Amara's response is short, clearly showing she doesn't want any conversation. However, Mark thinks it's a good time to break the ice and learn something about his traveling companions.
Now better than too late.
"A pleasure. Tell me, Amara, if we were about to get in trouble... What would you do? I mean, would you use that staff you carry to hit people in the head, of would it have some other utilities?" He quickly bows and smiles. "Don't get me wrong, I just like to know what to expect from my... traveling friends."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Losing to a master is nothing to be ashamed of, unless you learn nothing from the experience."
Isabelle treats Gorm to a respectful nod - and as Gorm turns away, she'll hear the young woman speak some harsh words along the lines of 'that's how you make a deal without going into debt, idiot. Were you paying attention?"
The Selunite wagon seems in fair condition - nothing ostentatious about its make besides the pendants strewn across the tarp and embedded into the stokes of the wagon's wheels. The older gentleman hails Manny with a wrinkled hand before standing and extending a handshake. "Father Beltram! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am relieved to meet another of the divine path accompanying us on this mission." The old man's eyes flicker towards the fervent preaching of the handsome priest. The Tiefling still stands, arms crossed, face unimpressed. You notice an amount of wry humor in the aged man's eyes, though a faint hint of worry seems to crease his already wrinkled brow. "I feared Connor and Juditha would be the only ones capable of tending to the sick - I am quite capable myself, of course, but I may very well greet Selune in person before the next sun rises. I speak for myself - and, I hope, Juditha - that our mistress wishes for us to heal and aid others, regardless of the prejudices or situations. Forcing worship on others is something I abhor - as with all belief, it should come naturally." Father Beltram sighs. Juditha nods. It becomes apparent by Father Beltram's comment and Juditha's silence that the girl is incapable of speech. "Unfortunately, I have found myself incapable of reigning in the more zealous of her worshipers..."
"Me?"Mockery seems almost flattered someone asked her about her reason on this trip. "My sister and I are travelers - sellswords, though, really, I'm a sellute, Misery's more a sellsword. Ran into some nasty business in a few towns over and, well? We just want to get away, you know? Start anew. The land's harsh on us Tieflings, and we don't always get the long end of the stick...or was it the other way around? We always get the short end of the stick? I guess it matters little." Misery laughs - a simple, carefree laugh of one who enjoys the vibrant feeling of being alive. "My new goal is to teach that stuck-up prick of a Selunite a lesson. I don't think he'll be getting much out of my sister. It's pretty fun to watch the two argue, though."
The young man - Shane, you heard him called - uses Whistler's words as a means of ignoring the Sherriff entirely. It's clear the dark blue-robed man didn't think much of Riggs. Regardless, Shane meets Whistler's hand; the lack of callouses and rather weak grip indicating Shane's work is decidedly not the manual labor most along the frontier earned a living with. "Scrimshaw Brightsworth, at your service. Call me Shane, 'Ol' Man'," he smiles. Something about Shane's smile is off, resembling a fox assessing the state of an injured mouse with no escape. It's almost unnerving. "I prefer to introduce myself as an alchemist and spellweaver when such titles aren't considered synonymous with criminal and scoundrel." "And I'm Riggs. Walter Riggs. Sheriff of this ol' county., if you haven't heard." Walter puffs his chest up and almost grabs Whistler's hand from Shane's to shake - it's clear Riggs enjoyed boasting about his title. "I'm here to keep an eye out for anythin' funny along this trip, you hear?" "Many times over, sir,"Shane sardonically replies with a roll of his eyes. "I have no qualms with another occupant in the wagon, though you will have to check with Bones. Between my magical supplies, Bones' weight, and Rigg's ego, I'm afraid the fit will be rather tight."
'Bones', the rather large man Shane referred to, merely watches with amusement as the conversation continues. He makes no motions to intervene, nor does he offer any reaction besides a brow raising in acknowledgement if Whistler catches his eyes.
Whistler caught the oddness in Shane's smile, but hid any reaction behind his current friendly-but-serious smile. He'd normally make a mental note that it was just another kid maybe needing to be taken down a peg or two at some point, but this seemed... different. Maybe the sheriff had been right about the young man? No, that wasn't it. There was a mystery here, and while Whistler wasn't the type to concern himself with other's secrets, he ALSO didn't want the drama of something hindering his trip to Goldshire. Especially some... whatever it was that the kid was hiding.
"And I'm Riggs. Walter Riggs. Sheriff of this ol' county., if you haven't heard. I'm here to keep an eye out for anythin' funny along this trip, you hear?"
