"Additional training. I've a letter of recommendation to begin preparation for my journeyman trials once I reach the guild branch. A Procurator must be versed in all local laws in order to represent his clients, after all. Porst's trove of case law is famous. At least," he adds self deprecatingly, "Within certain circles."
One of the party, a musclebound goliath, stands at a short distance away with his arms folded. He listens to the conversation with stern indifference until he senses a break in the talk. "Call me Gong," he speaks in a low rumble. "I was traveling when I got word of the job. The temple we're looking for isn't sworn to my god, but a lot of villains love to target any houses of worship they can find. If there are any relics left in it, it's best we recover them before they fall into any vile clutches."
As the conversation ebbs, a figure separates from the shadows, his presence as subtle as a ripple in the desert breeze. Approaching the group with a smooth and graceful tread, a lean Tabaxi, with a fur pattern resembling that of a cheetah, moves with quiet confidence, his amber eyes reflecting the shifting sands around him.
"Greetings," The Tabaxi’s voice carries with it the soft cadence of the desert wind, his words measured and deliberate. "I am Mirage, a traveler of the sands, maker of potions, and seeker of knowledge. The preservation of the desert and its ancient traditions is my sworn duty, and I offer my aid to those who share in this noble cause."
His gaze sweeps over the assembled group, a flicker of curiosity dancing in his eyes as he takes in their diverse array of backgrounds and motivations.
"Your conversation, I could not help but overhear," Mirage continues, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue. "It seems we are bound to travel together for Shihen, a town that is not unfamiliar to me,"
Mirage's voice carries with it a calm confidence as he joins the group, his movements fluid and deliberate. "I have traversed its streets many times in pursuit of my duties as a guardian of the desert and as an alchemist."
Mirage motions towards the distant silhouette of Shihen, its weathered outcroppings barely visible against the horizon. "These sands, I have walked for many cycles of the sun, and I may be of assistance to you on our journey. Whether guidance through the treacherous dunes or aid in navigating the complexities of the town, consider me at your disposal."
Turning his attention to Gong, he adds, "The sanctity of all places of worship must be safeguarded, regardless of allegiance. I stand with you in this endeavor, Gong."
Shifting his gaze to Adrimar, Mirage offers a small, respectful bow. "As for your inquiry, Adrimar, I have ventured to Porst on occasion in search of rare alchemical ingredients. The desert holds many secrets, and it is my belief that the knowledge contained within its sands is invaluable."
He pauses before addressing the group as a whole. "Like yourselves, I have been hired to recover an artifact from a long-lost temple in the desert. Our journey ahead may be fraught with peril, but together, we shall navigate its challenges and emerge victorious."
With these words, Mirage falls silent, his demeanor reflecting the quiet strength of the desert itself. As the party prepares to embark on their quest, Mirage stands ready to lend his expertise and aid to their cause.
Suddenly, the Tabaxi adds, “Oh, and before I forget, our employer commissioned me to make several potions to aid us should we encounter any dangers.” Reaching into one of his many pouches, he produces and passes around several vials.
"Would that I bore such gifts to greet chance companions," Adrimar says appreciatively, "They are gladly received, master alchemist. As you've been in this area before, do you know of suitable accommodations within the city?"
Mirage shrugs as he remarks, "I cannot take credit for the generosity of others; it was our mutual employer who commissioned the work. I was simply hired for the additional job of supplying aid in the form of my alchemical skills. The trek with the caravan afforded me enough time to finish before we arrived and our joint task began."
Looking toward the distant town, the Tabaxi continues, "Unless much has changed since last I visited, Shihen boasts but one inn for travelers: The Wearies Rest. Other than that, some visitors stay with locals - but that assumes you find a local willing to allow you a place in or around their home. Most are quite suspicious of foreigners."
Turning back to take in the entire party, he finishes, "One may also camp just outside of town, but this I would not advise. Unless such a camp is large," here his hand gestures sweepingly toward the caravan's many tents, wagons, and fires, "or otherwise properly defended, predators of the desert would be too tempted by what would be seen as an easy meal."
