After Carlon verifies Karib's question again (with a roll of the eyes) and the cleric reveals his association with the Harpers, Carlon shakes his head and sighs. "You could have just led with that," he grumbles.
Karib chuckles, "Trust is a sword with two edges."
He glances around out of habit, before leaning in close again. "These people are ruthless and capable, as you well know. But you are correct, there is more going on than simple theft and the Cult is indeed involved. They are looting towns and moving the treasure north for some reason. The destination, and the why are not clear. I'd suggest you keep a low profile."
He sits, pondering the situation, and his mind wanders to Rogram. "What is it that gave you away to them? How did they know that the person you spoke with was a harper?"
Merric raises his eyebrows as Karib pulls out the insignia of the Harpers and listens intently to Carlon’s tale. “You’re right, it is bigger than just one caravan. We are sure that the cult is in this caravan as well, and have already seen a cargo of gold and other plunder. I spoke the truth when I said I was a friend to the Harpers. We have heard of the Cult of the Dragon even in the depths of the forest and my King has sent me to learn more about the cult and the dangers they bring. We will help you get to Waterdeep, perhaps you can help us find out more about the cult and where these goods are going.”
OOC: Hey, Barty, in the time Rogram has been fighting against the Cult of the Dragon, has he seen any kind of symbolism associate with the cult?
OOC: Not really at this point. Even in the Cult's camp, there was no semblance of uniform aside from the purple robes that Frulam Mondath was wearing as the aptly named "Wearer of Purple".
"What is it that gave you away to them? How did they know that the person you spoke with was a harper?"
"No idea. Honestly. Trust me, I've been beating myself up about it and racking my brain on what I did wrong, but really, nothing stands out. They're smarter than they look. Maybe they infiltrated more of the caravan than I'd thought; maybe it wasn't just the wagons, maybe some were posing as civilians. Either way, they'd probably pegged me as a Harper before they even saw me pass the message. They obviously knew to have eyes on me at the inn," Carlon says.
When Merric finishes speaking, Carlon says, "Until we reach Waterdeep then, you have my sword. Err - if I still had a sword, that is. I suppose you wouldn't happen to have a spare? I had shortsword and a hand crossbow when I left Baldur's Gate, but it seems they weren't buried along with me."
Two more uneventful days of travel pass. By this point, the tales of the Rangers have spread throughout the caravan, their place by the fireside drawing larger audiences at night who listen attentively to the tales of the adventuring group's most noteworthy battles. Orvustia, the human woman working for Akira and Nyerhite, is part of one of those audiences while Tyjit sits with Akira looking balefully at the group from another fire a short distance away. Amidst a round of laughter from the Rangers' fire, a human man sidles into view and takes a seat near Akira. He is tall and slender, and fairly young, and has a hawkish but nervous look about him.
"Hey there. Aldor Urnpoleshurst, of Urnpoleshurst & Urnpoleshurst. A pleasure to meet you," he extends his hand. "I hope this isn't untoward, but I had a question to ask you. I couldn't help but notice when the caravan was accosted by those spider...things, that you dabble in spellwork. Now, my understanding of magic is fairly limited to be sure, but would I be correct in my assertion that you are a wizard? And that wizards learn magic, not through birth but by dedicated practice?" he asks.
Rogram has continued to make small talk with those he has personally identified as covert members of the Cult of the Dragon. He usually complains a little about being sacked, expresses that he's excited to be heading north, and asks if they know of any wagons that are hiring.
”I do indeed study and practice the arcane crafts. It is a long and vigorous study I have worked on for years. What do you do with Urnpoleshurst & Urnpoleshurst?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A) Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter -Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5) Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
Rogram finds similar answers from the others he's associated with the Cult; none of them claim any association with any of the wagons on the caravan, though a couple chuckle and make jokes about how on a caravan like this there are sure to be "vacancies" throughout the trip.
