OOC: If you take a gander at the map of the Sword Coast it'll probably give you a good idea of how close the caravan is to Waterdeep. Daggerford's a heck of a lot closer than Baldur's Gate was. You're in the final stretches of the trip from Baldur's Gate to Waterdeep.
This was going to happen as the caravan regrouped, but since Karib is looking for some money I'll move it up in the order of events so he has a chance to do something with it in town:
Near the end of the caravan's day off, Carlon approaches Karib with a smile and a pouch of coins. He looks almost entirely different than the haggard man dug out of the road, wearing a brand new set of adventuring gear and well-fitting clothes. In addition, he's added to the arsenal crafted for him by Karib, with additional daggers and crossbow bolts in belt loops at his waist. "I have a couple of Harper contacts from last time I came through here," he explains. "When I explained what happened, they were willing to support our endeavor. Since you spent the time and money to make sure I could defend myself, I figured it should all go back to you."
OOC: Added 85 gp back to Karib's inventory.
Regarding Akira's spell components (and any other shopping to be done in Daggerford), feel free to just output your purchases and we can sort that out all nice and quick.
Also sorry if Rogram's feeling stonewalled right now! Hopefully that's coming across as the Cult not taking any chances, and not as the DM shutting you down.
Merric sighs and grimaces as Rogram drops his spell and he blinks back in appearance. “Probably for the best, I only found the one way in, and there are too many guards around to try anything. I'm always willing to help, maybe there will be another opportunity on the road.” Merric places a hand on Rogram’s shoulder “Don’t be too quick to give up. We will find a way, I’ll talk to Edhelri and the others. See what we can come up with.”
Merric gives the wagons one last glance and wanders off into the caravan yard. Later, he approaches Edhelri and asks about taking Rogram on as an extra hand. “He has been with the caravan for since Baldur's Gate and we could use the help with the wagon. He is a capable guard, remember the fight with the hobgoblins? He rushed in and fought the captain, keeping them busy while we approached. Practically saved the day. And you know he is a blacksmith, right? Repaired that one wagon on the road. It's a shame he was pushed out for those flashy adventurers. He will earn his keep, I’m sure of it."
OOC: Apologies for the absence, work was a bit hectic this week. For the record, he also thought there were too many guards this time around. Maybe next time!
OOC: Sometimes getting stonewalled is all part of the story. The player is not frustrated. Just trying to put together the puzzle and staying true to the character.
Rogram appreciates Merric's positive encouragement. Though they haven't known each other long, the half-dwarf is glad they happened upon the elf when they did. He decides to find Leda or The Pole. It's been a while since he's talked with them, and he's curious how they've faired.
OOC: Getting us moving a bit but please post anything else you'd like to do (purchases, RP, etc.) in Daggerford and we can handle it retroactively.
"He will earn his keep, I’m sure of it."
"That's fine," Edhelri says after listening to Merric's pitch. "If only because it will make Lai look bad. It's terrible etiquette to fire your guards halfway through a journey unless for incompetence. If you ask me, it's clearly Lai's incompetence to believe well-polished armor makes for better guardsmen. This Rogram can come on as a guard for the final tenday to Waterdeep. That's five gold pieces for him once we arrive, and you'll be in charge of him."
The sun shines the following morning, a pleasant omen for the final leg of the caravan's journey. While plenty of travelers do not rejoin the wagons, remaining in Daggerford as their final stop or a temporary destination, there are several new faces that report to the market in the morning to make the shorter trip to the bigger city of Waterdeep. One in particular easily catches your eye, a human man in an all-red robe trimmed with flecks of gold. Donning a wool cap with ear and neck flaps, the man passes by the travelers walking on foot to board one of the wagons. It seems one of the Cult's assumed wagons has given in and allowed for paying passengers, as one opens to allow him entrance before closing as the wagons begin to assemble for departure.
Most of the other new passengers look human, with the notable exception of a female gnome that seems to be traveling by herself.
Leda offers Rogram a warm smile when he arrives, and The Pole a grunt and a nod. "Enjoy your day in Daggerford?" Leda asks. "I found myself a bit overwhelmed. And Waterdeep is said to be ten times this grand," she says, looking off into the distance.