The bounty hunter's smile widened a bit as he involuntarily shook the sheriff's hand back. Might as well continue remain diplomatic... as open as the lawman was with his dislikes, his greeting meant he hadn't yet heard of Whistler's "talents." Either that, or he had heard, and just didn't think the fighter fell into the same category as a mage, sorcerer or alchemist. Whistler was content in keeping it that way for now... although he fully intended to eventually press the man on whether Giles had actually granted him a role as an overseer on the trip.
"I have no qualms with another occupant in the wagon, though you will have to check with Bones. Between my magical supplies, Bones' weight, and Rigg's ego, I'm afraid the fit will be rather tight."
Whistler nodded gravely at the spellweaver. "Well then, I s'pose I'd's best get to that, then," he said before looking Bones' way. Turning back to Riggs, he simply nodded "Sheriff," before walking over to the scraggly man. He'd wanted to feel him out--might as well make the best of an invitation to do so.
The bounty hunter broadened his smile as he approached. "So," he began in a friendly tone as he stopped in front of the man. "I take it you ah' Good Man Bones?" He nodded in the direction of Riggs and Brightsworth. "Yo' companions were wantin' me to check with you 'fo' taking the last spot on yo' wagon." He then jingled the coin purse attached to his belt, still smiling broadly. "I reckon you'll find my money is good as anyone else's here, and I jus' happen to not have a 'bundance o' possesions wit' me. Won't take up mo' than my share of space, at least. So then, you up for the extra company, Mr. Bones?"
‘Father Beltram, a pleasure.’ Manny nods to the older man as he shakes his hand, and then nods to Juditha with a smile ‘And likewise, Juditha.’ he says, extending his hand to her as well. ‘You seem admirably hale for a man of your years, Father, but please don’t hesitate to call on my services if you have need.’
He nods towards Connor ‘Your, hmm, colleague is carrying a divine presence within him. I suspect that might be the cause of his vigour, and perhaps also his lack of flexibility…?’
Amara lifts one brow. "Stay away from you? Why's that?"
"Well, because I'll be trying to get them off of you..."
Mark looks at all the folks gathered. Everyone has a purpose, legit or not. Without turning his face to the woman, he asks her, if she's even still there.
"What's in it for you?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Losing to a master is nothing to be ashamed of, unless you learn nothing from the experience."
Both Shane and the Sheriff conclude their greetings with Whistler with different levels of politeness before continuing to pack. Their squabbling has, for now, ceased, but they still throw wayward glances each other's way.
The large, scraggly man has clearly worked manual labor most his life, and has clearly enjoyed whatever profits have been brought his way. He's large - towering easily over six feet in height, and a healthy layer of fat covers still-rippling muscles. Bones chews his apple as Whistler walks up and speaks, remaining silent for several moments as he chews and chews, eyes lightly sizing Whistler up and down. His expression is quite neutral; polite and interested, certainly, but otherwise bemused.
After several seconds definitely longer than necessary, Bones' bulky shoulders lift in a shrug. He wipes his hands and simply answers; "No issues here, sir. I'll mostly walk, anyhow - it'll do me good, you think?"
"Of course, of course,"Father Beltram states, a smile on his crinkled face. Juditha mimics Manny's gesture and does her best to smile (OOC: Connor is the one radiating a divine presence, and judging by your post, I assume you are speaking to Father Beltram. Let me know if I misinterpreted or not). "If you need anything as well, you let me know, you hear? As for Connor, well...he has the best intentions for all, but I fear he lacks the wisdom to determine who's in need of help, and he certainly lacks the restraint to stop himself from 'helping' a situation he deems necessary to interfere in. Be careful, Manny - I fear him sometimes. Perhaps you can speak some sense into him. I have tried myself."
Speaking of - Misery, the straight-horned Tiefling, merely interrupts the priest who seems determined to preach something to her. The Tiefling shakes her head after saying something under her breath and returns to the back of the caravan to join her sister. Connor's expression could kill, but he eventually turns and returns to the Selunite wagon. Bones, Shane, and the Sheriff finish packing their bags in their own caravan, while each individual wagon begins preparations to officially leave.
The Kenku leaning against a tree in the shade has been watching, clearly listening to more than what a normal person would be able to.
Giles, the elven guide, emits an ear-piercing whistle before cupping his hands around his mouth and shouting; "Make haste! We leave now!" The elf turns, smiles, and begins walking down the dirt-trodden path carving through the prairies and trees of the trail through Jackdaw Ridge. The Selunite wagon is close behind, followed by the Durnons, Carpenters, Moores, and the rental wagon. The rest straggle on behind.
Alright - quick synopsis of how 'days' are going to function.
