His question answered Ianric turns to the others, a massive grin on his face as he nods, obviously rather proud of himself for having thought of such a relatively simple question. "Then let us be off!"
((Assuming we're all agreed to leave now and not make any other preparations. If I'm wrong, please let me know.))
Making your way out of the tavern and through the streets, you eventually exit the southern gates of the city. The day is clear and pleasantly warm as you begin to travel down the wide, dirt road towards Clearpoint, passing by low hills and expansive, open fields. There are plentiful bushes and wildflowers to either side of you, as well as sparse groves of trees. You pass a few other travelers, some on foot, some in wagons or on horseback, none particularly notable. The air is mostly silent, aside from occasional, distant birdsong and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.
Alyyja hums a quiet tune to herself as we trek along the road gathering in the scenery as we go. She gives curt nods to all they pass. While nigh positive she knows what is in the vial she has pocketed, she is still sorely tempted to bring it out to examine closer. Though what piques her curiosity more is how Councilwoman Domine might have acquired such a sample.
Sael follows along with the group, blinking owlishly in the sun, and spends some time inspecting her new traveling companions. She'd been alone for so long that their presence was continually startling, though not unwelcome. She was also unused to traveling during the daylight hours - she usually operated at night, when she could see the stars, but supposed she would have to get used to the day, given her new situation. Hopefully this distraction from her research would help with the block she'd found herself in - for all that she had said before that she'd been near a breakthrough, it was hardly true. There was obviously another temple she was missing, but she couldn't make sense of the clues and well. Obviously a break was needed. She could go back to it after with fresh eyes, perhaps.
"So, I take it strange happenings are not usual in these sort of politics? I am unfamiliar with the ways of such places," she says after a moment, curious as to the others' experiences and opinions on what was going on. Certainly there had been politicking among her people, but it had not been the secretive, subtle sort.
Donning his helmet again, Vorkaz steps back onto the road. Looking at his new companions he laughs a little, It is like when I first became a soldier. Everywhere a new adventure. He rests his hand on his sword and hums along to Alyyja's tune. "A good melody for walking, it does help pass the time." As Sael asks the group about politics, Vorkaz shakes his head, "I know little of this place's politics. Strength and cunning is all you needed in the banners. I do know that she is extraordinarily strong and I would expect that all of her fellow council-folk are the same."
"I suspect that all politics look unusual and odd to those unaccustomed to dealing with it. It's often easier to just let the upper echelons do their thing, it so often doesn't really affect that lives of the typical workman or shopkeeper. Still, what the high council does and how they do it is above anything I even have dealt with," Kaemgen says idly. "Getting invited to interfere... Well that usually leads to a great boon or a great deal of suffering."
Kaemgen looks around at his newfound traveling companions and then back to the road. "I suspect we all have a reason we agreed beyond mere lack of anything better to do..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
"Not common for nobles to seek mercs unless it's under the table or war they plan for! Such a small group as us? Not used to such a thing though it doesn't feel quite under the table. And I'd bet a gold Hazel is our common point! She saved me mostly from being a squid!" The goliath proclaims proudly once they are on the road. On the travel out of the town the otherwise boisterous fighter had kept his eyes peeled around them, hoping they were not already being followed or tracked. Once on the road however, he wanted desperately to know more about these small ones who whose lives would be in his large hands!
"I see," Sael nods, though she didn't, really. "Hazel saved my life, so I am happy to help her with...Whatever this is," she adds, having no qualms about sharing that bit of information. "Honestly, I'd mostly forgotten? I had no idea she even knew where to find me." Probably, that should have worried her more, but it didn't. Hazel had, after all, proven herself capable. "It is refreshing to be around people again," she admits, glancing around at the group. "I have been alone for a long while."
Vorkaz looks over in surprise at the goliath, "A squid.... you must tell me more. As for my connection to the lady, she saved my life when I was captured by an enemy legion. I owe her a debt and I intend to repay it." Looking over at Sael, he wonders aloud, "And what had you been researching for so long and by yourself?"
Sael blinks at the question, looking over at Vorkaz. "Oh! I study the stars! I've been looking for temples dedicated to the heavens; until I got Hazel's message, I was studying the inscriptions on a temple to the East," she explains vaguely, her eyes lit up at the thought of her studies. "All the signs point to another, far more important temple where rituals took place, but I have yet to find it. I am sure I am close, however!"
"I'd disagree a bit about nobles and mercenaries, but I suppose a lot depends on one's definitions and experiences," Kaemgen would note. "Things can get ugly out of the eyes of the masses sometimes..."