Aldor sighs, speaking with gusto and bravado, "Ah, then we have much in common indeed. I am a lawyer, so you see my days are also filled with long and vigorous study. We are based in Baldur's Gate but there is a client of ours that has found themselves in hot water of a Waterdhavian sort. In the meantime I have found myself with little and less to read, but spellcraft is a study I have oft found myself interested in. What would you say to a little arrangement? Surely your spellbook will be simple enough to replicate, now that you know the words and gestures. Could I take it off of your hands? Say, for 10 gold?"
Akira frowns briefly and returns her face to its normally happy visage, "My dear Aldor. I cannot measure the amount of time, gold, and blood I have given in pursuit of the arcane crafts. While I would be happy to work with you on the basics of magic use, my spellbook is not for sale. If you were more knowledgeable in the arena of mages, you would also know what an affront your offer actually means. 10 gold pieces barely represents a single page of the page of my spellbook."
She breathes in deeply, evaluating his response and measuring him with an open sense of suspicion. "Now more about this client of yours in trouble ..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A) Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter -Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5) Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
@DM: Were any of those he approached MORE friendly than others? Someone he felt like he would have an easier time probing a little further concerning the cult?
"Until we reach Waterdeep then, you have my sword. Err - if I still had a sword, that is. I suppose you wouldn't happen to have a spare?...
Karib smiles, "I'll see what I can do", he says. Unless there are spares to be had Karib will, on each of the two mornings following, call upon Gond to help him fashion a sword and then a hand crossbow for Carlon.
As he hands him the last item he says, "I can also fashion chain or studded leather, should you need it."
Using "Artisan's blessing" Karib can craft one item per day of < 100gp value so long as that items contains some metal. He must supply coins or metal of matching value. Each of these items is < 100gp. At the end of the process he will be down a lot of GP, depending on the armour he needs. Hoping he doesn't want chain! (Sword 10gp, Chain: 75, Studded Leather: 45gp, Short Sword: 10gp, Hand crossbow: 75gp)
After Carlon's inability to explain his capture, Karib becomes a little more wary, watching for watchers...trying to note any people who seem to be watching him or any of his friends, or perhaps more likely, Carlon himself. This general wariness persists and he suggests that his companions might do the same. "It's easier to see someone watching someone else than it is to see someone watching you," he says.
@DM: Were any of those he approached MORE friendly than others? Someone he felt like he would have an easier time probing a little further concerning the cult?
OOC: So far, the only one that has shown anything resembling friendliness to Rogram is the woman he first spoke to after hunting. He built a sort of friendly rapport with her, whereas the others seem to be rebuffing most of his conversation.
"Now more about this client of yours in trouble ..."
It becomes Aldor's turn to frown briefly before putting on a friendlier face. He waves away the notion, "Just a man in need of our services who found himself in a sticky situation in Waterdeep. We charge a rather stiff fee for the travel from Baldur's Gate to Waterdeep, so it will be well worth the trouble of the journey. Anyway...thank you for your consideration."
The next day is less pleasant; the caravan breaks camp to a harsh mixture of rain and lightning that progresses throughout the course of the day. Strange whistling sounds on the wind accompany the rolling of wagon wheels and the clomping of hooves.
Carlon is clearly impressed when Karib offers him a shortsword, and more so when he follows up with a hand crossbow. "That's remarkable," he whistles. "I've never been one to put too much stock into the gods, but if they'd given me abilities like that I might have been more inclined." He shoos away the notion of armor. "Trust me, I appreciate it, but the weapons are more than enough. I'm not one for armor. Too bulky, too noisy for my tastes."
"Now..." he says to Karib and Merric, testing the weight of the weapons, "Fill me in on this caravan. Do you have any other allies? How much can they be trusted? And which merchants are the cultists?"
