Gulari listens carefully to his prospective employer's words and tries to glean any further context from them that he can, but it seems that this Rockseeker is as forthright as he is direct. The job was clear and the pay generous, very generous. It was just then that one of the others present, a Genasi by outward appearance, chimes up and directs a question towards the dwarf. " ...and the two of your are eager to go now, why don't all of us set out for Phandalin at the same time?"
Gulari paused, his eyes springing wide in a moments incredulity, but his tongue was not one for allowing a moment to think on things. "It’s bloody obvious why lad, at least to those who've done this sort of work before." he directed at Cirrus “Time is of the essence in whatever they are undertaking, and dragging along beside a cart of supplies even for a hour or so would be less than useful for their cause. Am I right, Mr Rockseeker”
Not really waiting for a reply he continues “I am Gulari Luganano, some call me Firmblow, I have blade and hammer and the wherewithal to use them well. I will agree to your generous offer.” A moments breath then “Should we read anything into the generosity of that pay, other than the need for a swift delivery?”
Gundren continues stroking his bear as he awaits everyones answers, when the Djinni speaks up, one brow raises, while the other, furrows, listening to the lad describe this situation. Sildar glancing mildly intrigued at his companion Ah.... I've uh.. always had trouble with names, but I do remember this dress, an' now that I kin git a look at ye, I can imagine yer not lyin... Forgive my memory, but it was a very well made, and unique dress indeed. Send her my regards when next ye contact her, assuming your tale is true. Unfortunately, I kinnae offer ye more for yer services, elsewise the other hired folk might get a wee bit upset. Ye understand. And as fer.. he starts, when Gulari interjects, and allowing him the stage to speak. Nodding in approval of Gulari's words. Aye, this man has the gist of it. Myself and Sildar on horses bred fer speed will be heading out the moment this meeting is adjourned. It will take us less than a full day this way. While the cart will take nearly two full days, lest ye risk breaking the spokes. You're a smart man Mr. Luganano. I'm glad ye answered the call. Sildar Nodding approvingly as well, before adding in himself Indeed. Though don't take it too hard lad. Everyone starts somewhere, you'll learn as you go. nodding at Cirrus.
As for reading into. While we'd prefer ye not mention the generals of our business tae others, lest they also seek to find what we're after, I feel I've been vague enough that ye know it's important, but lack any other information that might grant a lead. take that how ye will. Though... he says, leaning in conspiratorially... If ye do maintain silence, and it can be proven ye didn't say a word.... if this all pans out, I'll make sure you're credited for your assistance in this historic undertaking. Obviously leaving out the specifics, so that no one will think more or less of your role, and you'll all gain some level of fame in the process, right?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I am Vimak Hellbringer Katho-Laga. Happy to be in your employ," Vimak says.
He thinks that he and the other Goliath should be able to handle close combat. The human has a bow. Glancing at the human's fingertips for the calluses caused by bowstrings suggests he knows how to use it. Cirrus? Vimak is not sure. Hopefully, magic. No one here who looks too sneaky, but sometimes sneaky looks mean sticky grasps.
Vimak tries to remember all the history he knows about the road between Neverwinter and Phandelver: 1
"Anything special we should know in order to keep your goods safe?" he asks, looking first at Sildar and then at Gundren.
Cirrus is visibly brimming with pride upon hearing Gundren praise his mother's work, although his expression falters for a moment when Gundren mentions speaking to her again, but only for a moment.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perception (I can still roll to read the spoiler right?): 9
Herman says, "Go south; take the east when the road forks; get the goods to Phandalin; get paid and don't say anything about what you two are up to. That's the job. Got it." Herman doesn't ask for anymore questions. After Carrius mentions going immediately and Firmblow mentions why Rockseeker and Sildar need to move fast, Herman says, "The sooner we get the job done, the sooner we get paid. It's risky travelling in the dark so what say we head of after breakfast at the crack of dawn?"
"That sounds fine by me," Cirrus says, agreeing with Herman's proposal, "Gundren, Sildar, I wish you safe travels."
