Alistair, suppressing a smile, claps enthusiastically. "Bravo! A most impressive display of strength, gentlemen. You truly put on a show!" His voice, polished and cultured, cuts through the tavern's din, drawing a few curious glances. He winces slightly at the stares his outburst attracts. These roughnecks don’t appreciate the finer points of theatrics.“I only wish I had a chance to place a wager on Brockes,”and subtly influence the outcome in my favor. He glances around the room, ensuring no one is paying them particular attention. "Of course I am interested," he adds, lowering his voice, "there's always the potential for a grand tale to be spun from such an adventure. Riches beyond imagination, deeds of valor... and perhaps a touch of power for those who know where to look." Alistair's eyes flicker with a hidden hunger, a hint of the darkness that resides within him. My true purpose lays far beyond riches or glory, I have been provided plenty of both. The true "riches" I seek are far more sinister, I crave power to bolster the dark ambitions of my mistress, Fierna, the Lady of Phlegethos! This expedition is just the first step in her grand scheme, a melody I will play masterfully. Alistair, a satisfied smirk on his lips, raises his tankard in a toast, “To riches, to adventure, and to a tale that will be sung for ages to come!"
Reds eyes darted from Zeke to newcomers and back, it seams that he will not get his answers, not form this bunch at least. They all seam so eager to fallow this unknown person Grey. Red often had to risk his life to stay alive but he never done it for a stupid reason like adventure, he was much concerned with surviving. His chances are high in surviving this adventure even without proper information, if everything go wrong he can always use the others as sacrifices for his escape.
With mind settled an a resemblance of plan made Red turned his head back to Zeke.
" Forget my questions my friend and let's go to adventure. "
“Details clutter the mind,” Zeke said to Red. “I know I feel better having two trustworthy brutes here”, referring to Krog and Brockes. “We have you and a wonderful singer, as well”, giving a nod in the direction of Red and Alastair “Oh yeah, there is also another fellow, goes by the name of Jack, who we left in a safe place along the way. We should probably get going to check on him and to locate this book. The sooner we start, the sooner we get to spend the reward!” Zeke concludes optimistically.
“So, it’s settled, this village doesn’t offer us anything more. Onward to seek the mysterious book of the evil necromancer. Who will lead the way? Rest assured, Red, I’m sure answers to our questions will find us on our quest. I, for one, am interested to hear more of this book during our travels.”That book must have the knowledge my Lady covets. ‘Evil’, ha! In my experience ‘evil’ is simply power wielded for self-interest.
Zeke, as a former sergeant in the local militia, is comfortable around maps and taking charge. He spreads out the vellum and points at two spots - "We are here and we need to go here, so I suggest we take this route." Typical for him, it is a straight path, albeit one that has several chokepoints.
[OOC: Grover, is there actually a map or should I just wing it?]
"'I'm happy to lead the way but would feel better if Krog and Brockes are nearby. Red, you look like you would be a great in case we need to be quiet, but I think we should not need to worry about stealth this close to town. And Alistair, I would be thrilled to hear your singing at tonight's campfire. At that time, I can also share more of my memory about the origins of this adventure we are sharing."
The promise of entertainment is a fair trade for a tidbit of information, and a well-placed ballad could help conceal my true allegiance to my dark mistress. Alistair allows a charming smile to grace his lips. "That seems a fair bargain, Zeke. I will provide the entertainment tonight in exchange for information about the necromancer's book and the adventure we find ourselves undertaking for fortune and glory(or in my case, a power far darker). Well, gentlemen, what tune would tickle your fancy? My repertoire boasts of tales of love and loss, of bravery and betrayal. Do you seek something rousing, a song to ignite the flames of courage in the dark night, or perhaps a more melancholic tune, a ballad to stir the spirits of fallen heroes?"
[OOC: Grover, is there actually a map or should I just wing it?]
I don't have a map drawn up, but there are three possible routes using the logging roads. The west road would take you out of your way and should probably be avoided. The middle route (listed on the map as the "old east road") reaches closest to the mountains, leaving you with the shortest amount of wilderness travel, but comes out west of the pass that leads to the tomb. The east road is the most direct route to your destination but will involve a couple of days travel through untamed forests between where the road ends and the mountains begin.
“Alastair, a good road-trip song to get us going on this adventure would be great. In addition to your own fine creations, do You know anything by Jerry Reed as we head east?”
[ooc: this is a leading question.]
Zeke figures they could get a few hours of walking on the relatively safe logging road before making camp for the night. They would then start the couple of days of forest off of the road travel at first light the next morning.