Aldor returns during the afternoon, walking up alongside Akira while she walks near Nyerhite's wagon with Orvustia and Tyjit. The rain has matted his hair to his face, causing his angular features to stand out even further in the dreary weather. "My dear Akira," he says, reflecting her own usage of the phrase, "I apologize if the solicitation is unwarranted, but I positively cannot get my mind off the notion of studying the arcane arts as you have. We only have a couple of tendays at most before we reach Waterdeep, and my time to study as I journey is growing dreadfully short. I've thought it over, and I think you were correct in your assertion that I undervalued your life's work. I sincerely apologize for any offense I caused you. I would be willing to increase my offer to twelve gold pieces. Would you be willing to reconsider?" he asks.
“I don’t have much to share at this point, unfortunately. I joined the caravan after it left Baldur’s Gate, signing on as a guard for Edhelri. She’s one of the good ones.” Merric points out her wagon as well as that of Beyd and any of the others he knows are not with the cultists. He is careful not to expose Akira or Rogram as an ally, leaving that decision to them. He also subtly identifies the wagons suspected of belonging to the cult. “Those are easy enough to guess with the heavy guard around them, even in camp. We also briefly saw the cargo of loot that one of them spilled along the road. Be careful.”
Rogram decides to sidle up next to the Cult woman during the walk. He smiles as she looks over at him. "Dreary day," he comments, running a hands down his beard to wring out some of the rain. Though still very short compared to his father's and uncle's beards, it is the longest Rogram's has ever been, and he spends half a second wondering if he should take a blade to it. Remembering himself, the half-dwarf makes a frustrated noise. "I think you're right about this caravan. No luck finding a job so far," he explains. He shakes his head. "Without gold, I'm going to have a hard time continuing north." He stops talking, hoping to bait the woman into asking questions.
Carlon takes in the information and nods. "Noted," he says simply.
Rogram's target smirks as he speaks. The rain has thoroughly coated her hair, and rain runs in rivulets off of her narrow nose as she looks over at the half-dwarf. "Further north than Waterdeep?" she asks with a curious raise of an eyebrow. "Unless I'm missing something, nobody's charging money to follow the wagons there, at least."
"So you lost all your gold because of some pretty eyelashes, and then you got fired? Haven't been away from home much, have you?" she grins mischievously.
The storm lets up before evening, but the rain continues through the course of the day.
OOC: Awaiting a response from Akira before continuing further.
"Unless I'm missing something, nobody's charging money to follow the wagons there, at least."
Rogram smirks. "I still need gold for supplies. Just because I can travel with a caravan doesn't mean they're going to give me food and supplies for free."
"So you lost all your gold because of some pretty eyelashes, and then you got fired? Haven't been away from home much, have you?" she grins mischievously.
The half-dwarf raises his hands and shrugs. "Guilty. I definitely fell for their trap. But did you see her?" He whistles. "I've never had a lady show that much interest in me, and I liked it." He chuckles. "Turns out it was my gullibility that she liked, not my winning personality." He shakes his head. "Anyway, yes, I'm heading more north than Waterdeep. At least, I think so. I'm ... well, I'm trying to meet someone. But I'm not exactly sure where they're going."
Akira's demeanor becomes stern and matronly. "One's journey towards the learning of magic begins before one actually acquires a spellbook. If you are willing to be a pupil, I am willing to consider teaching you to become adept with rudimentary aspects of magic so that you have a base on which to build.
I will not however put in your hands my spellbook. First, it would be illegible to a non-magic adept. Second, while I do have spell memorized, I have to relearn different ones to memory to acclimate for various conditions and this process is time-consuming.
We can arrange a fair price for your education whilst we travel so that you can get a sense of accomplishment."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A) Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter -Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5) Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
Karib nods at Merric's reply, choosing to add no further details himself. He too feels that it is for others to reveal themselves when and how they would.
"Wise words indeed. Be careful. More than last time." he says with a smile.
@DM: Swapped Augury back in and Zone of Truth out.