Rogram is happy to see his former coworkers. Having spent the night outside with the caravan as usual, despite being in town, Rogram makes a non-committal shrug. He finds it strange that Leda feels overwhelmed in Daggerford when Baldur's Gate, where he first met her, is so much larger — almost as large as Waterdeep. "Is Waterdeep your final destination?" he asks them, just making polite conversation. He isn't sure what he should do, but he's trying to not be as impulsive, so he's decided he should at least continue on to Waterdeep. It has helped that Merric found him some work for the final stretch. Perhaps they will get more information there, which will help him figure out what he should do next.
Early in the day Karib went to the market and purchased a small glass eye. He added the trinket to the pouch around his neck before resigning himself to the limited choices. Better than nothing and much better than I might have hoped.He thinks of Rogram's misadventures and sends thanks to Gond for the half-dwarf's seeming resilience.
After many days sitting in wagons the prospect of walking around -- not into combat -- is remarkably appealing. Karib spends some time walking around Daggerford idly hoping to find either a Temple of Gond or Harper contacts, but his recollections of the town are limited at best, and he was still worried about Rogram so he instead returns to the market and the wagons offering to assist where he can.
His eyes go wide when Carlon approaches and he thanks the man for the reimbursement. "This will be very handy," he says, with a quick glance in the direction of the exotic item stall.
Adding the coins back to his purse, he looks the man up and down. "Different. You look different," he says, "I could use some contacts here, if you wouldn't mind introducing me. But otherwise maybe a drink after a quick stop? Rogram's off getting into more trouble no doubt."
@DM: Karib buys the glass eye and a jewelled horn (200gp total, clairvoyance hear and see) and...I thought he had purchased items for Augury...but not on his sheet, so if not add them for 25GP.
"For now," Leda answers. "I think eventually I'll make my way up to the frigid north, see what it's like. But I might enjoy the city for a while, find some work." Seeing Rogram's expression when she mentions being overwhelmed by Daggerford, she guesses and explains, "I never actually went in to Baldur's Gate. I found work on the caravan so quickly I didn't have time."
"Several of the staff at Lady Bronwyn's are partial to the Harpers, it's an adventuring supply store further into town," Carlon tells Karib. "I've done some work for them in the past, and I filled them in on the information about the Cult and these caravans."
OOC: Added the spell components to Karib's inventory. Searching through the thread, it looks like I had pointed out you didn't have the spell components for augury yet but I don't see them being purchased, so I think we just lapsed on that.
The first day outside of Daggerford is largely uneventful. This stretch of the Trade Way between Daggerford and Waterdeep is well tended and much more traversed than the route between Daggerford and Baldur's Gate; smaller caravans and even individual groups seem much more comfortable traveling between these two cities, and there is a distinct air of calm along the route compared to the journey thus far.
Edhelri's dwarven bodyguard Eldkin hurriedly walks Rogram through the goods, the wagon, and the animals in the morning, peppering him with information without giving much time for questions in response. Once the caravan sets off, she leaves him in Merric's hands to guard and walk alongside the wagon.
For Merric:
You've noticed that the gnome woman who joined the caravan in Daggerford has shown an interest in the robed human man who joined at the same time and who was welcomed aboard one of the cult wagons as a passenger. They aren't together, but during stops, the gnome often sidles up near enough to overhear anything the human might say, and you've also spotted her hovering near the cult wagons when the cultists are busy with tasks other than guarding the wagon closely, much akin to Rogram's methods over the past tenday.
Additionally, you've noticed that she has shown an interest in yourself, Rogram, Karib, Akira, and Carlon. She has spoken to several of you, asking innocuous questions and commenting on the weather. Thus far, she has left you with the perception of being someone who flawlessly takes in every detail about people and her surroundings.