"But yes, I too was surprised to hear from Hazel again, not that I am complaining. It is good to pay off a debt. Just when we had met it had all seemed incidental. Accidental. While it was note worthy to me it had seemed to barely register more importance to her than thanking the wait staff. It is interesting to note that she forgot nothing. That she was indeed keeping a ledger."
"So you do your studies alone, Sael? Is it seclusion you seek for concentration or are your studies... secretive for some reason? Or perhaps a race to find the answer?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
Alyyja pauses momentarily in her tune taken aback as she notes Vorkaz accompanying her not used to such things. "As to why I am here, I like secrets and Councilwoman Domine I'm sure has some to share." She grins mischievously as she looks to Sael. "As it appears at least some of us do as well. Hidden temples and undecipherable inscriptions you say? Color me intrigued. Also, she saved my parents and our inn once."
Sael attempts a grin, though it is fairly obvious she's uncomfortable talking about secrets. "I do study alone, yes," she answers Kaemgen, shrugging. "It is the way of my people, and well; I have not had the luck to find many traveling companions who share in my....enthusiasm," she admits, her grin turning a bit rueful. "And the wilds are dangerous for those not used to such a life." Which made her sound far more confident than she was, really; she was far more used to hiding than fighting, though she'd done that when needed.
To Alyyja she says, "the temples are only hidden if you don't know where to look." Then, she grins again. "But the inscriptions are indecipherable. Frustratingly so." Trying to direct the attention away from herself, she turns to Bearhug. "What of you and your squid story, then? Were you actually in danger of becoming a squid or?"
The talk of temples, secrets and inscriptions went right over Ianric's head....but when two of the small ones inquired about his story the blue Goliath's face lit up with a grand smile. Ever so happy to be in the spotlight, the mutated Goliath turned so that at least Sael and Vorkaz could see (as well as anyone else interested), tilted his head and made an odd sucking noise like he was suffocating and anyone who had ever seen sea life before would recognize a pair of gills making themselves visible at the base of his thickly muscled neck. Following that he lifted his arms up in a classic flexing pose, though more to bring better attention to the vestigial growths squirming around just above his elbows on the outside of both arms. "I was a squid! Not sure how long I was, but I was on a job, protecting a merchant and her wares. We were attacked, standard bandits, after crushing two of their skulls like glass beneath my mighty fists I discovered one of them was a spellcaster! Though I tried to tear his teeny tongue from his mouth, the incantation came out, and splorp, I plopped to the ground as a squid! I sat there, for the gods only know how many hours, suffocating, gasping for breath, desperately wriggling around and hoping it may rain and let me breath! But the lovely Lady Hazel happened upon me, and dispelled the cursed magic! Though I have thought long and hard I am still not absolutely sure why, but the transformation only mostly changed me back! I used to be nearly albino, able to hide even among snow, but now it is the icy waters I can blend into and swim in ever so easily!"
The rest of the day comes to pass, and soon enough, you see the sun setting over the horizon. As you begin your search for a place to make camp for the night, Sael, you notice a faint column of smoke rising from behind a clump of bushes about a hundred feet off the road. You don't immediately hear any voices or other sounds coming from that direction.
Sael pauses upon noticing the smoke, instincts born of experience making her wary. She holds up a hand to the others, glancing at them. "Hold a moment," she requests, pointing to the faint column of smoke. "There is some kind of camp, I think."
Assuming they were all simply overwhelmed with how odd and amazing his tale was Ianric had continued on with a happy hum for the day. When they spoke of the other potential camp the goliath nodded and pulled out his shield and the massive flail at his hip. "If they are friendly, perhaps an extra pair of eyes during watch. IF they are not so friendly, we break them as a warning to any who would attack us in the night!" Though enthusiastic the Goliath had enough sense to keep his voice low enough to not echo through the wood and potentially alert whomever.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Do we wish to approach unnoticed or openly?” Alyyja asks as she surveys the area for ways to approach unnoticed or places others might be lying in wait.
“Wouldn’t hurt to know what was there before walking into it. Let’s just not get into something accidentally is all,” Kaemgen suggests. “If one of you think you can get close enough to see what’s what without being detected, do so and come let us know.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
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His question answered Ianric turns to the others, a massive grin on his face as he nods, obviously rather proud of himself for having thought of such a relatively simple question. "Then let us be off!"
((Assuming we're all agreed to leave now and not make any other preparations. If I'm wrong, please let me know.))
Making your way out of the tavern and through the streets, you eventually exit the southern gates of the city. The day is clear and pleasantly warm as you begin to travel down the wide, dirt road towards Clearpoint, passing by low hills and expansive, open fields. There are plentiful bushes and wildflowers to either side of you, as well as sparse groves of trees. You pass a few other travelers, some on foot, some in wagons or on horseback, none particularly notable. The air is mostly silent, aside from occasional, distant birdsong and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.