[OOC: I'm going to assume you're taking the east road but I'm going to keep the description generic to all three logging roads to give some time in case there's any dissent/discussion. I'll wait 24 hours or until everyone has a chance to respond (whichever comes first) and then add the additional details specific to the route you've chosen.]
The logging road is less of a roadway than it is a scar carved into the forest. It's fairly broad, more than wide enough for two wagons to pass side by side. It lacks the packed dirt ruts of your typical cart path, having been formed and finished by the dragging of countless downed trees by teams of pack animals.
Every few miles or so down the road you spot a semi-permenant logging camp, mostly consisting of a corral, a mess tent, and a log bunkhouse. Fanning out from these camps, work crews find and fell the most valuable trees. The work parties seem to be well organized and orderly, with a leader selecting trees to be felled, a trio of workers to chop them down, a crew to remove the branches, and teamsters to harness them to the various beasts of burden in use (mostly oxen but occasionally mules and the rare draft horse) and drive them back to Wyndshire.
The road seems to see regular travel and the teamsters who pass you along the way seem to be relatively unarmed and fairly at ease.
Zeke, as a former sergeant in the local militia, is comfortable around maps and taking charge. He spreads out the vellum and points at two spots - "We are here and we need to go here, so I suggest we take this route." Typical for him, it is a straight path, albeit one that has several chokepoints.
[OOC: Grover, is there actually a map or should I just wing it?]
"'I'm happy to lead the way but would feel better if Krog and Brockes are nearby. Red, you look like you would be a great in case we need to be quiet, but I think we should not need to worry about stealth this close to town. And Alistair, I would be thrilled to hear your singing at tonight's campfire. At that time, I can also share more of my memory about the origins of this adventure we are sharing."
"If there is trouble to be had and a chance to swing my axe... I'll be by your side." Brockes eagerly states.
Alistair smiles, genuinely this time. "Eastbound and down the most direct path to the crypt works for me. I'm sure two strong-armed fellows like Brockes & Krog will be able to handle any trouble with the misfortune of crossing our path! Besides, there's more fortune and glory (or arcane secrets and treasures) to be found in the untamed forest than on the logging road." He winks deliberately at Zeke, "As it so happens, I know a tune about heading that way on a nigh impossible quest. My 'sponsor' has wide-ranging interests and has me seek inspiration from a surprising variety of sources."
Zeke smiles and thinks to himself that this bard may yet have value. And so off they go on the road.
As it gets near evening, Zeke turns to the group to ask, "Should we stay by ourselves or sleep near one of these logging camps? Less questions from inquiring minds if we are alone but potentially greater security if we are with other people. Regardless, I believe tomorrow we leave the road and head into the forest."
The east road is the newest and most heavily traveled of the logging roads, and consequently the safest. This area of the forest is mostly composed of of stands of pine trees, the oldest of which seem to be the main target of the logging crews.
You make your way past the last camp and begin to head into what is truly the wild lands. As dusk draws near, you find a clearing created by a deadfall tree that should make a more than suitable campsite.
(Unless anyone wants to make a Survival skill check to forage for food, each of you will need to make off a days worth of rations from your character sheet. The Difficulty Class [DC] for your survival check is 15, which means a roll of 15 or higher on a 1d20 + your Survival Check Bonus. A success means you've managed to forage 1D6 + your Wisdom [WIS] Bonus worth of rations, which you can share with your fellow adventurers if you wish.)
(Also, I will need to know your character's plans as far as security for your campsite throughout the night.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arriving at the camp site Red could trow his backpack on to the ground with a heavy tump, he may have over packed for this journey. He removed his bow from the backpack and turned to face the others.
" I will try to hunt dinner, while traveling I kept an eye for any signs of prey and I did not see nothing, but I will not hurt to have a go at it. I was thinking we can surround the camp with rope, low to the ground, and we can tie something on to the rope to make noise in case someone is tripping it, I know is not perfect but we can all sleep and be rested for the journey ahead this way. If you guys have a better plan I am all for it. I will be going now, let me know what you decided when I come back. Ah and o will be going alone, I don't doubt your ability's guys but I hunt better alone."
Without waiting for a response Red left, he needed only his bow and a target to hit, his succes or failure are up to him now. Outside the eyes of others he engaged his skills at the fullest, he done this many times never for fun or showing off, he had survived in to the wild alone for many years now was time to put his knowledge to the test.