For Karib and Rogram:
You've noticed that the gnome woman who joined the caravan in Daggerford has shown an interest in the robed human man who joined at the same time and who was welcomed aboard one of the cult wagons as a passenger. They aren't together, but during stops, the gnome often sidles up near enough to overhear anything the human might say, and you've also spotted her hovering near the cult wagons when the cultists are busy with tasks other than guarding the wagon closely, much akin to Rogram's methods over the past tenday.
Additionally, you've noticed that she has shown an interest in yourselves, Merric, Akira, and Carlon. She has spoken to several of you, asking innocuous questions and commenting on the weather. Thus far, she has left you with the perception of being someone who flawlessly takes in every detail about people and her surroundings.
You also have the impression that she is aware that you have been watching her, too.
Rogram is itching to question the gnome woman. Her interest has bolstered his curiosity and hope. Walking beside Merry the half-dwarf says, "She has to be working with either the Harpers or the Order of the Gauntlet," he says, keeping his voice low enough to not be overheard. "Our contacts in Elturel were from those two factions. Perhaps she is the one we are to meet in Waterdeep. Or perhaps she is also making her way there. We have to keep following the Cult's wagons. I hope someone is there to tell us what to do next." He scowls. "I would like to try to make contact with the Lords' Alliance. I want to make sure they're aware of the Cult's progress. I think I might can do that in Waterdeep."
The wagons make excellent progress again on this day, and the day following. The day is overcast, with a cool breeze, and the caravan continues its excellent pace.
Tyjit strides alongside Akira after the first rest stop in the afternoon. "Well boss, we're almost there, I'm thinkin'. What are ye off to do once we reach Waterdeep? Are ye fit to make this a career now ye've had a taste?" she asks.
OOC: I'll move us forward. Anything still unresolved can be handled retroactively.
The following morning, you find yourselves seated around the same fire, eating the morning meal. Like many mornings since departing Baldur's Gate, an iron bowl filled with oatmeal rests over the smoldering fire, most of it currently contained within your bowls. Before anyone has a chance to partake, however, the gnome woman that joined the caravan in Daggerford saunters over to Karib, puts her fingers to her lips, and snatches his bowl out of his hand. After glancing around at the other campfires to ensure she has not drawn undue attention, she pokes through his oatmeal with the blade of her dagger. Lifting it out, she shows you an oatmeal-smeared object resembling a tiny bead.
She glances over her shoulder again toward where some of the cultists sit at their breakfast. "It's a sliver of bone," she whispers, "Curled into a circle so you can swallow it in a mouthful of gruel without noticing. Once eaten, it slowly uncurls inside you, exposing needle points that pierce your guts and kill you slowly. I suspect they're in all your breakfasts."
As she gets up and walks away, she adds, "Let's talk this evening."
Merric drops his wooden spoon into the bowl with a clatter and shares a look with the others as the gnome leaves. “She joined at the same time as the red robed man we saw with the cultists. She seems interested in him and the cultists.” He nods toward Rogram “She appears to be doing a little better than poor Rogram at least. We should meet with her this evening and find out what she is looking for, she could be an ally.” He looks down and digs through his oatmeal, looking for the sliver of bone in his bowl as well.
Flabbergasted, Rogram rummages through his bowl as well. Was it his fault that the others are now in such danger? He hadn't meant to do any such thing. Karib's chiding voice rings in his ears. His fault. But then he replays what the woman said in the tavern: "You won't be seeing much of me until Waterdeep. I paid a wagon to let me ride the rest of the way. Maybe by then I'll feel less exhausted by you." Why would she even say that if she meant to kill him? Was she maybe not part of the plot? He felt like throwing his bowl at the fire. He certainly didn't feel like eating.
Digging through his oatmeal, Merric finds several small lumps that could be bone slivers like the one discovered by the gnome. A closer inspection reveals that they are more likely oat husks, sawdust, or even insect eggs. As he investigates, he also notices that two of the presumed cultists keep looking in the party's direction, though they appear to be hiding their interest.
That evening, after most of the travelers have bedded down, the gnome comes to you again as Karib is helping to load barrels back into Beyd's wagon from the night's revelry. She takes a seat on one of the barrels he hasn't loaded yet, behind the wagon and out of sight of the rest of the caravan, beckoning you to similarly shroud yourselves from view. "Jamna Gleamsilver," she introduces herself with a knowing grin. "And you're welcome."