You're free to engage an NPC in conversation whenever you wish. Beyond that, posts will be broken down into distinct phases - one day scene, and one campfire scene. Please, roll me a standard Perception check during the day and during the night. If there are any preparations or specific rolls (watching the behavior of a specific NPC, breaking into a wagon to see what's up, attempting to steal something from an NPC), feel free to roll a check. If the skill is different than what I would've wanted, I'll apply the modifiers from your sheet.
Regardless, I'll be describing what's going on, what you notice, and important dialogue between NPCs.
For now - the chilly, autumn morning rises as the town of Swainbrook grows faint in the distance. The path is relatively clear - the weather nearly cloudless, a blue sky making travel quite easy. Giles leads the caravan and engages in cheery conversation with Mockery, while Misery walks, arms crossed, silent and stony-faced. Shane seems to be reading some sort of book in his wagon, while the Sherriff and Bones walk alongside the rental. Henry rides his clearly purchased, expensive horses, casting a regal gaze over all who walk, while Juditha strides next to the Selunite wagon.
Please - roll me one Perception check. Feel free to roll additional checks as you desire - and, of course, speak with any NPC you wish to.
Having placed his backpack in the rented wagon, Whistler was content to walk for a bit. He'd kept his valuables on his person, of course, so there was no reason to be in the wagon all day. The bounty hunter had intended to help keep a watch out for trouble--and while he sincerely hoped the trip would go smoothly, he also found himself keeping an eye open for opportunities to practice his... abilities.
A quick glance cast over the others on foot put him at ease. The decisions were sensible, if obvious; nothing out of the ordinary there. For some reason, Juditha felt the least in--place, although still not actually out of place... the older man couldn't quite put his finger onto why, but then, he wasn't much into religion (despite having learned a little from his mother,) so he chose to not focus on it too much. Instead, he smiled a bit as he adjusted the buckler on his back, thankful for the relative quiet as they headed out.
Gorm D'iabhal begins the trek on her feet, backpack upon her shoulders and the hood of her cloak up. Those on the journey have surely already seen the small horns poking up through her blue hair and pegged her for a Tiefling but given the preaching Misery and Mockery have seemed to be getting from the one priest she's decided it best not to flaunt the fact and remind anybody.
Gorm passes minor conversation with any and all but mostly tries to stay to the fringes and just watch. She does make a point of staying within eyesight of the Moore caravan. As promised, she tries to be present without being hovering or obtrusive.
Gorm does disappear from the rest of the group for about an hour. "I'll catch up," she mentions to anybody who sees her step off the trail and find a little privacy for herself. When she does sprint for a while to finally catch up, she gives a weak smile and will just say "stomach issues" while giving a bit of a shrug to any who inquire.
In truth, Gorm moved away from view and found herself a quiet spot to cast Find Familiar and summon her familiar, an Imp this time. The Imp shape changes into a raven all but immediately and flies ahead making sure the path is clear and Gorm jogs to catch up. Once caught up, the imp/ravel will land atop the Moore's caravan and set up perch there... listening and watching and relaying anything interesting to Gorm...
Periwinkle bounces along, near the front of the group, a great gap-toothed smile spread across her. Near the start of the journey, her energy is boundless, and she quite literally springs a good foot in the air with each step. Her attention is often caught by something just off the trail, and she goes bounding off after it, returning a few minutes later with significantly more sticks and leaves in her hair than usual.
However, as the day progresses, her energy wanes significantly. It's hard work on her little halfling legs, keeping up with everyone else, and she evidently expected there to be far more excitement than this. At some point, she just stops, a miffed expression on her face.
"This is far too much walking," she announces. "I'm fed up with it."
She takes off her hat and, after wiping her brow, turns it over. She peers down inside of it, then taps twice on its side, and suddenly a great wind flows from it, with a sound strangely reminiscent of an exasperated sigh. The wind flows around Peri, then scoops her up into the air, leaving her resting comfortably in the air, sitting on her staff. The sound of the wind dies down, and Peri remains floating along for the rest of the day.
(Casting Levitate with the Ascendant Step invocation)
Perception: 13
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Amara doesn't speak to anyone as she walks. She doesn't put her satchel anywhere, continuing to carry it on her person, and she doesn't look at the others. It doesn't seem like she thinks herself better than anyone--more so that she just isn't interested in you. She seems to instead be observing her surroundings a lot, and a couple of times, she pauses briefly, taking out a notebook and scrawling something down in it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hearing Giles' call to set off, Manny gives a final smile and bow towards Father Beltran and Juditha, to allow them to ready themselves. His bags already on the Durnon's wagon, he's fully ready for the journey to begin. This gives him the luxury of watching preparations, and taking a deeper note of the other travellers without wagons. He gives Gorm a collegiate nod, recognising a fellow practitioner, and also spies a fellow, who he offers a grin, feeling the excitement of new beginnings, new opportunities...