As your party treks through the rugged terrain, the familiar sounds of the caravan fade into the distance, replaced by the relative silence of the desert. Suddenly, a cacophony of yells pierces the stillness, echoing off the rocky outcroppings ahead. Your curiosity piqued, you quicken your pace, drawn towards the source of the commotion.
As you approach the rocky barrier, the cacophony of yells grows louder, mingling with the low growls of unseen predators. Peering around the rugged terrain, you witness a scene of chaos unfolding before you. A lone figure, a blue Dragonborn clad in lightweight attire, stands amidst a scatter of long canvas tubes strewn about, brandishing a makeshift weapon—a letter opener—as he wards off four formidable wolves.
These wolves, their fur as black as midnight with golden streaks weaving through their sleek coats, snarl and snap at the Dragonborn, their predatory instincts clearly aroused at the prospect of an easy meal. Despite his efforts, the Dragonborn seems overwhelmed, his movements becoming increasingly frantic as he attempts to keep the wolves at bay.
The air crackles with tension as you realize the urgency of the situation. It's clear that this Dragonborn needs assistance, and the ferocity of the wolves suggests that this is no ordinary encounter. A choice lies before you: will you intervene and aid the beleaguered stranger, or will you choose to observe from the safety of the shadows, weighing the risks against the potential rewards?
Adrimar moves forward with a cry, drawing his sword and unslinging his shield. If he can get in range quickly enough, he'll attempt a swipe at the closest wolf.
Grigor's Perception check to see if the wolves appear to be motivated by ordinary predator/prey instincts or if something more sinister appears to be at work: 18
Gong will move in as close as he can (movement speed 40ft.). Then, if he is within range (60ft.), he will cast the Sacred Flame cantrip on the nearest wolf.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mirage's initiative: 15
Mirage will utilize his Dread Ambusher feature to get the jump on the wolves (+4 to initiative), move a little farther (+10 to movement on first round of combat), and cause a little more harm (1 additional attack on first round of combat which does +1d8 extra damage).
Targeting the wolf nearest to the Dragonborn (wolf 1), Mirage lets fly his arrows!
Despite Adrimar's yell, the party has surprised the small pack of wolves and so is able to launch their attacks first.
Surprise Round
One of the wolves (Wolf 4) fails its save against Gong's cantrip and is injured.
Mirage fires two arrows, but his target - the wolf nearest the Dragonborn (Wolf 1) - is able to avoid the first arrow while the second misses its mark entirely.
Grigor studies the wolves intently for a moment before calling upon the magic of nature for a fire to burn the nearest wolf (Wolf 4) for 7 damage
Adrimar rushes in and swings his blade at the nearest wolf (Wolf 4) but misses as he misjudges how the wolf will move in reaction to the incoming blade.
[OOC: with the current surprise round over, the order of combat is as follows:
Wolf 1 (20)
Dragonborn (19)
Wolf 2 (18)
Wolf 3 (18)
Gong (17)
Mirage (15)
Grigor (10)
Wolf 4 (8)
Adrimar (2)
The numbers in parentheses are the initiative rolls. Wolves 1 and 2 are nearest the Dragonborn while 3 is in the middle and 4 is nearest the party who are approaching this encounter from behind the wolf pack - that is, there are four wolves between the party and the Dragonborn.]
The wolf nearest the Dragonborn (Wolf 1) snarls and snaps at a blue-scaled arm! Attack: 18 and damage (if hit): 7
The Dragonborn, crying out for help from the party, retaliates with a slash from his small knife: 18 and (if it hits) dealing 2 damage. He then performs an odd sort of half-tumble, half-scurry and manages to move away from the wolves.
The other wolf near the Dragonborn (Wolf 2), hesitates as its prey begins to move away before seeming to decide the party represents a bigger threat. It bounds toward and lunges at Adrimar. Attack: 15 and damage (if it hits): 10
The third wolf (Wolf 3), trots over to back its packmates against Adrimar. Attack: 12 and damage (if it hits): 15
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"Additional training. I've a letter of recommendation to begin preparation for my journeyman trials once I reach the guild branch. A Procurator must be versed in all local laws in order to represent his clients, after all. Porst's trove of case law is famous. At least," he adds self deprecatingly, "Within certain circles."