“Jamna” Merric acknowledges the gnome with a nod as he sits down on his own barrel. “I’m Merric. Welcome to the caravan. Couldn’t help but notice you and your friend joined in Daggerford. What brings you to our fire?”
"Friend?" she asks with a tilt of her head, but otherwise gets straight to the point.
"We don't work for the same people, but we're all on the same side -- we share a belief that the Cult of the Dragon must be stopped. I need to know what they're carrying in those wagons and where they're taking it. Will you help me find out? We can do it tonight."
Rogram is both excited and leery as they gather around the new gnome. He wants to launch at her a series of questions related to the cult and her possible fight against them, but holds his tongue in an effort to not disappoint the others more than he already has. However, when she gets straight to the point about finding out what's in the wagons, his restraint evaporates. "Yes!" he says a little too loudly. As the others glare at him, he lowers his voice. "Let's do it tonight. I can help. I can turn myself or others invisible. And I can change my appearance. And I can create illusions. Just tell me how I can help."
"Is he always this exciteable?" she asks the others with a cheeky grin. Looking back to Rogram, she says, "You've clearly been itching to get in, and you obviously have been tracking them well before Daggerford. Do you have any idea what they're carrying? Have you learned anything about them?"
"Treasure?" Rogram more asks than tells. He glances at the others before continuing, "One time, they had wagon trouble, and treasure spilled out." He shrugs. "That's the only thing we know about. Their wagons are always guarded. We've never had a chance to enter any of them."
Merric is skeptical, first with the suspicious discovery of something they claim to be dangerous in the oatmeal and then with the hurried offer of help to investigate the wagons. He takes a quick glance at Rogram and turns to Jamna “Now wait a minute, just who do you work for? And what makes you think that this Cult of the Dragon is in this caravan, or that we care about them if they are?”
Insight on any deception or missing information from Jamna: 21.
.
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Akira is still heading in the direction of the apothecary for spell components.
.
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)
OOC: If you take a gander at the map of the Sword Coast it'll probably give you a good idea of how close the caravan is to Waterdeep. Daggerford's a heck of a lot closer than Baldur's Gate was. You're in the final stretches of the trip from Baldur's Gate to Waterdeep.
This was going to happen as the caravan regrouped, but since Karib is looking for some money I'll move it up in the order of events so he has a chance to do something with it in town:
Near the end of the caravan's day off, Carlon approaches Karib with a smile and a pouch of coins. He looks almost entirely different than the haggard man dug out of the road, wearing a brand new set of adventuring gear and well-fitting clothes. In addition, he's added to the arsenal crafted for him by Karib, with additional daggers and crossbow bolts in belt loops at his waist. "I have a couple of Harper contacts from last time I came through here," he explains. "When I explained what happened, they were willing to support our endeavor. Since you spent the time and money to make sure I could defend myself, I figured it should all go back to you."
OOC: Added 85 gp back to Karib's inventory.
Regarding Akira's spell components (and any other shopping to be done in Daggerford), feel free to just output your purchases and we can sort that out all nice and quick.
Also sorry if Rogram's feeling stonewalled right now! Hopefully that's coming across as the Cult not taking any chances, and not as the DM shutting you down.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Merric sighs and grimaces as Rogram drops his spell and he blinks back in appearance. “Probably for the best, I only found the one way in, and there are too many guards around to try anything. I'm always willing to help, maybe there will be another opportunity on the road.” Merric places a hand on Rogram’s shoulder “Don’t be too quick to give up. We will find a way, I’ll talk to Edhelri and the others. See what we can come up with.”
Merric gives the wagons one last glance and wanders off into the caravan yard. Later, he approaches Edhelri and asks about taking Rogram on as an extra hand. “He has been with the caravan for since Baldur's Gate and we could use the help with the wagon. He is a capable guard, remember the fight with the hobgoblins? He rushed in and fought the captain, keeping them busy while we approached. Practically saved the day. And you know he is a blacksmith, right? Repaired that one wagon on the road. It's a shame he was pushed out for those flashy adventurers. He will earn his keep, I’m sure of it."