"Guilty. I definitely fell for their trap. But did you see her?" He whistles. "I've never had a lady show that much interest in me, and I liked it."
The woman rolls her eyes. "You men are all the same. All it takes is a little perfume and makeup to knock you out of your senses," she says, but listens to the rest of Rogram's answer and though seemingly irritated with the half-dwarf's presence, continues to walk alongside him.
"One's journey towards the learning of magic begins before one actually acquires a spellbook. If you are willing to be a pupil, I am willing to consider teaching you to become adept with rudimentary aspects of magic so that you have a base on which to build.
I will not however put in your hands my spellbook. First, it would be illegible to a non-magic adept. Second, while I do have spell memorized, I have to relearn different ones to memory to acclimate for various conditions and this process is time-consuming.
We can arrange a fair price for your education whilst we travel so that you can get a sense of accomplishment."
Aldor stutters and stammers, "But you don't under--that's not what I--Ugh!" with a flail of his arms, he stomps away from Akira in a huff.
The storm returns in full overnight, preventing fires from being lit and hard travel tack and salted meats replace the fresh game a hunt would provide. Most of the caravan's travelers huddle miserably beneath what shelter they can find, and the night is long, cold, and wet. Lightning arcs across the sky frequently, and the strange whistling sounds carry through the wagons by the wind.
In the morning, the storm breaks; but bizarrely, you awaken to see that the surrounding countryside is blanketed with fungus. It grows everywhere, including all over the road as far as the eye can see. The mushrooms are about the size of champagne corks, and the first person to step on one - which proves incredibly difficult to not do - discovers that they emit a puff of black spores and a moan of pain.
The strange fungi quickly turn from a curiosity into a fear as the merchants gather their guards, stepping over moaning and screaming mushrooms to do so.
Sensing the woman's irritation, Rogram walks in silence beside her for another minute or so before begging off, saying he needs to speak with someone else in the caravan. His plan is not working. How is he supposed to tell the cult members that he wants to be part of the cult? Outright tell them? How would they react? As they are supposed to be under cover, none of them would probably react very kindly to being told they had been found out. And who's to say they'd believe him? Not that they should since it's a lie. How does one become a member of a cult like the Cult of the Dragon? The factions outright asked him, but even that was an unusual circumstance. And they approached him, not the other way around. He decides to ask Karib for some advice.
"You were in the Cult's camp," Rogram begins to the human. "Did you see any way that once Cult member might identify another Cult member?"
The next morning, when the fungus is discovered, Rogram attempts to remember any mention of this in his past.
OOC: Hey, Barty, in the time Rogram has been fighting against the Cult of the Dragon, has he seen any kind of symbolism associate with the cult?
Karib chuckles, "Trust is a sword with two edges."
He glances around out of habit, before leaning in close again. "These people are ruthless and capable, as you well know. But you are correct, there is more going on than simple theft and the Cult is indeed involved. They are looting towns and moving the treasure north for some reason. The destination, and the why are not clear. I'd suggest you keep a low profile."
He sits, pondering the situation, and his mind wanders to Rogram. "What is it that gave you away to them? How did they know that the person you spoke with was a harper?"
Merric raises his eyebrows as Karib pulls out the insignia of the Harpers and listens intently to Carlon’s tale. “You’re right, it is bigger than just one caravan. We are sure that the cult is in this caravan as well, and have already seen a cargo of gold and other plunder. I spoke the truth when I said I was a friend to the Harpers. We have heard of the Cult of the Dragon even in the depths of the forest and my King has sent me to learn more about the cult and the dangers they bring. We will help you get to Waterdeep, perhaps you can help us find out more about the cult and where these goods are going.”
OOC: Not really at this point. Even in the Cult's camp, there was no semblance of uniform aside from the purple robes that Frulam Mondath was wearing as the aptly named "Wearer of Purple".
