Khessa gives Urnpoleshurst an encouraging smile as she mounts her assigned horse: "You slept well, I hope! Now just enjoy the ride, Nixi and I will take care of the rest".
From the top of her mount, the blonde arcane warrior briefly looks for the rest of her companions, to make sure that everyone is there, that they are all ready, that no one has had problems... When with her blue eyes she sees Eric, she smiles at him, reassured by knowing that the dwarf who always knows how to inspire so much serenity and self-confidence is near her (or not too far from her, at least) again.
Then the tall adventuress fully concentrates again on her bodyguard task, always keeping close to her employer and also taking advantage of Anator for better surveillance.
If during the trip Urnpoleshurst is finally willing to talk about what he fears in particular, Khessa would be happy to listen. Otherwise, she just goes about her work - and having a chat about magic with Nixi, if they both happen to have a spare moment sometime.
And with that the caravan leaves Baldur's Gate. During the first few hours nothing noteworthy happens. Knowing what to look for your team notices that the cult has 3 wagons. Nothing identifies the cult’s wagons as anything but typical merchants hauling northbound freight. They don’t seem to bunch up and Rezmir isn't with them. A few people join the caravan along the way and you notice the cult teamsters turning away paying passengers even though they have spare room on their wagons.
Once you are quite a bit away from Baldur's Gate Aldor Urnpoleshurst open up a bit to Khessa. He spins a tale about his crusade for justice and how he must have stepped on some wrong toes. That might be right, but getting to know him you think that he is suspicious of everyone and makes outrageous accusations at the drop of a hat.
Khessa comforts Urnpoleshurst and compliments him for his sense of justice (keeping for herself the thought that such sense might be a bit excessive at times): "Don't worry, you'll eventually find a city where justice is better defended. And until then, you'll be kept safe".
The blonde arcane warrior is surprised by Rezmir's absence... At night, when a bat will not raise suspicion, she keeps Anator near the cultist the whole night, to listen to their conversation and possibily get clues about what is happening (final destination? Or at least next destination? Use of the loot? Where is Rezmir? Whst he is up to?).
If during the night Anator gets some clues about the things mentioned above, the next day the tall adventuress shares the informations with her friends as soon as she can.
The caravan makes a few stops during the first day. That evening, when the sun is low above the horizon, the caravan stops at a roadside inn. It is strategically placed. This is the last stop before the Fields of the Dead. Most of the merchants stay in the inn, but the basic guard are expected to stay with their goods. The bodyguard have to join them (the employer pays for their rooms). Lai Angesstun chooses to stay outside with his wagon (sorry Zale).
Those who join their employers in the inn notice that another group of adventurers is staying at the same roadside inn. Judging by their boasting, they have bested some of the most ferocious monsters and foes Faerun has to offer. They look prosperous, they’re filled with exciting tales, and they strike up a bond with Edhelri Lewel.
While Anator spies on the cultists outside, Khessa, if there are cultists inside, tries to stay at a distance that allows her to hear their conversations (or at least parts of them); she otherwise she partly listens to the adventuring party (hoping to learn something about the weaknesses of some monsters), partly discusses magic with Nixi (if she is available).
Zale is a bit irritated at her situation, but tries to stay chipper. Looks like she won't be getting much sleep...but that means less nightmares... hopefully. Setting up her sleeping gear, she remains on high alert through the night. (as high as she can with her cursed perception...)
Perception: 6 (...yep cursed as ever lol and to think she's proficient in this skill...)
Eric nods and smile, reciprocating Khessa's greeting. He spends the night guarding his wagon "don't mind much sleeping out here, all of these situation reminds me about the days I have speeded wandering along this land, hard days indeed, they seem far away now" he sits on. Before she enters the tavern, Eric touches Khessa's shoulder and says "good night" (his touch contains Guidance cantrip so she may add 1d4 to his next check for one minute :D).
The dwarf seats on the wagon, smoking a pipe and keeping his eyes pointed on the cults wagons, seeing if something moves around
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kriv remains outside with his cargo, keeping watch for part of the night. He tries to ensure his goods are safe, but keeps an eye on the whole caravan.
... Before she enters the tavern, Eric touches Khessa's shoulder and says "good night"...