With sharp eyes, soft footsteps, and equal measures of patience and luck; Red manages to find and bring down a wild turkey. It's a small one, to be certain, but once it's dressed and roasted over the fire there's enough to feed Red and 3 of his companions.
Alistair, suppressing a smile, claps enthusiastically. "Bravo! A most impressive display of strength, gentlemen. You truly put on a show!" His voice, polished and cultured, cuts through the tavern's din, drawing a few curious glances. He winces slightly at the stares his outburst attracts. These roughnecks don’t appreciate the finer points of theatrics. “I only wish I had a chance to place a wager on Brockes,” and subtly influence the outcome in my favor. He glances around the room, ensuring no one is paying them particular attention. "Of course I am interested," he adds, lowering his voice, "there's always the potential for a grand tale to be spun from such an adventure. Riches beyond imagination, deeds of valor... and perhaps a touch of power for those who know where to look." Alistair's eyes flicker with a hidden hunger, a hint of the darkness that resides within him. My true purpose lays far beyond riches or glory, I have been provided plenty of both. The true "riches" I seek are far more sinister, I crave power to bolster the dark ambitions of my mistress, Fierna, the Lady of Phlegethos! This expedition is just the first step in her grand scheme, a melody I will play masterfully. Alistair, a satisfied smirk on his lips, raises his tankard in a toast, “To riches, to adventure, and to a tale that will be sung for ages to come!"
Reds eyes darted from Zeke to newcomers and back, it seams that he will not get his answers, not form this bunch at least. They all seam so eager to fallow this unknown person Grey. Red often had to risk his life to stay alive but he never done it for a stupid reason like adventure, he was much concerned with surviving. His chances are high in surviving this adventure even without proper information, if everything go wrong he can always use the others as sacrifices for his escape.
With mind settled an a resemblance of plan made Red turned his head back to Zeke.
" Forget my questions my friend and let's go to adventure. "
“Details clutter the mind,” Zeke said to Red. “I know I feel better having two trustworthy brutes here”, referring to Krog and Brockes. “We have you and a wonderful singer, as well”, giving a nod in the direction of Red and Alastair “Oh yeah, there is also another fellow, goes by the name of Jack, who we left in a safe place along the way. We should probably get going to check on him and to locate this book. The sooner we start, the sooner we get to spend the reward!” Zeke concludes optimistically.
Brockes finishes his drink, grabs another and joins the group. "Indeed, we have all we need. When do we depart?"
“So, it’s settled, this village doesn’t offer us anything more. Onward to seek the mysterious book of the evil necromancer. Who will lead the way? Rest assured, Red, I’m sure answers to our questions will find us on our quest. I, for one, am interested to hear more of this book during our travels.” That book must have the knowledge my Lady covets. ‘Evil’, ha! In my experience ‘evil’ is simply power wielded for self-interest.
Zeke, as a former sergeant in the local militia, is comfortable around maps and taking charge. He spreads out the vellum and points at two spots - "We are here and we need to go here, so I suggest we take this route." Typical for him, it is a straight path, albeit one that has several chokepoints.
[OOC: Grover, is there actually a map or should I just wing it?]
"'I'm happy to lead the way but would feel better if Krog and Brockes are nearby. Red, you look like you would be a great in case we need to be quiet, but I think we should not need to worry about stealth this close to town. And Alistair, I would be thrilled to hear your singing at tonight's campfire. At that time, I can also share more of my memory about the origins of this adventure we are sharing."
Krog will look at Zeke, "It would be my honor to be at your side."
The promise of entertainment is a fair trade for a tidbit of information, and a well-placed ballad could help conceal my true allegiance to my dark mistress. Alistair allows a charming smile to grace his lips. "That seems a fair bargain, Zeke. I will provide the entertainment tonight in exchange for information about the necromancer's book and the adventure we find ourselves undertaking for fortune and glory (or in my case, a power far darker). Well, gentlemen, what tune would tickle your fancy? My repertoire boasts of tales of love and loss, of bravery and betrayal. Do you seek something rousing, a song to ignite the flames of courage in the dark night, or perhaps a more melancholic tune, a ballad to stir the spirits of fallen heroes?"
I don't have a map drawn up, but there are three possible routes using the logging roads. The west road would take you out of your way and should probably be avoided. The middle route (listed on the map as the "old east road") reaches closest to the mountains, leaving you with the shortest amount of wilderness travel, but comes out west of the pass that leads to the tomb. The east road is the most direct route to your destination but will involve a couple of days travel through untamed forests between where the road ends and the mountains begin.
“Alastair, a good road-trip song to get us going on this adventure would be great. In addition to your own fine creations, do You know anything by Jerry Reed as we head east?”