"No idea. Honestly. Trust me, I've been beating myself up about it and racking my brain on what I did wrong, but really, nothing stands out. They're smarter than they look. Maybe they infiltrated more of the caravan than I'd thought; maybe it wasn't just the wagons, maybe some were posing as civilians. Either way, they'd probably pegged me as a Harper before they even saw me pass the message. They obviously knew to have eyes on me at the inn," Carlon says.
When Merric finishes speaking, Carlon says, "Until we reach Waterdeep then, you have my sword. Err - if I still had a sword, that is. I suppose you wouldn't happen to have a spare? I had shortsword and a hand crossbow when I left Baldur's Gate, but it seems they weren't buried along with me."
Two more uneventful days of travel pass. By this point, the tales of the Rangers have spread throughout the caravan, their place by the fireside drawing larger audiences at night who listen attentively to the tales of the adventuring group's most noteworthy battles. Orvustia, the human woman working for Akira and Nyerhite, is part of one of those audiences while Tyjit sits with Akira looking balefully at the group from another fire a short distance away. Amidst a round of laughter from the Rangers' fire, a human man sidles into view and takes a seat near Akira. He is tall and slender, and fairly young, and has a hawkish but nervous look about him.
"Hey there. Aldor Urnpoleshurst, of Urnpoleshurst & Urnpoleshurst. A pleasure to meet you," he extends his hand. "I hope this isn't untoward, but I had a question to ask you. I couldn't help but notice when the caravan was accosted by those spider...things, that you dabble in spellwork. Now, my understanding of magic is fairly limited to be sure, but would I be correct in my assertion that you are a wizard? And that wizards learn magic, not through birth but by dedicated practice?" he asks.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Rogram has continued to make small talk with those he has personally identified as covert members of the Cult of the Dragon. He usually complains a little about being sacked, expresses that he's excited to be heading north, and asks if they know of any wagons that are hiring.
Akira smiles warily at Aldor.
”I do indeed study and practice the arcane crafts. It is a long and vigorous study I have worked on for years. What do you do with Urnpoleshurst & Urnpoleshurst?”
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
Rogram finds similar answers from the others he's associated with the Cult; none of them claim any association with any of the wagons on the caravan, though a couple chuckle and make jokes about how on a caravan like this there are sure to be "vacancies" throughout the trip.
Aldor sighs, speaking with gusto and bravado, "Ah, then we have much in common indeed. I am a lawyer, so you see my days are also filled with long and vigorous study. We are based in Baldur's Gate but there is a client of ours that has found themselves in hot water of a Waterdhavian sort. In the meantime I have found myself with little and less to read, but spellcraft is a study I have oft found myself interested in. What would you say to a little arrangement? Surely your spellbook will be simple enough to replicate, now that you know the words and gestures. Could I take it off of your hands? Say, for 10 gold?"
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Akira frowns briefly and returns her face to its normally happy visage, "My dear Aldor. I cannot measure the amount of time, gold, and blood I have given in pursuit of the arcane crafts. While I would be happy to work with you on the basics of magic use, my spellbook is not for sale. If you were more knowledgeable in the arena of mages, you would also know what an affront your offer actually means. 10 gold pieces barely represents a single page of the page of my spellbook."
She breathes in deeply, evaluating his response and measuring him with an open sense of suspicion. "Now more about this client of yours in trouble ..."
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
@DM: Were any of those he approached MORE friendly than others? Someone he felt like he would have an easier time probing a little further concerning the cult?
Karib smiles, "I'll see what I can do", he says. Unless there are spares to be had Karib will, on each of the two mornings following, call upon Gond to help him fashion a sword and then a hand crossbow for Carlon.
As he hands him the last item he says, "I can also fashion chain or studded leather, should you need it."