One of the party, a musclebound goliath, stands at a short distance away with his arms folded. He listens to the conversation with stern indifference until he senses a break in the talk. "Call me Gong," he speaks in a low rumble. "I was traveling when I got word of the job. The temple we're looking for isn't sworn to my god, but a lot of villains love to target any houses of worship they can find. If there are any relics left in it, it's best we recover them before they fall into any vile clutches."
Adrimar nods. "To that end, have any of you been to Shihen before?"
As the conversation ebbs, a figure separates from the shadows, his presence as subtle as a ripple in the desert breeze. Approaching the group with a smooth and graceful tread, a lean Tabaxi, with a fur pattern resembling that of a cheetah, moves with quiet confidence, his amber eyes reflecting the shifting sands around him.
"Greetings," The Tabaxi’s voice carries with it the soft cadence of the desert wind, his words measured and deliberate. "I am Mirage, a traveler of the sands, maker of potions, and seeker of knowledge. The preservation of the desert and its ancient traditions is my sworn duty, and I offer my aid to those who share in this noble cause."
His gaze sweeps over the assembled group, a flicker of curiosity dancing in his eyes as he takes in their diverse array of backgrounds and motivations.
"Your conversation, I could not help but overhear," Mirage continues, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue. "It seems we are bound to travel together for Shihen, a town that is not unfamiliar to me,"
Mirage's voice carries with it a calm confidence as he joins the group, his movements fluid and deliberate. "I have traversed its streets many times in pursuit of my duties as a guardian of the desert and as an alchemist."
Mirage motions towards the distant silhouette of Shihen, its weathered outcroppings barely visible against the horizon. "These sands, I have walked for many cycles of the sun, and I may be of assistance to you on our journey. Whether guidance through the treacherous dunes or aid in navigating the complexities of the town, consider me at your disposal."
Turning his attention to Gong, he adds, "The sanctity of all places of worship must be safeguarded, regardless of allegiance. I stand with you in this endeavor, Gong."
Shifting his gaze to Adrimar, Mirage offers a small, respectful bow. "As for your inquiry, Adrimar, I have ventured to Porst on occasion in search of rare alchemical ingredients. The desert holds many secrets, and it is my belief that the knowledge contained within its sands is invaluable."
He pauses before addressing the group as a whole. "Like yourselves, I have been hired to recover an artifact from a long-lost temple in the desert. Our journey ahead may be fraught with peril, but together, we shall navigate its challenges and emerge victorious."
With these words, Mirage falls silent, his demeanor reflecting the quiet strength of the desert itself. As the party prepares to embark on their quest, Mirage stands ready to lend his expertise and aid to their cause.
Suddenly, the Tabaxi adds, “Oh, and before I forget, our employer commissioned me to make several potions to aid us should we encounter any dangers.” Reaching into one of his many pouches, he produces and passes around several vials.
*EVERYONE MAY ADD 2 Potion of Healing TO THEIR INVENTORY*
"Would that I bore such gifts to greet chance companions," Adrimar says appreciatively, "They are gladly received, master alchemist. As you've been in this area before, do you know of suitable accommodations within the city?"
Mirage shrugs as he remarks, "I cannot take credit for the generosity of others; it was our mutual employer who commissioned the work. I was simply hired for the additional job of supplying aid in the form of my alchemical skills. The trek with the caravan afforded me enough time to finish before we arrived and our joint task began."
Looking toward the distant town, the Tabaxi continues, "Unless much has changed since last I visited, Shihen boasts but one inn for travelers: The Wearies Rest. Other than that, some visitors stay with locals - but that assumes you find a local willing to allow you a place in or around their home. Most are quite suspicious of foreigners."
Turning back to take in the entire party, he finishes, "One may also camp just outside of town, but this I would not advise. Unless such a camp is large," here his hand gestures sweepingly toward the caravan's many tents, wagons, and fires, "or otherwise properly defended, predators of the desert would be too tempted by what would be seen as an easy meal."
