OOC: I'm still unclear on whether or not a camel and feed are actually being purchased. Otherwise just waiting for confirmation from Harmony on exactly how many spell components are being purchased and where she is in the marching order. So far both Garu and Aisha have taken place in the front rank, so there won't be a middle rank. Harmony can take the rear or there can be just a front rank with everyone in it.

Not purchasing camel and feed but rather casting Find Steed. Garu will take rear and let Aisha go front, keeping Harmony mid.

Harmony will have half of her arrows, 20 be silvered and get 200 gp of diamond dust. She'll be in the middle then.

OOC: Apologies for the delay, dealing with some computer issues that should hopefully be sorted out in 6-8 business days.

I've returned the cost of the camel to Garu, then removed the costs for silvering and components.

Aisha Survival: 11

DM Screen:

Upon leaving the Order of Astar's manor, you are assailed by a wave of heat. Garu's magical steed quickly becomes a blessing as the burden of weight is relieved from your backs. Aisha leads the way through desert lands, following Spring's directions as closely as possible.

The journey is largely uneventful, but the evidence of Spring's worry is everywhere on your travel. On more than one instance, you see packs of wildlife torn asunder, abandoned clusters of housing, and on one occasion, the aftermath of an apparent battle between Agamar and human soldiers and humanoid undead.

After a tenday of travel you reach what is most likely the Vorda Peaks that Spring had described. The oppressive heat still bears down on you, but as you attain higher elevation, the heightened breeze provides much-needed relief. A few days later, while walking through the valley of a canyon, you are hailed by a group of over a dozen humanoid men and women dressed in similar garb. Dressed in long flowing red cloaks, and wearing red scaled masks, a feminine voice chuckles and remarks to the others, "Looks like they're out for more than a mid-day stroll."

A deeper, male voice addresses you. "I'll keep this short and simple. We've been hired to remove threats to The Masters. You look like threats."

OOC: Feel free to change up prepared spells, as it has been fifteen total days since leaving Arketh. I've removed 15 days of rations from each character.

(About to head into work, but the survival role would have an extra +5 due to natural explorer)

Harmony was surprised by seeing all the people in cloaks and masks before hearing the man. "Threats, us? No, we're just travelers passing through here. We don't even know who or what you're talking about, The Masters. We are not from around here obviously, so we just want to keep moving forward. Pretty please?" she says to them sweetly, hoping that she can convince them. This is a lot for just the three of them to take on and worried that this could turn really bad if a fight starts.

(Using Inspiration to get Advantage on this)

Persuasion:26

Garu will hold her hands open in front of her in a gesture of cautious peace and look in the eyes of the ones she can see. “Someone spent their money well to secure your services. I do not believe we are a threat to your masters but perhaps you could tell me about your masters to help understand.”

Also Perusasion: 17

OOC: I have a working computer again!

To Harmony, the woman smirks, "Now that you mention it, a proper donation could ensure that we happen to be elsewhere when you approach the caverns."

Then, when Garu asks for clarification on their masters, her partner adds, "A separate donation might allow us to elaborate for you. That will be a much steeper cost."

The derisive snorts and chuckles from the other cloaked individuals behind them quickly turn to a shuffling unease when the prospect of speaking about their masters is brought up.

Aisha can see that they're extorting the party but she isn't fully against the idea. What would the cost of both donations combined be? she asked, trying to see just how 'steep' the cost would be. If it is fairr enough, this one will collect it and bring it to you. for the first time in a while, Aisha felt that her sticky fingers may once more find a use... for the first time since coming here.... A quick exchange leaving her better off than they would be. In preparation, she began scanning for the coinpurse on the one doing the most of the speaking...

Perception to spot the coinpouch: 18

"It's your donation," the woman grins. "Just don't insult us. Or do, I suppose. It's boring out here...a scrap would be exciting."

To Aisha it appears as though this band of individuals is not equipped for travel, or at the very least are not carrying coinpurses or equipment.

Garu reaches into her bag, reaching to gather coin. "For allowing us to pass through your space unmolested, 24 gold." 

"For information you share that we deem useful, I will pay 48", she says, wearing a nonplused expression. 

Welp, there went my whole plan...

Harmony had heard these people, surprised and thinking. Donations? Then she saw all the gold that Garu was handing over. "Are your masters not paying you enough? Could you tell us more about them?" she then asked the group of people.

"That'll cover your passage," the man says after a long moment of tense silence. The woman then cackles at Harmony. "It isn't payment in gold the masters are offering." She then turns to Garu. "Double your 48 and add a few, and we'll open our mouths."

Aisha, knowing that her original plan was no-go thanks to these paupers whispers in Garu's ear It is up to you if you do. Aisha can stay nearby, and rob it back form them in the night. Aisha will do this alone, and you all can prrroceed. Aisha will track you once she has.

Garu squints her eyes as if to see through the mercs. Reaching in and counting off 100 gold, she turns to look at them.

"I expect the information to be worthwhile", she says counting off the gold.

OOC: Removed 24 gp from Garu's inventory for passage, and 100 gp for information.

The red-robed mercenaries wait patiently for Garu to conclude her counting, then take a moment to assess the coinage for themselves. Seeing it apparently to their liking, the man grumbles, "Thank you for your patronage." He motions to his partner to explain further while he distributes the coins to his smirking companions.

"The masters are vampires - living dead with a thirst for blood and a...macabre sense of decor," she says. "These caverns used to be some sort of city but now no one knows what's down there, 'cept a lot of death and torture. Number of folks thinking they're strong enough have paid us off to go see for themselves. Never seen any of 'em after that, but we sure heard their screams."

Harmony was confused, now wondering what kind of payment they get then. She listened to them explain, shocked. Vampires?! They were going in the right direction, right?? "That is certainly very helpful, thank you." she said back with a smile, looking to Garu and Aisha. With what they've been through so far, surely they can handle vampires, hopefully.

Garu's expression changes from one of tedium to interest as she hears the information shared. "A moment to discuss?" Garu asks Aisha and Harmony. Looking back at the source of information, Garu replies, "Thank you! How many vampires?"

The woman shrugs, "Your guess is as good as mine. They pay us, and we don't ask any questions. Could be one, could be a dozen."