(Just in case the next post by the DM is a smash cut to the next morning I want to put this in now): whenever we get to the part where the meeting is adjourned (Cirrus does not walk out prematurely), Cirrus approaches Luneth again. "Pardon me Luneth, did you happen to see anyone leaving the inn after the three of us followed Mr. Rockseeker into the Privada? I have reason to believe that someone was listening in on our meeting with our new employer." I'm going to roll insight (4) just as a precaution. I don't know why she would lie about this, but I want to cover my bases.
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
Very good lad. Gundren says to herman, then, both of the men nod towards Cirrus And you as well lad. Be safe, all o' ye. We need those supplies else our trip will be very short. We hope to see ye all again soon. then, seeing that no one else had any questions, or comments, Both men make their way out of the establishment casually.
Cirrus approaches the maid, and is greeted by yet another one of her smiles. After listening to his question, she cocks her head, thinking for a moment, before responding Ah yes! there were a few laborers that were relaxing against the door near the Privada. They didn't order anything, though they did greet me. They walked out of here just a few minutes ago. Not sure what they wanted or where they went though.. since i'm stuck here, more or less. she is clearly not lying.
Before we proceed with the overnight. Shopping is one of the things in DND that takes the longest, I've seen it eat up an entire day at some tables, and on here it could take weeks~ so as much as I hate to ruin potential RP moments, I will help streamline the process of 'bartering' a bit, and this will all take place 'off screen' so to say.
With whatever gold you have now, you may, in the morning, as all the other shops are closed at this hour, buy any mundane items out of adventuring gear by going to it's associated shop. You may roll persuasion to barter.
Roll your persuasion check. If it passes a DC 12, you may take off a percentage in increments. 12 = 10% off, 14 = 20% off, 16 = 30% off, 18 = 40% off, and 20 = 50% off the listed price. However, if you dip below 10, it will be the inverse as somewhere in your persuasion attempt, you insulted them or something akin to that. 8 = +10% similar to above. If you hit an odd number, it rounds down. so 13 is treated as a 12.
So state where you go to buy supplies, what supplies you got, how many, and how much, you can get whatever you can carry, and afford.
Once this is done, you can treat it as whatever time the party agrees to leave at. Staying in the inn costs a gold piece, per person, per night.
The next morning, Herman will do the shopping if the stores are open at the time of leaving. (Which may be dawn if all PCs agree with Herman's suggestion)
Arrows: 30 - 1 GP 5 SP (since 20 arrows seem to cost 1 GP). Going to the armory to get said, arrows. Will edit character sheet if it is possible to buy
That night, after the meeting has ended, he walks up to the barmaid behind Cirrus. When Cirrus mentions believing someone listening in on the meeting, Herman turns his head to look at the man. After Luneth mentions not knowing where the laborers went, Herman speak out at the young man, "Wait what? You thought someone was listening in on us and didn't say anything? You have anything to say for yourself?" Though you can't discern any emotion thanks to his face being completely hidden by the helmet, judging by the tone of his voice, Herman sounds annoyed.
(OOC: Don't worry, Herman's default state is "Mildly Annoyed".)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gulari listens to Rockseeker's words and acknowledges his comment with a thankful nod; the kind response from Sildar directed at the Genasi elicits a wry "huh".
The strangely attired figure speaks, and Gulari notes the suggestion to depart at dawn. "A good idea, that. I will be there and ready then, we can leave as soon as we all have convened." He directs his words back at the speaker, but his curiosity is truly intrigued by who or what is under the green cloth.
I'm going to ask for an Insight or Perception check (DM's choice as they're they same for me) to see if I can glean anything more about Herman's race or cultural origin); Gulari would want to at least have an understanding of all his fellows before setting out. 20
[OOC : Unless anything comes of the above roll, Gulari's ready to depart]
Vimak considers that someone may have been listening in on the description of the job a bad sign, but it seems too late to do anything about it. He buys five days of rations from the inn and fills his water skins. "Dawn it is," he says to the others.
The next morning he is up and ready, waiting out by the wagon.