"I'm for the Rest, then. It's as good a place to start our search as any, and I've had enough of camping for the moment."
Gong nods in assent. "Agreed," he rumbles.
As your party treks through the rugged terrain, the familiar sounds of the caravan fade into the distance, replaced by the relative silence of the desert. Suddenly, a cacophony of yells pierces the stillness, echoing off the rocky outcroppings ahead. Your curiosity piqued, you quicken your pace, drawn towards the source of the commotion.
As you approach the rocky barrier, the cacophony of yells grows louder, mingling with the low growls of unseen predators. Peering around the rugged terrain, you witness a scene of chaos unfolding before you. A lone figure, a blue Dragonborn clad in lightweight attire, stands amidst a scatter of long canvas tubes strewn about, brandishing a makeshift weapon—a letter opener—as he wards off four formidable wolves.
These wolves, their fur as black as midnight with golden streaks weaving through their sleek coats, snarl and snap at the Dragonborn, their predatory instincts clearly aroused at the prospect of an easy meal. Despite his efforts, the Dragonborn seems overwhelmed, his movements becoming increasingly frantic as he attempts to keep the wolves at bay.
The air crackles with tension as you realize the urgency of the situation. It's clear that this Dragonborn needs assistance, and the ferocity of the wolves suggests that this is no ordinary encounter. A choice lies before you: will you intervene and aid the beleaguered stranger, or will you choose to observe from the safety of the shadows, weighing the risks against the potential rewards?
Adrimar moves forward with a cry, drawing his sword and unslinging his shield. If he can get in range quickly enough, he'll attempt a swipe at the closest wolf.
Initiatives
Dragonborn: 19
Wolf 1: 20
Wolf 2: 18
Wolf 3: 18
Wolf 4: 8
Grigor's initiative: 10
Grigor's Perception check to see if the wolves appear to be motivated by ordinary predator/prey instincts or if something more sinister appears to be at work: 18
Gong's initiative: 17
Gong will move in as close as he can (movement speed 40ft.). Then, if he is within range (60ft.), he will cast the Sacred Flame cantrip on the nearest wolf.
Dexterity save DC 13, radiant damage 8
Adrimar's initiative: 2
Adrimar's longsword attack: 6 and damage 6
Mirage's initiative: 15
Mirage will utilize his Dread Ambusher feature to get the jump on the wolves (+4 to initiative), move a little farther (+10 to movement on first round of combat), and cause a little more harm (1 additional attack on first round of combat which does +1d8 extra damage).
Targeting the wolf nearest to the Dragonborn (wolf 1), Mirage lets fly his arrows!
Attack 1: 11 and damage: 9
Bonus attack: 6 and damage: 11
As near as Grigor can tell, the wolves are simply hungry and, as a pack, likely saw this lone Dragonborn as a quick and easy meal.
Grigor will approach to within approximately 30 feet of the wolves and use Produce Flame to hurl a mote of fire at the nearest wolf.
Attack: 22
Damage: 7
Despite Adrimar's yell, the party has surprised the small pack of wolves and so is able to launch their attacks first.
Surprise Round
[OOC: with the current surprise round over, the order of combat is as follows:
The numbers in parentheses are the initiative rolls. Wolves 1 and 2 are nearest the Dragonborn while 3 is in the middle and 4 is nearest the party who are approaching this encounter from behind the wolf pack - that is, there are four wolves between the party and the Dragonborn.]
The wolf nearest the Dragonborn (Wolf 1) snarls and snaps at a blue-scaled arm! Attack: 18 and damage (if hit): 7
The Dragonborn, crying out for help from the party, retaliates with a slash from his small knife: 18 and (if it hits) dealing 2 damage. He then performs an odd sort of half-tumble, half-scurry and manages to move away from the wolves.
The other wolf near the Dragonborn (Wolf 2), hesitates as its prey begins to move away before seeming to decide the party represents a bigger threat. It bounds toward and lunges at Adrimar. Attack: 15 and damage (if it hits): 10
The third wolf (Wolf 3), trots over to back its packmates against Adrimar. Attack: 12 and damage (if it hits): 15