Iris - Tiefling Cleric | Cassandra - Elf Warlock | Solace - Tiefling Monk | Tempest - Hexblood Monk | Lex - Fire Genasi Barbarian
Lilyn - Triton Ranger | Candor - Changeling Bard | Echo - Changeling Warlock/Bard | Rowan - Fairy Wizard
Alyyja hums a quiet tune to herself as we trek along the road gathering in the scenery as we go. She gives curt nods to all they pass. While nigh positive she knows what is in the vial she has pocketed, she is still sorely tempted to bring it out to examine closer. Though what piques her curiosity more is how Councilwoman Domine might have acquired such a sample.
Sael follows along with the group, blinking owlishly in the sun, and spends some time inspecting her new traveling companions. She'd been alone for so long that their presence was continually startling, though not unwelcome. She was also unused to traveling during the daylight hours - she usually operated at night, when she could see the stars, but supposed she would have to get used to the day, given her new situation. Hopefully this distraction from her research would help with the block she'd found herself in - for all that she had said before that she'd been near a breakthrough, it was hardly true. There was obviously another temple she was missing, but she couldn't make sense of the clues and well. Obviously a break was needed. She could go back to it after with fresh eyes, perhaps.
"So, I take it strange happenings are not usual in these sort of politics? I am unfamiliar with the ways of such places," she says after a moment, curious as to the others' experiences and opinions on what was going on. Certainly there had been politicking among her people, but it had not been the secretive, subtle sort.
No Longer Active
Donning his helmet again, Vorkaz steps back onto the road. Looking at his new companions he laughs a little, It is like when I first became a soldier. Everywhere a new adventure. He rests his hand on his sword and hums along to Alyyja's tune. "A good melody for walking, it does help pass the time." As Sael asks the group about politics, Vorkaz shakes his head, "I know little of this place's politics. Strength and cunning is all you needed in the banners. I do know that she is extraordinarily strong and I would expect that all of her fellow council-folk are the same."
"I suspect that all politics look unusual and odd to those unaccustomed to dealing with it. It's often easier to just let the upper echelons do their thing, it so often doesn't really affect that lives of the typical workman or shopkeeper. Still, what the high council does and how they do it is above anything I even have dealt with," Kaemgen says idly. "Getting invited to interfere... Well that usually leads to a great boon or a great deal of suffering."
Kaemgen looks around at his newfound traveling companions and then back to the road. "I suspect we all have a reason we agreed beyond mere lack of anything better to do..."
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
"Not common for nobles to seek mercs unless it's under the table or war they plan for! Such a small group as us? Not used to such a thing though it doesn't feel quite under the table. And I'd bet a gold Hazel is our common point! She saved me mostly from being a squid!" The goliath proclaims proudly once they are on the road. On the travel out of the town the otherwise boisterous fighter had kept his eyes peeled around them, hoping they were not already being followed or tracked. Once on the road however, he wanted desperately to know more about these small ones who whose lives would be in his large hands!
"I see," Sael nods, though she didn't, really. "Hazel saved my life, so I am happy to help her with...Whatever this is," she adds, having no qualms about sharing that bit of information. "Honestly, I'd mostly forgotten? I had no idea she even knew where to find me." Probably, that should have worried her more, but it didn't. Hazel had, after all, proven herself capable. "It is refreshing to be around people again," she admits, glancing around at the group. "I have been alone for a long while."
No Longer Active
Vorkaz looks over in surprise at the goliath, "A squid.... you must tell me more. As for my connection to the lady, she saved my life when I was captured by an enemy legion. I owe her a debt and I intend to repay it." Looking over at Sael, he wonders aloud, "And what had you been researching for so long and by yourself?"
Sael blinks at the question, looking over at Vorkaz. "Oh! I study the stars! I've been looking for temples dedicated to the heavens; until I got Hazel's message, I was studying the inscriptions on a temple to the East," she explains vaguely, her eyes lit up at the thought of her studies. "All the signs point to another, far more important temple where rituals took place, but I have yet to find it. I am sure I am close, however!"
No Longer Active
"I'd disagree a bit about nobles and mercenaries, but I suppose a lot depends on one's definitions and experiences," Kaemgen would note. "Things can get ugly out of the eyes of the masses sometimes..."
"But yes, I too was surprised to hear from Hazel again, not that I am complaining. It is good to pay off a debt. Just when we had met it had all seemed incidental. Accidental. While it was note worthy to me it had seemed to barely register more importance to her than thanking the wait staff. It is interesting to note that she forgot nothing. That she was indeed keeping a ledger."