Khessa, who had bent down for a moment to check the horse's hoof, is pleasantly surprised by Eric's unexpected touch and kind wish.
"Thank you!" the blonde arcane warrior smiles brightly, flattered "Same to you! I..."
'How I feel... good!' realizes the tall adventuress 'Everything seems easier when I have him next to me... it's as if his closeness is somehow magical'.
"I... I'd stay out here with you if I could; you know that, right?" Khessa's blue eyes lock into those of the dwarf, instinctively getting so near to him... "But that lawyer who hired me, Urnpoleshurst, is so fearful... On the one hand, I suppose he exaggerates, but on the other hand I can't exclude that he really has enemies willing to do harm on his heels... I must stay close to him and protect him".
"Anyway," the blonde arcane warrior returns to her own reflections on the Cult "did you notice that there is no longer any trace of Rezmir? And that the cultists are very keen on the privacy of their wagons? Tonight I will leave Anator flying around them, I hope he can glean useful details from their conversations - they won't suspect a bat that flies at night. If my brother can find out anything, I'll report it to you all. And if he doesn't find anything tonight, perhaps a visit to the cult wagons could be arranged... a visit from a bat, or maybe a lizard I mean" she winks.
While Anator spies on the cultists outside, Khessa, if there are cultists inside, tries to stay at a distance that allows her to hear their conversations (or at least parts of them); she otherwise she partly listens to the adventuring party (hoping to learn something about the weaknesses of some monsters), partly discusses magic with Nixi (if she is available).
All the cultist stay outside. At some point Anator pick up the comment: ...wish Rezmir picked us to join her on that ship...
Zale is a bit irritated at her situation, but tries to stay chipper. Looks like she won't be getting much sleep...but that means less nightmares... hopefully. Setting up her sleeping gear, she remains on high alert through the night. (as high as she can with her cursed perception...)
Perception: 6 (...yep cursed as ever lol and to think she's proficient in this skill...)
Eric nods and smile, reciprocating Khessa's greeting. He spends the night guarding his wagon "don't mind much sleeping out here, all of these situation reminds me about the days I have speeded wandering along this land, hard days indeed, they seem far away now" he sits on. Before she enters the tavern, Eric touches Khessa's shoulder and says "good night" (his touch contains Guidance cantrip so she may add 1d4 to his next check for one minute :D).
The dwarf seats on the wagon, smoking a pipe and keeping his eyes pointed on the cults wagons, seeing if something moves around
Kriv remains outside with his cargo, keeping watch for part of the night. He tries to ensure his goods are safe, but keeps an eye on the whole caravan.
Perception 14
Nothing suspicious happens during the night.
The next morning, after breakfast Edhelri Lewel seeks out Kriv and Zeminny. She informs the them that their services are no longer needed because she has hired more experienced guards. She pays them both 10 sp and suggests they return to Baldur's Gate.
[[Kriv and Zeminny don't have to leave the caravan. They should want to stay with the caravan. Sometimes people and wagons join the caravan along the way, and others leave according to the dictates of business and fortune. Maybe a newcomer can use a guard? At the moment nobody has need of a guard.]]
Anyway, Khessa quickly shares with Nixi and the others the information that Rezmir took a ship... probably headed to a pleasant or important task, since some of the cultists are unhappy that they have not been chosen to accompany her.
... Before she enters the tavern, Eric touches Khessa's shoulder and says "good night"...
Khessa, who had bent down for a moment to check the horse's hoof, is pleasantly surprised by Eric's unexpected touch and kind wish.
"Thank you!" the blonde arcane warrior smiles brightly, flattered "Same to you! I..."
'How I feel... good!' realizes the tall adventuress 'Everything seems easier when I have him next to me... it's as if his closeness is somehow magical'.
"I... I'd stay out here with you if I could; you know that, right?" Khessa's blue eyes lock into those of the dwarf, instinctively getting so near to him... "But that lawyer who hired me, Urnpoleshurst, is so fearful... On the one hand, I suppose he exaggerates, but on the other hand I can't exclude that he really has enemies willing to do harm on his heels... I must stay close to him and protect him".
The dwarf brushes for a second "Oh don't worry, I understand; the job is the job. And better having eyes and hears opened both in and outside the Inn, just let us know if the two of you are in trouble"
Calvin regards the information Khessa shares regarding the whereabouts of Rezmir. He nods in confirmation of understanding the information.