Cirrus is caught off guard by the hostility in Herman's voice, "Well, from what Ms. Luneth tells me, they seemed to be ordinary folk, only wanting to relax. I can't imagine what that kind of folk would have to gain from hearing our conversation." I take Herman away from the ears of Luneth and any other patrons who were not in the Privada with us to whisper:
"Especially since I only heard the shuffling of feet before Gundren implied what a historic moment we were going to be a part of. So even if they did mean us harm, they didn't hear the most interesting part, right?"
Cirrus has nothing to buy. I have subtracted the 1GP for staying the night.
(OOC: It has now occurred to me that I could have cast Faerie Fire and then they would have ben glowing. This is for sure going to come back to bite us in the butt. Unfortunately, Cirrus is not the paranoid sort.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
Listen, the gods have a cruel sense of humor. They like to mess with poor hardworking men and women. So for what it's worth, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Whoever they were, not hearing of whatever history the dwarf was on about was lucky. You can't count on getting lucky all the time. So the next time you feel something is off, even if it is a hunch, don't keep it to yourself. Got it?
Also, Herman isn't actively trying to intimidate anyone. However, in case this has any baring on roleplay, his passive Intimidation is 14.
((Herman is able to get some arrows at stock value))
Gulari, despite his best efforts.... can't quite tell. the armor Herman is weaing, is shaped in just such a way, he could be one of several races, or cultures, and the mask distorts his voice enough that its also hard to tell using accents or key words. Though it is possible to ask the man directly.
In the morning, Vimak does whatever his morning rituals may or may not entail, everyone enjoying a free breakfast as part of having stayed the night. Vimak is the first to make it to the cart. Most of the snow has melted in the soft morning sun, leaving the ground somewhat soggy, muddy. As Herman makes some quick purchases from the nearby armory, and Cirrus, a little exhausted from having spent a portion of the night studying the extraplanar, since he likely wouldn't have time to do so in the morning at the House of Knowledge. Vimak yawns, just a bit as he rounds the corner of the Inn, after having confirmed the location and description of the cart with the Barmaid. Walking into the stall the cart was said to be located, and the horses stabled nearby............
There was no cart. Nor were there any stabled horses.... However, there were some several hours old tracks leading from where both should have been.... If he would choose to follow the path, it would seem the cart was heading out towards the south gate.....
Vimak walks back toward the inn and the armory, eyes on the south gate as he goes. He calmly, but quickly, gathers his colleagues.
"We have been robbed of our job," he says. "The wagon is gone and so are the horses. Judging from the tracks, they are several hours ahead of us." He shakes his head. "I suggest we see if the tracks lead toward Phandalin or towards a merchant here in town. The thieves may try to sell the goods quickly," he says.
"Hopefully, we outnumber them. We need to act now."
(OOC: Did I learn anything noteworthy at the House of Knowledge?)
Cirrus rounds the inn. He is not wearing his Dawn-to-Dusk-Coat, as the ground is still wet, and he is trying to preserve Luneth's repairs. As he goes where Vimak told the group the cart would be, Cirrus pauses, confused why everyone is standing around not near the cart. Then he sees the empty stall. And the empty stables. And the tracks. And his face falls. Immediately upon realizing what has happened and that it's his fault, he starts sprinting following the tracks. In that moment, he fully intends on chasing after the cart (like an idiot). If he gets to the south gate, he pauses, a little winded (ba dum tssh), and if there is a guard watching the gate he will call out to him, "Hey! *huff* You there! *puff* did you see a cart come through here *huff* some hours ago? ...Phew! So much for Unending Breath..."
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
Herman lets out a string of swears as the news gets to him. "Of course this happened! It's never a simple, easy job is it? I should've expected something like this and stayed watch." He says to no one in particular as he rushes to action. Then he notice Cirrus bolt off somewhere. He looks at the tracks and then to Vimak and says, "We won't be catching up anytime soon if they are several hours ahead of us. Following the tracks does seem to be our best bet." He draws his bow and gets ready to follow the tracks.
Vimak gathers with the others around the south entrance to the inn. "It is clear that the wagon came from the stalls to the gate," Vimak says. "But I'm not sure I can guess well which direction they go from the gate."