OOC: Apologies for the absence, work was a bit hectic this week. For the record, he also thought there were too many guards this time around. Maybe next time!
OOC: Sometimes getting stonewalled is all part of the story. The player is not frustrated. Just trying to put together the puzzle and staying true to the character.
Rogram appreciates Merric's positive encouragement. Though they haven't known each other long, the half-dwarf is glad they happened upon the elf when they did. He decides to find Leda or The Pole. It's been a while since he's talked with them, and he's curious how they've faired.
OOC: We don't necessarily need to play that out.
OOC: Getting us moving a bit but please post anything else you'd like to do (purchases, RP, etc.) in Daggerford and we can handle it retroactively.
"That's fine," Edhelri says after listening to Merric's pitch. "If only because it will make Lai look bad. It's terrible etiquette to fire your guards halfway through a journey unless for incompetence. If you ask me, it's clearly Lai's incompetence to believe well-polished armor makes for better guardsmen. This Rogram can come on as a guard for the final tenday to Waterdeep. That's five gold pieces for him once we arrive, and you'll be in charge of him."
The sun shines the following morning, a pleasant omen for the final leg of the caravan's journey. While plenty of travelers do not rejoin the wagons, remaining in Daggerford as their final stop or a temporary destination, there are several new faces that report to the market in the morning to make the shorter trip to the bigger city of Waterdeep. One in particular easily catches your eye, a human man in an all-red robe trimmed with flecks of gold. Donning a wool cap with ear and neck flaps, the man passes by the travelers walking on foot to board one of the wagons. It seems one of the Cult's assumed wagons has given in and allowed for paying passengers, as one opens to allow him entrance before closing as the wagons begin to assemble for departure.
Most of the other new passengers look human, with the notable exception of a female gnome that seems to be traveling by herself.
Leda offers Rogram a warm smile when he arrives, and The Pole a grunt and a nod. "Enjoy your day in Daggerford?" Leda asks. "I found myself a bit overwhelmed. And Waterdeep is said to be ten times this grand," she says, looking off into the distance.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Rogram is happy to see his former coworkers. Having spent the night outside with the caravan as usual, despite being in town, Rogram makes a non-committal shrug. He finds it strange that Leda feels overwhelmed in Daggerford when Baldur's Gate, where he first met her, is so much larger — almost as large as Waterdeep. "Is Waterdeep your final destination?" he asks them, just making polite conversation. He isn't sure what he should do, but he's trying to not be as impulsive, so he's decided he should at least continue on to Waterdeep. It has helped that Merric found him some work for the final stretch. Perhaps they will get more information there, which will help him figure out what he should do next.
Early in the day Karib went to the market and purchased a small glass eye. He added the trinket to the pouch around his neck before resigning himself to the limited choices. Better than nothing and much better than I might have hoped.He thinks of Rogram's misadventures and sends thanks to Gond for the half-dwarf's seeming resilience.
After many days sitting in wagons the prospect of walking around -- not into combat -- is remarkably appealing. Karib spends some time walking around Daggerford idly hoping to find either a Temple of Gond or Harper contacts, but his recollections of the town are limited at best, and he was still worried about Rogram so he instead returns to the market and the wagons offering to assist where he can.
His eyes go wide when Carlon approaches and he thanks the man for the reimbursement. "This will be very handy," he says, with a quick glance in the direction of the exotic item stall.
Adding the coins back to his purse, he looks the man up and down. "Different. You look different," he says, "I could use some contacts here, if you wouldn't mind introducing me. But otherwise maybe a drink after a quick stop? Rogram's off getting into more trouble no doubt."
@DM: Karib buys the glass eye and a jewelled horn (200gp total, clairvoyance hear and see) and...I thought he had purchased items for Augury...but not on his sheet, so if not add them for 25GP.
"For now," Leda answers. "I think eventually I'll make my way up to the frigid north, see what it's like. But I might enjoy the city for a while, find some work." Seeing Rogram's expression when she mentions being overwhelmed by Daggerford, she guesses and explains, "I never actually went in to Baldur's Gate. I found work on the caravan so quickly I didn't have time."
