Sirius says pensively.
As Zenos joins the group sharing his information and listening to others, shaking his head side to side while having an odd smile on his face. "This does sound exciting, so many choices and interesting directions to choose from. I know we need to find the Torrgs but this monster in Bremen sure sounds fascinating and could make an interesting tale if we were able to find and dispatch it. Either direction we decide to go will surely be an adventure and I have no strong feeling as where we go next."
As you head back through the gates of Targos and look for the path west, the light snowfall has let up. Not that it helps the visibility any; it's gotten dark and even Aubreen can only see so far into the distance.
You can use torches to light your way and to stay on the path (1 torch per hour). It is unlikely for wild animals or worse things to approach the paths between the towns, but darkness is nevertheless a tempting cover for all sorts of dangers.
All: Please describe how your character acts on the 4 hour treck to Termalaine.
DM Note: Travel in the darkness and/or wilderness and resting in dangerous locations will be accompanied with a chance of a random encounter. Chances go up and down depending on environmental circumstances, your parties travel procedures (equipment used, survival skills) and distance to civilization.
Zenos would light a torch or two during the trek to keep the baddies away, at least out of his mind if nothing else. He would use caution during the trek and not try to break any speed records, looking around every once in a while but mostly trying not to get lost in the dark and stick to the path. There is a good chance he would start working on his next story in his head so long as nothing interrupts, starting off meeting his companions, the long arduous journey to Targos where the group was set upon by bandits, injuring 6 of them before the other two turned tail and ran off into the snow. It might need some additions but it is a good start to an epic story.
Aubreen hoists his pack, ensuring the straps are tight, in an all to fussy manner. Catching the eye of the bird he shrugs "Be sure, or be dead." A final pat down he turns his attention to the hills and snow outside the gates. Braziers burning nearby destroy his night vision, casting the distance into deepest night.
"If you are going to use torches, I will take point; keeping about 30 to 40 paces ahead to keep my night vision crisp. It's dark already and sure to get darker, don't wander off. The sound of wolves in the distance is nothing to worry about. Its when you cant hear them any longer that you should fear." Aubreen stays close until the lights of Targos fade behind. Regaling his companions with a tale of younger years. A boring, rambling, tale; more a reminiscences. Stealing apples in Shander, chased from the city all the way to Termalaine. Meeting a girl, joining 'The Rats'. As Aubreen takes the lead, his mind remains back all those years before wondering What happened to Laureielle, did she stay with Riven, are they still alive?
Staring into the darkness, occasionally dropping back to make a comment or draw attention to a landmark. "No sense in rushing, too dangerous out here if not paying attention." With back to the torch and eyes on the horizon. "We should split up when we reach termalaine, try to suss out where there holed up, maybe inquire about lodging for ourselves. then rejoin at the gate and decide the next course of action."
The day has been long and dark, when fatigue comes over Aubreen he recalls those long nights beating the harbor in The Gate. Techniques learned and used, sometimes successfully, to remain vigilant through out the journey.
Sirius lights a torch and starts the trek with the group. Sirius simply listens to Aubreen's tale experiencing the hardest journey in his life. Growing up in Waterdeep where Sirius saw snow just twice surely didn't prepare him for this. As the wind tries to blow them off the course and the cold bites through his thick layers, Sirius simply focuses on living and keeping his torch alight barely being able to acknowledge his surroundings.
How comfortable that pile of snow looks, what if I lay down there until it gets a bit warmer. Sirius shakes himself out of his thoughts of resting realizing that he would never get up again.
Sirius has grown very quiet but affirms Aubreen's plan of splitting up in Termalaine. "The faster we get to them, less chance that they have killed again."
OOC: Going to move it ahead and move Perrin along. Morthal will be dropping out here, as the player let me know that PbP wasn't really for them. That is fine and we'll be continuing with 4 players. I'll reopen recruitment if we drop to 3 players.
The 4 hour stretch on for a long time as you're stomping through the layer of snow that covers the road, trying to focus on your destination. The wind howls around you and any snowflake hitting exposed skin feels like being stabbed with a tiny knife.
Zenos, Aubreen (Perception: 18, 9): Keeping an eye on your surroundings is challenging, but you somehow manage. In the distance towards the forest you spy a lonely blue light bobbing up and down occasionally. Squinting hard, you make out a herd of animals. Reindeer. Among them, the light source is raised as a majestic set of antlers. The animals pay you no mind, being a good quarter mile away still.
The reindeer herd:
In the end, your feet carry you to Termalaines town outskirts. Unlike Bryn Shander and Targos, there are no walls to be seen. Also unlike Targos, it seems Termalaines side of Maer Dualdon is still ice-free, a rare blessing in these times. The town is half-surrounded by trees, the southern edge of the Lonelywood forest.
The lights shining out from a few houses tell you that the town is not yet asleep, but you hardly spot anyone on the streets. The only exception are two lonely figures carrying one lantern between them. From their dress and arms, they are likely town guards.
Zenos: Please remove 2 torches from your sheet
Sirius: Please remove 4 torches from your sheet
Entering town and having a look around Zenos "Well it looks like this town shut down for the evening, maybe we should seek a warm meal and a warm bed for the night and take up our search in the morning? Or at least find a place out of the weather that has something to eat and drink, what do you all think?"
Aubreen nods his head "True, it is getting quite late. I dont wish to sleep on the streets if at all possible. Lets ask these gentleman for directions."
Catching the attention of the 'Guards'? Aubreen saunters over to the 2 men sharing a single lamp. "Good sirs, a moment of your time if you will? We just came from Targos, can you point out the local inns and tavern's?" After listening for a few minutes, making note of their answers and directions. "We are actually looking for a merchant, a travelling crew run by a female dwarf named Torrga Icevien. She travels with a dark haired man with eyes of ice. Perhaps you have seen them recently?"
"Zenos, perhaps the Eastside will have rooms available. If you spot our quarry don't engage. And don't let them close the kitchen, i am damn hungry already but I want to check the blue clam (And any others mentioned) before calling it a night. I feel we are close, we can not let them slip between our grasp simply because we are tired, or hungry?"
Just as in Targos, Aubreen wishes to search the inns and taverns for their quarry. Scanning the patrons for Torrga or Sephek. If they are there he will order an ale, watching while drinking it then leave to find his companions.
If they are not there and his Insight (roll: 14+5=19) doesn't warn of Torrgas crew (Their are 4 unknown individuals in Torrga's crew and he does not want to tip them off either) he will ask of the barkeep or proprietor, the same questions asked of the guards.
"We are looking for a merchant, a travelling crew run by a female dwarf named Torrga Icevien. She travels with a dark haired man with eyes of ice. Perhaps you have seen them recently?"
He is also interested in the owner of the Gem mine and will inquire if the situation allows.