Using "Artisan's blessing" Karib can craft one item per day of < 100gp value so long as that items contains some metal. He must supply coins or metal of matching value. Each of these items is < 100gp. At the end of the process he will be down a lot of GP, depending on the armour he needs. Hoping he doesn't want chain! (Sword 10gp, Chain: 75, Studded Leather: 45gp, Short Sword: 10gp, Hand crossbow: 75gp)
After Carlon's inability to explain his capture, Karib becomes a little more wary, watching for watchers...trying to note any people who seem to be watching him or any of his friends, or perhaps more likely, Carlon himself. This general wariness persists and he suggests that his companions might do the same. "It's easier to see someone watching someone else than it is to see someone watching you," he says.
OOC: So far, the only one that has shown anything resembling friendliness to Rogram is the woman he first spoke to after hunting. He built a sort of friendly rapport with her, whereas the others seem to be rebuffing most of his conversation.
It becomes Aldor's turn to frown briefly before putting on a friendlier face. He waves away the notion, "Just a man in need of our services who found himself in a sticky situation in Waterdeep. We charge a rather stiff fee for the travel from Baldur's Gate to Waterdeep, so it will be well worth the trouble of the journey. Anyway...thank you for your consideration."
The next day is less pleasant; the caravan breaks camp to a harsh mixture of rain and lightning that progresses throughout the course of the day. Strange whistling sounds on the wind accompany the rolling of wagon wheels and the clomping of hooves.
Carlon is clearly impressed when Karib offers him a shortsword, and more so when he follows up with a hand crossbow. "That's remarkable," he whistles. "I've never been one to put too much stock into the gods, but if they'd given me abilities like that I might have been more inclined." He shoos away the notion of armor. "Trust me, I appreciate it, but the weapons are more than enough. I'm not one for armor. Too bulky, too noisy for my tastes."
"Now..." he says to Karib and Merric, testing the weight of the weapons, "Fill me in on this caravan. Do you have any other allies? How much can they be trusted? And which merchants are the cultists?"
Aldor returns during the afternoon, walking up alongside Akira while she walks near Nyerhite's wagon with Orvustia and Tyjit. The rain has matted his hair to his face, causing his angular features to stand out even further in the dreary weather. "My dear Akira," he says, reflecting her own usage of the phrase, "I apologize if the solicitation is unwarranted, but I positively cannot get my mind off the notion of studying the arcane arts as you have. We only have a couple of tendays at most before we reach Waterdeep, and my time to study as I journey is growing dreadfully short. I've thought it over, and I think you were correct in your assertion that I undervalued your life's work. I sincerely apologize for any offense I caused you. I would be willing to increase my offer to twelve gold pieces. Would you be willing to reconsider?" he asks.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
“I don’t have much to share at this point, unfortunately. I joined the caravan after it left Baldur’s Gate, signing on as a guard for Edhelri. She’s one of the good ones.” Merric points out her wagon as well as that of Beyd and any of the others he knows are not with the cultists. He is careful not to expose Akira or Rogram as an ally, leaving that decision to them. He also subtly identifies the wagons suspected of belonging to the cult. “Those are easy enough to guess with the heavy guard around them, even in camp. We also briefly saw the cargo of loot that one of them spilled along the road. Be careful.”
Rogram decides to sidle up next to the Cult woman during the walk. He smiles as she looks over at him. "Dreary day," he comments, running a hands down his beard to wring out some of the rain. Though still very short compared to his father's and uncle's beards, it is the longest Rogram's has ever been, and he spends half a second wondering if he should take a blade to it. Remembering himself, the half-dwarf makes a frustrated noise. "I think you're right about this caravan. No luck finding a job so far," he explains. He shakes his head. "Without gold, I'm going to have a hard time continuing north." He stops talking, hoping to bait the woman into asking questions.
Carlon takes in the information and nods. "Noted," he says simply.
Rogram's target smirks as he speaks. The rain has thoroughly coated her hair, and rain runs in rivulets off of her narrow nose as she looks over at the half-dwarf. "Further north than Waterdeep?" she asks with a curious raise of an eyebrow. "Unless I'm missing something, nobody's charging money to follow the wagons there, at least."