"Several of the staff at Lady Bronwyn's are partial to the Harpers, it's an adventuring supply store further into town," Carlon tells Karib. "I've done some work for them in the past, and I filled them in on the information about the Cult and these caravans."
OOC: Added the spell components to Karib's inventory. Searching through the thread, it looks like I had pointed out you didn't have the spell components for augury yet but I don't see them being purchased, so I think we just lapsed on that.
The first day outside of Daggerford is largely uneventful. This stretch of the Trade Way between Daggerford and Waterdeep is well tended and much more traversed than the route between Daggerford and Baldur's Gate; smaller caravans and even individual groups seem much more comfortable traveling between these two cities, and there is a distinct air of calm along the route compared to the journey thus far.
Edhelri's dwarven bodyguard Eldkin hurriedly walks Rogram through the goods, the wagon, and the animals in the morning, peppering him with information without giving much time for questions in response. Once the caravan sets off, she leaves him in Merric's hands to guard and walk alongside the wagon.
For Merric:
You've noticed that the gnome woman who joined the caravan in Daggerford has shown an interest in the robed human man who joined at the same time and who was welcomed aboard one of the cult wagons as a passenger. They aren't together, but during stops, the gnome often sidles up near enough to overhear anything the human might say, and you've also spotted her hovering near the cult wagons when the cultists are busy with tasks other than guarding the wagon closely, much akin to Rogram's methods over the past tenday.
Additionally, you've noticed that she has shown an interest in yourself, Rogram, Karib, Akira, and Carlon. She has spoken to several of you, asking innocuous questions and commenting on the weather. Thus far, she has left you with the perception of being someone who flawlessly takes in every detail about people and her surroundings.
For Karib and Rogram:
You've noticed that the gnome woman who joined the caravan in Daggerford has shown an interest in the robed human man who joined at the same time and who was welcomed aboard one of the cult wagons as a passenger. They aren't together, but during stops, the gnome often sidles up near enough to overhear anything the human might say, and you've also spotted her hovering near the cult wagons when the cultists are busy with tasks other than guarding the wagon closely, much akin to Rogram's methods over the past tenday.
Additionally, you've noticed that she has shown an interest in yourselves, Merric, Akira, and Carlon. She has spoken to several of you, asking innocuous questions and commenting on the weather. Thus far, she has left you with the perception of being someone who flawlessly takes in every detail about people and her surroundings.
You also have the impression that she is aware that you have been watching her, too.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Rogram is itching to question the gnome woman. Her interest has bolstered his curiosity and hope. Walking beside Merry the half-dwarf says, "She has to be working with either the Harpers or the Order of the Gauntlet," he says, keeping his voice low enough to not be overheard. "Our contacts in Elturel were from those two factions. Perhaps she is the one we are to meet in Waterdeep. Or perhaps she is also making her way there. We have to keep following the Cult's wagons. I hope someone is there to tell us what to do next." He scowls. "I would like to try to make contact with the Lords' Alliance. I want to make sure they're aware of the Cult's progress. I think I might can do that in Waterdeep."
The wagons make excellent progress again on this day, and the day following. The day is overcast, with a cool breeze, and the caravan continues its excellent pace.
Tyjit strides alongside Akira after the first rest stop in the afternoon. "Well boss, we're almost there, I'm thinkin'. What are ye off to do once we reach Waterdeep? Are ye fit to make this a career now ye've had a taste?" she asks.
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
OOC: I'll move us forward. Anything still unresolved can be handled retroactively.
The following morning, you find yourselves seated around the same fire, eating the morning meal. Like many mornings since departing Baldur's Gate, an iron bowl filled with oatmeal rests over the smoldering fire, most of it currently contained within your bowls. Before anyone has a chance to partake, however, the gnome woman that joined the caravan in Daggerford saunters over to Karib, puts her fingers to her lips, and snatches his bowl out of his hand. After glancing around at the other campfires to ensure she has not drawn undue attention, she pokes through his oatmeal with the blade of her dagger. Lifting it out, she shows you an oatmeal-smeared object resembling a tiny bead.