"Right, well, I don't think there'd be many lizards out there,"he replies, then shrugs his shoulders.
"Well," reflects Khessa "we can spy some more nights and maybe get more clues... But when we want to examine the wagons (whether today or one of the next days), if Nixi agrees, she could make the designed lizard or bat invisible... so the animal will not even be seen and thus not raise any suspicion".
Kriv seeks out the others. “Me and Zemminy got let go. I think I’ll stick with the caravan and hope I can get another job.”
"It's a pity" Khessa looks sorry, placing a hand on Kriv's shoulder. “Your ex-employer probably didn't make a good choice… I don't think there are many people out there who accomplished even half as much as you guys did. But if he has decided so, your idea of sticking with the caravan and hoping to get another job is probably the best one, at the moment".
After the last pleasant night for the time being, the caravan departs again. The most difficult part of the journey is the beginning: a few hours of traveling brings the caravan into a countryside known as the Fields of the Dead. The road twists and wanders through hills dotted with ancient battlefields, dolmens, and barrow mounds. Common wisdom holds that it’s a very bad idea to light a fire on a hilltop at night in the Fields of the Dead, because the light attracts monsters from miles around. Crossing this territory will take several days.
Everyone is edgy and on watch, and with and with good reason. A few hours after noon you hear Edhelri Lewel shouting at her new guards: "Get back here you cowards!" If you look around you will see that the caravan is being attacked by skeletons. Most wagons are well protected, but Edhelri is defenceless.
Everyone can take a turn against the skeletons (assume they are in range). Only Zemminy and Kriv are able to rush to Lewel's aid since they aren't protecting their employers (if they choose to).
(OOC: Sorry, asking for a clarification, with 'the caravan is being attacked by skeletons' are you implying that all the wagons/people are attacked? So some skeleton is going against Urnpoleshurst also? Or are the skeletons focusing on Edhelri's wagon only?)
Khessa quickly tells Kriv and Zeminny: "Looks like you guys are about to get your jobs back in no time... I told you Edhelri hadn't made a good choice!"
Then...
If skeletons are coming in Urnpoleshurst's direction also:
Khessa exploits the speed of her horse to bring herself into a position from which she can include as many skeletons as possible (of those who are coming to threaten her employer) and, stealthily bringing her hand to Stef's Rod, concentrates, pronounces arcane words of command… and unleashes a storm of fire against the attackers.
If they are still not destroyed after this attack, the blonde arcane warrior finishes maneuvering by positioning herself to block their path and attack the attacks on herself (rather than letting them continue towards Urnpoleshurst).
else, if skeletons are focusing on Edhelri's wagon only - or anyway if Urnpoleshurst is not in danger:
Khessa tries to help the imprudent merchant from a distance, holding out his arm while pronouncing a quick formula... and from the fingers of her outstretched hand mystical energy darts shoot off and hit the closest of the attackers.
The blonde arcane warrior positions herself in front of Urnpoleshurst, determined to make him feel protected.
Khessa gives Urnpoleshurst an encouraging smile as she mounts her assigned horse: "You slept well, I hope! Now just enjoy the ride, Nixi and I will take care of the rest".
From the top of her mount, the blonde arcane warrior briefly looks for the rest of her companions, to make sure that everyone is there, that they are all ready, that no one has had problems... When with her blue eyes she sees Eric, she smiles at him, reassured by knowing that the dwarf who always knows how to inspire so much serenity and self-confidence is near her (or not too far from her, at least) again.
Then the tall adventuress fully concentrates again on her bodyguard task, always keeping close to her employer and also taking advantage of Anator for better surveillance.
If during the trip Urnpoleshurst is finally willing to talk about what he fears in particular, Khessa would be happy to listen. Otherwise, she just goes about her work - and having a chat about magic with Nixi, if they both happen to have a spare moment sometime.
And with that the caravan leaves Baldur's Gate. During the first few hours nothing noteworthy happens. Knowing what to look for your team notices that the cult has 3 wagons. Nothing identifies the cult’s wagons as anything but typical merchants hauling northbound freight. They don’t seem to bunch up and Rezmir isn't with them. A few people join the caravan along the way and you notice the cult teamsters turning away paying passengers even though they have spare room on their wagons.