"So you lost all your gold because of some pretty eyelashes, and then you got fired? Haven't been away from home much, have you?" she grins mischievously.
The storm lets up before evening, but the rain continues through the course of the day.
OOC: Awaiting a response from Akira before continuing further.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
"Unless I'm missing something, nobody's charging money to follow the wagons there, at least."
Rogram smirks. "I still need gold for supplies. Just because I can travel with a caravan doesn't mean they're going to give me food and supplies for free."
"So you lost all your gold because of some pretty eyelashes, and then you got fired? Haven't been away from home much, have you?" she grins mischievously.
The half-dwarf raises his hands and shrugs. "Guilty. I definitely fell for their trap. But did you see her?" He whistles. "I've never had a lady show that much interest in me, and I liked it." He chuckles. "Turns out it was my gullibility that she liked, not my winning personality." He shakes his head. "Anyway, yes, I'm heading more north than Waterdeep. At least, I think so. I'm ... well, I'm trying to meet someone. But I'm not exactly sure where they're going."
Akira's demeanor becomes stern and matronly.
"One's journey towards the learning of magic begins before one actually acquires a spellbook. If you are willing to be a pupil, I am willing to consider teaching you to become adept with rudimentary aspects of magic so that you have a base on which to build.
I will not however put in your hands my spellbook. First, it would be illegible to a non-magic adept. Second, while I do have spell memorized, I have to relearn different ones to memory to acclimate for various conditions and this process is time-consuming.
We can arrange a fair price for your education whilst we travel so that you can get a sense of accomplishment."
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
Karib nods at Merric's reply, choosing to add no further details himself. He too feels that it is for others to reveal themselves when and how they would.
"Wise words indeed. Be careful. More than last time." he says with a smile.
@DM: Swapped Augury back in and Zone of Truth out.
The woman rolls her eyes. "You men are all the same. All it takes is a little perfume and makeup to knock you out of your senses," she says, but listens to the rest of Rogram's answer and though seemingly irritated with the half-dwarf's presence, continues to walk alongside him.
Aldor stutters and stammers, "But you don't under--that's not what I--Ugh!" with a flail of his arms, he stomps away from Akira in a huff.
The storm returns in full overnight, preventing fires from being lit and hard travel tack and salted meats replace the fresh game a hunt would provide. Most of the caravan's travelers huddle miserably beneath what shelter they can find, and the night is long, cold, and wet. Lightning arcs across the sky frequently, and the strange whistling sounds carry through the wagons by the wind.
In the morning, the storm breaks; but bizarrely, you awaken to see that the surrounding countryside is blanketed with fungus. It grows everywhere, including all over the road as far as the eye can see. The mushrooms are about the size of champagne corks, and the first person to step on one - which proves incredibly difficult to not do - discovers that they emit a puff of black spores and a moan of pain.
The strange fungi quickly turn from a curiosity into a fear as the merchants gather their guards, stepping over moaning and screaming mushrooms to do so.
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Sensing the woman's irritation, Rogram walks in silence beside her for another minute or so before begging off, saying he needs to speak with someone else in the caravan. His plan is not working. How is he supposed to tell the cult members that he wants to be part of the cult? Outright tell them? How would they react? As they are supposed to be under cover, none of them would probably react very kindly to being told they had been found out. And who's to say they'd believe him? Not that they should since it's a lie. How does one become a member of a cult like the Cult of the Dragon? The factions outright asked him, but even that was an unusual circumstance. And they approached him, not the other way around. He decides to ask Karib for some advice.
"You were in the Cult's camp," Rogram begins to the human. "Did you see any way that once Cult member might identify another Cult member?"
The next morning, when the fungus is discovered, Rogram attempts to remember any mention of this in his past.
For Rogram:
You have never seen/heard of mushrooms like this before.
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