[ooc: this is a leading question.]
Zeke figures they could get a few hours of walking on the relatively safe logging road before making camp for the night. They would then start the couple of days of forest off of the road travel at first light the next morning.
[OOC: I'm going to assume you're taking the east road but I'm going to keep the description generic to all three logging roads to give some time in case there's any dissent/discussion. I'll wait 24 hours or until everyone has a chance to respond (whichever comes first) and then add the additional details specific to the route you've chosen.]
The logging road is less of a roadway than it is a scar carved into the forest. It's fairly broad, more than wide enough for two wagons to pass side by side. It lacks the packed dirt ruts of your typical cart path, having been formed and finished by the dragging of countless downed trees by teams of pack animals.
Every few miles or so down the road you spot a semi-permenant logging camp, mostly consisting of a corral, a mess tent, and a log bunkhouse. Fanning out from these camps, work crews find and fell the most valuable trees. The work parties seem to be well organized and orderly, with a leader selecting trees to be felled, a trio of workers to chop them down, a crew to remove the branches, and teamsters to harness them to the various beasts of burden in use (mostly oxen but occasionally mules and the rare draft horse) and drive them back to Wyndshire.
The road seems to see regular travel and the teamsters who pass you along the way seem to be relatively unarmed and fairly at ease.
"If there is trouble to be had and a chance to swing my axe... I'll be by your side." Brockes eagerly states.
"I will be happy to fallow as well"
Alistair smiles, genuinely this time. "Eastbound and down the most direct path to the crypt works for me. I'm sure two strong-armed fellows like Brockes & Krog will be able to handle any trouble with the misfortune of crossing our path! Besides, there's more fortune and glory (or arcane secrets and treasures) to be found in the untamed forest than on the logging road." He winks deliberately at Zeke, "As it so happens, I know a tune about heading that way on a nigh impossible quest. My 'sponsor' has wide-ranging interests and has me seek inspiration from a surprising variety of sources."
Zeke smiles and thinks to himself that this bard may yet have value. And so off they go on the road.
As it gets near evening, Zeke turns to the group to ask, "Should we stay by ourselves or sleep near one of these logging camps? Less questions from inquiring minds if we are alone but potentially greater security if we are with other people. Regardless, I believe tomorrow we leave the road and head into the forest."
Brockes walks up to and slaps Zeke on the shoulder laughing. "There is only one true answer. We camp with nature!" He exclaims.
The east road is the newest and most heavily traveled of the logging roads, and consequently the safest. This area of the forest is mostly composed of of stands of pine trees, the oldest of which seem to be the main target of the logging crews.
You make your way past the last camp and begin to head into what is truly the wild lands. As dusk draws near, you find a clearing created by a deadfall tree that should make a more than suitable campsite.
(Unless anyone wants to make a Survival skill check to forage for food, each of you will need to make off a days worth of rations from your character sheet. The Difficulty Class [DC] for your survival check is 15, which means a roll of 15 or higher on a 1d20 + your Survival Check Bonus. A success means you've managed to forage 1D6 + your Wisdom [WIS] Bonus worth of rations, which you can share with your fellow adventurers if you wish.)
(Also, I will need to know your character's plans as far as security for your campsite throughout the night.)
Arriving at the camp site Red could trow his backpack on to the ground with a heavy tump, he may have over packed for this journey. He removed his bow from the backpack and turned to face the others.
" I will try to hunt dinner, while traveling I kept an eye for any signs of prey and I did not see nothing, but I will not hurt to have a go at it. I was thinking we can surround the camp with rope, low to the ground, and we can tie something on to the rope to make noise in case someone is tripping it, I know is not perfect but we can all sleep and be rested for the journey ahead this way. If you guys have a better plan I am all for it. I will be going now, let me know what you decided when I come back. Ah and o will be going alone, I don't doubt your ability's guys but I hunt better alone."
Without waiting for a response Red left, he needed only his bow and a target to hit, his succes or failure are up to him now. Outside the eyes of others he engaged his skills at the fullest, he done this many times never for fun or showing off, he had survived in to the wild alone for many years now was time to put his knowledge to the test.
Survival check: 13
With sharp eyes, soft footsteps, and equal measures of patience and luck; Red manages to find and bring down a wild turkey. It's a small one, to be certain, but once it's dressed and roasted over the fire there's enough to feed Red and 3 of his companions.
Krog will pull out his sling and go in a direction opposite of Red to see if he sees his next meal. Survival 4