Once you are quite a bit away from Baldur's Gate Aldor Urnpoleshurst open up a bit to Khessa. He spins a tale about his crusade for justice and how he must have stepped on some wrong toes. That might be right, but getting to know him you think that he is suspicious of everyone and makes outrageous accusations at the drop of a hat.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Khessa comforts Urnpoleshurst and compliments him for his sense of justice (keeping for herself the thought that such sense might be a bit excessive at times): "Don't worry, you'll eventually find a city where justice is better defended. And until then, you'll be kept safe".
The blonde arcane warrior is surprised by Rezmir's absence... At night, when a bat will not raise suspicion, she keeps Anator near the cultist the whole night, to listen to their conversation and possibily get clues about what is happening (final destination? Or at least next destination? Use of the loot? Where is Rezmir? Whst he is up to?).
If during the night Anator gets some clues about the things mentioned above, the next day the tall adventuress shares the informations with her friends as soon as she can.
The caravan makes a few stops during the first day. That evening, when the sun is low above the horizon, the caravan stops at a roadside inn. It is strategically placed. This is the last stop before the Fields of the Dead. Most of the merchants stay in the inn, but the basic guard are expected to stay with their goods. The bodyguard have to join them (the employer pays for their rooms). Lai Angesstun chooses to stay outside with his wagon (sorry Zale).
Those who join their employers in the inn notice that another group of adventurers is staying at the same roadside inn. Judging by their boasting, they have bested some of the most ferocious monsters and foes Faerun has to offer. They look prosperous, they’re filled with exciting tales, and they strike up a bond with Edhelri Lewel.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
While Anator spies on the cultists outside, Khessa, if there are cultists inside, tries to stay at a distance that allows her to hear their conversations (or at least parts of them); she otherwise she partly listens to the adventuring party (hoping to learn something about the weaknesses of some monsters), partly discusses magic with Nixi (if she is available).
Zale is a bit irritated at her situation, but tries to stay chipper. Looks like she won't be getting much sleep...but that means less nightmares... hopefully. Setting up her sleeping gear, she remains on high alert through the night. (as high as she can with her cursed perception...)
Perception: 6 (...yep cursed as ever lol and to think she's proficient in this skill...)
Eric nods and smile, reciprocating Khessa's greeting. He spends the night guarding his wagon "don't mind much sleeping out here, all of these situation reminds me about the days I have speeded wandering along this land, hard days indeed, they seem far away now" he sits on. Before she enters the tavern, Eric touches Khessa's shoulder and says "good night" (his touch contains Guidance cantrip so she may add 1d4 to his next check for one minute :D).
The dwarf seats on the wagon, smoking a pipe and keeping his eyes pointed on the cults wagons, seeing if something moves around
Kriv remains outside with his cargo, keeping watch for part of the night. He tries to ensure his goods are safe, but keeps an eye on the whole caravan.
Perception 5
Khessa, who had bent down for a moment to check the horse's hoof, is pleasantly surprised by Eric's unexpected touch and kind wish.
"Thank you!" the blonde arcane warrior smiles brightly, flattered "Same to you! I..."
'How I feel... good!' realizes the tall adventuress 'Everything seems easier when I have him next to me... it's as if his closeness is somehow magical'.
"I... I'd stay out here with you if I could; you know that, right?" Khessa's blue eyes lock into those of the dwarf, instinctively getting so near to him... "But that lawyer who hired me, Urnpoleshurst, is so fearful... On the one hand, I suppose he exaggerates, but on the other hand I can't exclude that he really has enemies willing to do harm on his heels... I must stay close to him and protect him".
"Anyway," the blonde arcane warrior returns to her own reflections on the Cult "did you notice that there is no longer any trace of Rezmir? And that the cultists are very keen on the privacy of their wagons? Tonight I will leave Anator flying around them, I hope he can glean useful details from their conversations - they won't suspect a bat that flies at night. If my brother can find out anything, I'll report it to you all. And if he doesn't find anything tonight, perhaps a visit to the cult wagons could be arranged... a visit from a bat, or maybe a lizard I mean" she winks.