The sun isn't in the sky yet, but dawn is bright yellow. It should illuminate the ground well enough for a skilled tracker to make sense of the mud. Vimak glances at the stalls behind them. Could they pool their money and buy a horse? If there even is one. Cut across country? Once they are sure which way the thieves went.
"Herman? Cirrus? Gulari? I'm not much of a tracker, but I can try and help. Did they go to Phandalin or are they selling the goods here?"
Herman says, "Don't ask me, I'm not good at tracking (OOC: Ranger with no Survival Proficiency)." He then says pulls out 5 GP and says, "If we can afford horses, then it might give us an edge on the thieves. All I have left is 5 gold though."
Cirrus manages to get to the far south gate, as the rest of the group discusses the best possible course of action. As he approaches the guard.. somehow winded, despite his heritage, the guards shouts Oi there.. whats the problem? ......A cart? Well, I wasn't 'ere .. a change of the guard rotates every four hours. However, the guard on duty should still be in the barracks.. give me a moment.... HEY, Rogers, I need you to hold the place down for just a minute. This guard was oddly willing to help, though it was unclear as to why...
Back with the rest of the group
As Herman proffers his five gold, showing it to the group that was left, he would remember that the average horse, for just a single one, was between 50 to 75 GP. Ponies were 30.. and they couldn't hold the sheer size of some of the members... Donkeys or mules cost around 8 GP but again, the same issue as with the Ponies.
A few minutes later, the previous guard returns, nodding in the affirmative Aye. Indeed. A single cart was headed out of the gates around three hours ago, just afore I got on duty. Devin says they looked like typical Laborers or merchants what would have that sort o' thing, so he didn't suspect them. He told 'em he and his buddy 'ad taken on the job what Gundren was offerin so he let em pass. Was it your cart? or was he tellin the kings truth?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Occassional Dungeon Master.
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Gulari listens carefully to his prospective employer's words and tries to glean any further context from them that he can, but it seems that this Rockseeker is as forthright as he is direct. The job was clear and the pay generous, very generous. It was just then that one of the others present, a Genasi by outward appearance, chimes up and directs a question towards the dwarf. " ...and the two of your are eager to go now, why don't all of us set out for Phandalin at the same time?"
Gulari paused, his eyes springing wide in a moments incredulity, but his tongue was not one for allowing a moment to think on things. "It’s bloody obvious why lad, at least to those who've done this sort of work before." he directed at Cirrus “Time is of the essence in whatever they are undertaking, and dragging along beside a cart of supplies even for a hour or so would be less than useful for their cause. Am I right, Mr Rockseeker”
Not really waiting for a reply he continues “I am Gulari Luganano, some call me Firmblow, I have blade and hammer and the wherewithal to use them well. I will agree to your generous offer.” A moments breath then “Should we read anything into the generosity of that pay, other than the need for a swift delivery?”
Gundren continues stroking his bear as he awaits everyones answers, when the Djinni speaks up, one brow raises, while the other, furrows, listening to the lad describe this situation. Sildar glancing mildly intrigued at his companion Ah.... I've uh.. always had trouble with names, but I do remember this dress, an' now that I kin git a look at ye, I can imagine yer not lyin... Forgive my memory, but it was a very well made, and unique dress indeed. Send her my regards when next ye contact her, assuming your tale is true. Unfortunately, I kinnae offer ye more for yer services, elsewise the other hired folk might get a wee bit upset. Ye understand. And as fer.. he starts, when Gulari interjects, and allowing him the stage to speak. Nodding in approval of Gulari's words. Aye, this man has the gist of it. Myself and Sildar on horses bred fer speed will be heading out the moment this meeting is adjourned. It will take us less than a full day this way. While the cart will take nearly two full days, lest ye risk breaking the spokes. You're a smart man Mr. Luganano. I'm glad ye answered the call. Sildar Nodding approvingly as well, before adding in himself Indeed. Though don't take it too hard lad. Everyone starts somewhere, you'll learn as you go. nodding at Cirrus.