She glances over her shoulder again toward where some of the cultists sit at their breakfast. "It's a sliver of bone," she whispers, "Curled into a circle so you can swallow it in a mouthful of gruel without noticing. Once eaten, it slowly uncurls inside you, exposing needle points that pierce your guts and kill you slowly. I suspect they're in all your breakfasts."
As she gets up and walks away, she adds, "Let's talk this evening."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Merric drops his wooden spoon into the bowl with a clatter and shares a look with the others as the gnome leaves. “She joined at the same time as the red robed man we saw with the cultists. She seems interested in him and the cultists.” He nods toward Rogram “She appears to be doing a little better than poor Rogram at least. We should meet with her this evening and find out what she is looking for, she could be an ally.” He looks down and digs through his oatmeal, looking for the sliver of bone in his bowl as well.
Flabbergasted, Rogram rummages through his bowl as well. Was it his fault that the others are now in such danger? He hadn't meant to do any such thing. Karib's chiding voice rings in his ears. His fault. But then he replays what the woman said in the tavern: "You won't be seeing much of me until Waterdeep. I paid a wagon to let me ride the rest of the way. Maybe by then I'll feel less exhausted by you." Why would she even say that if she meant to kill him? Was she maybe not part of the plot? He felt like throwing his bowl at the fire. He certainly didn't feel like eating.
Digging through his oatmeal, Merric finds several small lumps that could be bone slivers like the one discovered by the gnome. A closer inspection reveals that they are more likely oat husks, sawdust, or even insect eggs. As he investigates, he also notices that two of the presumed cultists keep looking in the party's direction, though they appear to be hiding their interest.
That evening, after most of the travelers have bedded down, the gnome comes to you again as Karib is helping to load barrels back into Beyd's wagon from the night's revelry. She takes a seat on one of the barrels he hasn't loaded yet, behind the wagon and out of sight of the rest of the caravan, beckoning you to similarly shroud yourselves from view. "Jamna Gleamsilver," she introduces herself with a knowing grin. "And you're welcome."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
“Jamna” Merric acknowledges the gnome with a nod as he sits down on his own barrel. “I’m Merric. Welcome to the caravan. Couldn’t help but notice you and your friend joined in Daggerford. What brings you to our fire?”
"Friend?" she asks with a tilt of her head, but otherwise gets straight to the point.
"We don't work for the same people, but we're all on the same side -- we share a belief that the Cult of the Dragon must be stopped. I need to know what they're carrying in those wagons and where they're taking it. Will you help me find out? We can do it tonight."
See my profile for all my PbP threads!
Rogram is both excited and leery as they gather around the new gnome. He wants to launch at her a series of questions related to the cult and her possible fight against them, but holds his tongue in an effort to not disappoint the others more than he already has. However, when she gets straight to the point about finding out what's in the wagons, his restraint evaporates. "Yes!" he says a little too loudly. As the others glare at him, he lowers his voice. "Let's do it tonight. I can help. I can turn myself or others invisible. And I can change my appearance. And I can create illusions. Just tell me how I can help."
"Is he always this exciteable?" she asks the others with a cheeky grin. Looking back to Rogram, she says, "You've clearly been itching to get in, and you obviously have been tracking them well before Daggerford. Do you have any idea what they're carrying? Have you learned anything about them?"
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"Treasure?" Rogram more asks than tells. He glances at the others before continuing, "One time, they had wagon trouble, and treasure spilled out." He shrugs. "That's the only thing we know about. Their wagons are always guarded. We've never had a chance to enter any of them."
Merric is skeptical, first with the suspicious discovery of something they claim to be dangerous in the oatmeal and then with the hurried offer of help to investigate the wagons. He takes a quick glance at Rogram and turns to Jamna “Now wait a minute, just who do you work for? And what makes you think that this Cult of the Dragon is in this caravan, or that we care about them if they are?”
Insight on any deception or missing information from Jamna: 21.
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