All the cultist stay outside. At some point Anator pick up the comment: ...wish Rezmir picked us to join her on that ship...
Make an Insight Check please.
At least Zale has a good night's sleep!
Nothing suspicious happens during the night.
The next morning, after breakfast Edhelri Lewel seeks out Kriv and Zeminny. She informs the them that their services are no longer needed because she has hired more experienced guards. She pays them both 10 sp and suggests they return to Baldur's Gate.
[[Kriv and Zeminny don't have to leave the caravan. They should want to stay with the caravan. Sometimes people and wagons join the caravan along the way, and others leave according to the dictates of business and fortune. Maybe a newcomer can use a guard? At the moment nobody has need of a guard.]]
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Khessa's Insight check: 18
Anyway, Khessa quickly shares with Nixi and the others the information that Rezmir took a ship... probably headed to a pleasant or important task, since some of the cultists are unhappy that they have not been chosen to accompany her.
The new adventurers are hard to read. They look legit though.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
The dwarf brushes for a second "Oh don't worry, I understand; the job is the job. And better having eyes and hears opened both in and outside the Inn, just let us know if the two of you are in trouble"
Calvin regards the information Khessa shares regarding the whereabouts of Rezmir. He nods in confirmation of understanding the information.
"Right, well, I don't think there'd be many lizards out there," he replies, then shrugs his shoulders.
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
"Well," reflects Khessa "we can spy some more nights and maybe get more clues... But when we want to examine the wagons (whether today or one of the next days), if Nixi agrees, she could make the designed lizard or bat invisible... so the animal will not even be seen and thus not raise any suspicion".
Kriv seeks out the others. “Me and Zemminy got let go. I think I’ll stick with the caravan and hope I can get another job.”
"It's a pity" Khessa looks sorry, placing a hand on Kriv's shoulder. “Your ex-employer probably didn't make a good choice… I don't think there are many people out there who accomplished even half as much as you guys did. But if he has decided so, your idea of sticking with the caravan and hoping to get another job is probably the best one, at the moment".
Day 2
After the last pleasant night for the time being, the caravan departs again. The most difficult part of the journey is the beginning: a few hours of traveling brings the caravan into a countryside known as the Fields of the Dead. The road twists and wanders through hills dotted with ancient battlefields, dolmens, and barrow mounds. Common wisdom holds that it’s a very bad idea to light a fire on a hilltop at night in the Fields of the Dead, because the light attracts monsters from miles around. Crossing this territory will take several days.
Everyone is edgy and on watch, and with and with good reason. A few hours after noon you hear Edhelri Lewel shouting at her new guards: "Get back here you cowards!" If you look around you will see that the caravan is being attacked by skeletons. Most wagons are well protected, but Edhelri is defenceless.
Everyone can take a turn against the skeletons (assume they are in range). Only Zemminy and Kriv are able to rush to Lewel's aid since they aren't protecting their employers (if they choose to).
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
(OOC: Sorry, asking for a clarification, with 'the caravan is being attacked by skeletons' are you implying that all the wagons/people are attacked? So some skeleton is going against Urnpoleshurst also? Or are the skeletons focusing on Edhelri's wagon only?)
Khessa quickly tells Kriv and Zeminny: "Looks like you guys are about to get your jobs back in no time... I told you Edhelri hadn't made a good choice!"
Then...
If skeletons are coming in Urnpoleshurst's direction also:
Khessa exploits the speed of her horse to bring herself into a position from which she can include as many skeletons as possible (of those who are coming to threaten her employer) and, stealthily bringing her hand to Stef's Rod, concentrates, pronounces arcane words of command… and unleashes a storm of fire against the attackers.
If they are still not destroyed after this attack, the blonde arcane warrior finishes maneuvering by positioning herself to block their path and attack the attacks on herself (rather than letting them continue towards Urnpoleshurst).
else, if skeletons are focusing on Edhelri's wagon only - or anyway if Urnpoleshurst is not in danger:
Khessa tries to help the imprudent merchant from a distance, holding out his arm while pronouncing a quick formula... and from the fingers of her outstretched hand mystical energy darts shoot off and hit the closest of the attackers.
The blonde arcane warrior positions herself in front of Urnpoleshurst, determined to make him feel protected.