As for reading into. While we'd prefer ye not mention the generals of our business tae others, lest they also seek to find what we're after, I feel I've been vague enough that ye know it's important, but lack any other information that might grant a lead. take that how ye will. Though... he says, leaning in conspiratorially... If ye do maintain silence, and it can be proven ye didn't say a word.... if this all pans out, I'll make sure you're credited for your assistance in this historic undertaking. Obviously leaving out the specifics, so that no one will think more or less of your role, and you'll all gain some level of fame in the process, right?
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"I am Vimak Hellbringer Katho-Laga. Happy to be in your employ," Vimak says.
He thinks that he and the other Goliath should be able to handle close combat. The human has a bow. Glancing at the human's fingertips for the calluses caused by bowstrings suggests he knows how to use it. Cirrus? Vimak is not sure. Hopefully, magic. No one here who looks too sneaky, but sometimes sneaky looks mean sticky grasps.
Vimak tries to remember all the history he knows about the road between Neverwinter and Phandelver: 1
"Anything special we should know in order to keep your goods safe?" he asks, looking first at Sildar and then at Gundren.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Cirrus is visibly brimming with pride upon hearing Gundren praise his mother's work, although his expression falters for a moment when Gundren mentions speaking to her again, but only for a moment.
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
((OOC I'll wait another hour before proceeding)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Perception (I can still roll to read the spoiler right?): 9
Herman says, "Go south; take the east when the road forks; get the goods to Phandalin; get paid and don't say anything about what you two are up to. That's the job. Got it." Herman doesn't ask for anymore questions. After Carrius mentions going immediately and Firmblow mentions why Rockseeker and Sildar need to move fast, Herman says, "The sooner we get the job done, the sooner we get paid. It's risky travelling in the dark so what say we head of after breakfast at the crack of dawn?"
"That sounds fine by me," Cirrus says, agreeing with Herman's proposal, "Gundren, Sildar, I wish you safe travels."
(Just in case the next post by the DM is a smash cut to the next morning I want to put this in now): whenever we get to the part where the meeting is adjourned (Cirrus does not walk out prematurely), Cirrus approaches Luneth again. "Pardon me Luneth, did you happen to see anyone leaving the inn after the three of us followed Mr. Rockseeker into the Privada? I have reason to believe that someone was listening in on our meeting with our new employer." I'm going to roll insight (4) just as a precaution. I don't know why she would lie about this, but I want to cover my bases.
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
Very good lad. Gundren says to herman, then, both of the men nod towards Cirrus And you as well lad. Be safe, all o' ye. We need those supplies else our trip will be very short. We hope to see ye all again soon. then, seeing that no one else had any questions, or comments, Both men make their way out of the establishment casually.
Cirrus approaches the maid, and is greeted by yet another one of her smiles. After listening to his question, she cocks her head, thinking for a moment, before responding Ah yes! there were a few laborers that were relaxing against the door near the Privada. They didn't order anything, though they did greet me. They walked out of here just a few minutes ago. Not sure what they wanted or where they went though.. since i'm stuck here, more or less. she is clearly not lying.
Before we proceed with the overnight. Shopping is one of the things in DND that takes the longest, I've seen it eat up an entire day at some tables, and on here it could take weeks~ so as much as I hate to ruin potential RP moments, I will help streamline the process of 'bartering' a bit, and this will all take place 'off screen' so to say.
With whatever gold you have now, you may, in the morning, as all the other shops are closed at this hour, buy any mundane items out of adventuring gear by going to it's associated shop. You may roll persuasion to barter.
Roll your persuasion check. If it passes a DC 12, you may take off a percentage in increments. 12 = 10% off, 14 = 20% off, 16 = 30% off, 18 = 40% off, and 20 = 50% off the listed price. However, if you dip below 10, it will be the inverse as somewhere in your persuasion attempt, you insulted them or something akin to that. 8 = +10% similar to above. If you hit an odd number, it rounds down. so 13 is treated as a 12.
So state where you go to buy supplies, what supplies you got, how many, and how much, you can get whatever you can carry, and afford.