"So you do your studies alone, Sael? Is it seclusion you seek for concentration or are your studies... secretive for some reason? Or perhaps a race to find the answer?"
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
Alyyja pauses momentarily in her tune taken aback as she notes Vorkaz accompanying her not used to such things. "As to why I am here, I like secrets and Councilwoman Domine I'm sure has some to share." She grins mischievously as she looks to Sael. "As it appears at least some of us do as well. Hidden temples and undecipherable inscriptions you say? Color me intrigued. Also, she saved my parents and our inn once."
Sael attempts a grin, though it is fairly obvious she's uncomfortable talking about secrets. "I do study alone, yes," she answers Kaemgen, shrugging. "It is the way of my people, and well; I have not had the luck to find many traveling companions who share in my....enthusiasm," she admits, her grin turning a bit rueful. "And the wilds are dangerous for those not used to such a life." Which made her sound far more confident than she was, really; she was far more used to hiding than fighting, though she'd done that when needed.
To Alyyja she says, "the temples are only hidden if you don't know where to look." Then, she grins again. "But the inscriptions are indecipherable. Frustratingly so." Trying to direct the attention away from herself, she turns to Bearhug. "What of you and your squid story, then? Were you actually in danger of becoming a squid or?"
No Longer Active
The talk of temples, secrets and inscriptions went right over Ianric's head....but when two of the small ones inquired about his story the blue Goliath's face lit up with a grand smile. Ever so happy to be in the spotlight, the mutated Goliath turned so that at least Sael and Vorkaz could see (as well as anyone else interested), tilted his head and made an odd sucking noise like he was suffocating and anyone who had ever seen sea life before would recognize a pair of gills making themselves visible at the base of his thickly muscled neck. Following that he lifted his arms up in a classic flexing pose, though more to bring better attention to the vestigial growths squirming around just above his elbows on the outside of both arms. "I was a squid! Not sure how long I was, but I was on a job, protecting a merchant and her wares. We were attacked, standard bandits, after crushing two of their skulls like glass beneath my mighty fists I discovered one of them was a spellcaster! Though I tried to tear his teeny tongue from his mouth, the incantation came out, and splorp, I plopped to the ground as a squid! I sat there, for the gods only know how many hours, suffocating, gasping for breath, desperately wriggling around and hoping it may rain and let me breath! But the lovely Lady Hazel happened upon me, and dispelled the cursed magic! Though I have thought long and hard I am still not absolutely sure why, but the transformation only mostly changed me back! I used to be nearly albino, able to hide even among snow, but now it is the icy waters I can blend into and swim in ever so easily!"
The rest of the day comes to pass, and soon enough, you see the sun setting over the horizon. As you begin your search for a place to make camp for the night, Sael, you notice a faint column of smoke rising from behind a clump of bushes about a hundred feet off the road. You don't immediately hear any voices or other sounds coming from that direction.
Iris - Tiefling Cleric | Cassandra - Elf Warlock | Solace - Tiefling Monk | Tempest - Hexblood Monk | Lex - Fire Genasi Barbarian
Lilyn - Triton Ranger | Candor - Changeling Bard | Echo - Changeling Warlock/Bard | Rowan - Fairy Wizard
(Mobile)
Sael pauses upon noticing the smoke, instincts born of experience making her wary. She holds up a hand to the others, glancing at them. "Hold a moment," she requests, pointing to the faint column of smoke. "There is some kind of camp, I think."
No Longer Active
“I’d not worry about a camp,” Kaemgen says. “We’re about to do such ourselves. But we should make sure that is all it is...”
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop
Assuming they were all simply overwhelmed with how odd and amazing his tale was Ianric had continued on with a happy hum for the day. When they spoke of the other potential camp the goliath nodded and pulled out his shield and the massive flail at his hip. "If they are friendly, perhaps an extra pair of eyes during watch. IF they are not so friendly, we break them as a warning to any who would attack us in the night!" Though enthusiastic the Goliath had enough sense to keep his voice low enough to not echo through the wood and potentially alert whomever.
“Do we wish to approach unnoticed or openly?” Alyyja asks as she surveys the area for ways to approach unnoticed or places others might be lying in wait.
(Perception 6)
“Wouldn’t hurt to know what was there before walking into it. Let’s just not get into something accidentally is all,” Kaemgen suggests. “If one of you think you can get close enough to see what’s what without being detected, do so and come let us know.”
We're doing one small murder-y thing for a bigger, better reason. The ends justify the means.
-- Eleanor Shellstrop