Once this is done, you can treat it as whatever time the party agrees to leave at. Staying in the inn costs a gold piece, per person, per night.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
The next morning, Herman will do the shopping if the stores are open at the time of leaving. (Which may be dawn if all PCs agree with Herman's suggestion)
Arrows: 30 - 1 GP 5 SP (since 20 arrows seem to cost 1 GP). Going to the armory to get said, arrows.
Will edit character sheet if it is possible to buy
That night, after the meeting has ended, he walks up to the barmaid behind Cirrus. When Cirrus mentions believing someone listening in on the meeting, Herman turns his head to look at the man. After Luneth mentions not knowing where the laborers went, Herman speak out at the young man, "Wait what? You thought someone was listening in on us and didn't say anything? You have anything to say for yourself?" Though you can't discern any emotion thanks to his face being completely hidden by the helmet, judging by the tone of his voice, Herman sounds annoyed.
(OOC: Don't worry, Herman's default state is "Mildly Annoyed".)
Gulari listens to Rockseeker's words and acknowledges his comment with a thankful nod; the kind response from Sildar directed at the Genasi elicits a wry "huh".
The strangely attired figure speaks, and Gulari notes the suggestion to depart at dawn. "A good idea, that. I will be there and ready then, we can leave as soon as we all have convened." He directs his words back at the speaker, but his curiosity is truly intrigued by who or what is under the green cloth.
I'm going to ask for an Insight or Perception check (DM's choice as they're they same for me) to see if I can glean anything more about Herman's race or cultural origin); Gulari would want to at least have an understanding of all his fellows before setting out. 20
[OOC : Unless anything comes of the above roll, Gulari's ready to depart]
Vimak considers that someone may have been listening in on the description of the job a bad sign, but it seems too late to do anything about it. He buys five days of rations from the inn and fills his water skins. "Dawn it is," he says to the others.
The next morning he is up and ready, waiting out by the wagon.
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Cirrus is caught off guard by the hostility in Herman's voice, "Well, from what Ms. Luneth tells me, they seemed to be ordinary folk, only wanting to relax. I can't imagine what that kind of folk would have to gain from hearing our conversation." I take Herman away from the ears of Luneth and any other patrons who were not in the Privada with us to whisper:
"Especially since I only heard the shuffling of feet before Gundren implied what a historic moment we were going to be a part of. So even if they did mean us harm, they didn't hear the most interesting part, right?"
Cirrus has nothing to buy. I have subtracted the 1GP for staying the night.
(OOC: It has now occurred to me that I could have cast Faerie Fire and then they would have ben glowing. This is for sure going to come back to bite us in the butt. Unfortunately, Cirrus is not the paranoid sort.)
You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
(OOC: Not being paranoid is a good thing.)
Herman whispers back
Listen, the gods have a cruel sense of humor. They like to mess with poor hardworking men and women. So for what it's worth, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Whoever they were, not hearing of whatever history the dwarf was on about was lucky. You can't count on getting lucky all the time. So the next time you feel something is off, even if it is a hunch, don't keep it to yourself. Got it?
Also, Herman isn't actively trying to intimidate anyone. However, in case this has any baring on roleplay, his passive Intimidation is 14.
((Herman is able to get some arrows at stock value))
Gulari, despite his best efforts.... can't quite tell. the armor Herman is weaing, is shaped in just such a way, he could be one of several races, or cultures, and the mask distorts his voice enough that its also hard to tell using accents or key words. Though it is possible to ask the man directly.
In the morning, Vimak does whatever his morning rituals may or may not entail, everyone enjoying a free breakfast as part of having stayed the night. Vimak is the first to make it to the cart. Most of the snow has melted in the soft morning sun, leaving the ground somewhat soggy, muddy. As Herman makes some quick purchases from the nearby armory, and Cirrus, a little exhausted from having spent a portion of the night studying the extraplanar, since he likely wouldn't have time to do so in the morning at the House of Knowledge. Vimak yawns, just a bit as he rounds the corner of the Inn, after having confirmed the location and description of the cart with the Barmaid. Walking into the stall the cart was said to be located, and the horses stabled nearby............
.........................................................................
....................................................................................................
There was no cart. Nor were there any stabled horses.... However, there were some several hours old tracks leading from where both should have been.... If he would choose to follow the path, it would seem the cart was heading out towards the south gate.....
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Vimak walks back toward the inn and the armory, eyes on the south gate as he goes. He calmly, but quickly, gathers his colleagues.
"We have been robbed of our job," he says. "The wagon is gone and so are the horses. Judging from the tracks, they are several hours ahead of us." He shakes his head. "I suggest we see if the tracks lead toward Phandalin or towards a merchant here in town. The thieves may try to sell the goods quickly," he says.
"Hopefully, we outnumber them. We need to act now."
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
(OOC: Did I learn anything noteworthy at the House of Knowledge?)
Cirrus rounds the inn.He is not wearing his Dawn-to-Dusk-Coat, as the ground is still wet, and he is trying to preserve Luneth's repairs.As he goes where Vimak told the group the cart would be, Cirrus pauses, confused why everyone is standing around not near the cart. Then he sees the empty stall. And the empty stables. And the tracks. And his face falls.Immediately upon realizing what has happened and that it's his fault, he starts sprinting following the tracks. In that moment, he fully intends on chasing after the cart (like an idiot). If he gets to the south gate, he pauses, a little winded (ba dum tssh), and if there is a guard watching the gate he will call out to him, "Hey! *huff* You there! *puff* did you see a cart come through here *huff* some hours ago? ...Phew! So much for Unending Breath..."You can't drown someone with Create Water. If your lungs are containers than your bones are objects. Any Siege monster that attacks you deals double damage because it’s attacking your bones.
Herman lets out a string of swears as the news gets to him. "Of course this happened! It's never a simple, easy job is it? I should've expected something like this and stayed watch." He says to no one in particular as he rushes to action. Then he notice Cirrus bolt off somewhere. He looks at the tracks and then to Vimak and says, "We won't be catching up anytime soon if they are several hours ahead of us. Following the tracks does seem to be our best bet." He draws his bow and gets ready to follow the tracks.
Vimak gathers with the others around the south entrance to the inn. "It is clear that the wagon came from the stalls to the gate," Vimak says. "But I'm not sure I can guess well which direction they go from the gate."
The sun isn't in the sky yet, but dawn is bright yellow. It should illuminate the ground well enough for a skilled tracker to make sense of the mud. Vimak glances at the stalls behind them. Could they pool their money and buy a horse? If there even is one. Cut across country? Once they are sure which way the thieves went.
"Herman? Cirrus? Gulari? I'm not much of a tracker, but I can try and help. Did they go to Phandalin or are they selling the goods here?"
Death on the Water and Baldur's Gate Bodyguard
Herman says, "Don't ask me, I'm not good at tracking (OOC: Ranger with no Survival Proficiency)." He then says pulls out 5 GP and says, "If we can afford horses, then it might give us an edge on the thieves. All I have left is 5 gold though."
Cirrus manages to get to the far south gate, as the rest of the group discusses the best possible course of action. As he approaches the guard.. somehow winded, despite his heritage, the guards shouts Oi there.. whats the problem? ......A cart? Well, I wasn't 'ere .. a change of the guard rotates every four hours. However, the guard on duty should still be in the barracks.. give me a moment.... HEY, Rogers, I need you to hold the place down for just a minute. This guard was oddly willing to help, though it was unclear as to why...
Back with the rest of the group
As Herman proffers his five gold, showing it to the group that was left, he would remember that the average horse, for just a single one, was between 50 to 75 GP. Ponies were 30.. and they couldn't hold the sheer size of some of the members... Donkeys or mules cost around 8 GP but again, the same issue as with the Ponies.
A few minutes later, the previous guard returns, nodding in the affirmative Aye. Indeed. A single cart was headed out of the gates around three hours ago, just afore I got on duty. Devin says they looked like typical Laborers or merchants what would have that sort o' thing, so he didn't suspect them. He told 'em he and his buddy 'ad taken on the job what Gundren was offerin so he let em pass. Was it your cart? or was he tellin the kings truth?
Occassional Dungeon Master.