Whistler's wanderings for the day prove the man's words aren't without their worth, and Manny's keen senses clue him in on the same, and Amara is similarly attentive as well. Paying close attention to his surroundings, perhaps out of interest of his eclectic companions, they notices a few general things; Clarabelle and Varnest share several hushed conversations, glancing several times nervously at their two children scampering around the rest of the wagons and generally causing a nuisance more than they can handle. He noticed the sounds of a heated argument coming from behind the tarp of the Carpenter's wagon, Juditha, the mute, armored woman defending the Selunite wagon, barely strays from her duty the entire day; she stops to rest never once. Occasionally she touches a symbol hanging around her neck and attempts to mutter something, but evidently, no words sound.
Whistler and Manny, you two notice the more silent of the two Tiefling twins momentarily part from the group.
Whistler only, for a darn 26:
Whistler notices Misery wipe a drop of blood from her chin before she exited the woods. She doesn't seem to be injured. Judging by her demeanor and attitude, she didn't intend to be noticed; her yellow eyes scanned the crowd for anyone potentially watching, but she didn't seem to notice Whistler or Manny.
Gorm, roll me a 1d20.
Periwinkle notices he drew the absolute attention of Tico and Mary, the Varnest's children. It's quite clear they've never seen anything as exciting as Periwinkle in a long, long, long time. They're innately curious and throw rapid-fire questions at Periwinkle for as long as they're able to before needing to draw breath.
Shane stays in his compartment the entire day, penning something into a book.
Whistler and Manny, your eyes eventually drift upwards to see an eagle circling some half-mile, perhaps a mile above the caravan. You blink - an arrow suddenly skewers the poor bird directly down the center. The Kenku you witnessed earlier lowers his bow, giving each of you a simple, curt nod before the hunter shifts into the woods to pick up his quarry.
(Each 'Day' and 'Night' phase will have two posts on my part, giving you a chance to state your intent to interact with or respond to any situation.)
Gorm's Raven Perception check: 6 - unfortunately, Gorm's imp/raven finds a particularly entertaining butterfly to chase around the Moore's wagon. While the raven does get a glance at each of its occupants, nothing more can be discerned than what Gorm learned through her conversations with them directly.
Amara's response is short, clearly showing she doesn't want any conversation. However, Mark thinks it's a good time to break the ice and learn something about his traveling companions.
Now better than too late.
"A pleasure. Tell me, Amara, if we were about to get in trouble... What would you do? I mean, would you use that staff you carry to hit people in the head, of would it have some other utilities?" He quickly bows and smiles. "Don't get me wrong, I just like to know what to expect from my... traveling friends."
"Losing to a master is nothing to be ashamed of, unless you learn nothing from the experience."
Master Suana.
“It’s a wand,” Amara replies. “If we’re in trouble, I know a good deal of spells to get us out of it, one way or another.”
”And you? What would you do?”
When he asks, most of the people either get offended or just plainly answer. Very few ask in return.
"I... well, I would try to keep enemies off of you, and possibly take care of your health. If trouble arises, try to stay away from me."
"Losing to a master is nothing to be ashamed of, unless you learn nothing from the experience."
Master Suana.
Amara lifts one brow. "Stay away from you? Why's that?"
Isabelle treats Gorm to a respectful nod - and as Gorm turns away, she'll hear the young woman speak some harsh words along the lines of 'that's how you make a deal without going into debt, idiot. Were you paying attention?"
The Selunite wagon seems in fair condition - nothing ostentatious about its make besides the pendants strewn across the tarp and embedded into the stokes of the wagon's wheels. The older gentleman hails Manny with a wrinkled hand before standing and extending a handshake. "Father Beltram! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am relieved to meet another of the divine path accompanying us on this mission." The old man's eyes flicker towards the fervent preaching of the handsome priest. The Tiefling still stands, arms crossed, face unimpressed. You notice an amount of wry humor in the aged man's eyes, though a faint hint of worry seems to crease his already wrinkled brow. "I feared Connor and Juditha would be the only ones capable of tending to the sick - I am quite capable myself, of course, but I may very well greet Selune in person before the next sun rises. I speak for myself - and, I hope, Juditha - that our mistress wishes for us to heal and aid others, regardless of the prejudices or situations. Forcing worship on others is something I abhor - as with all belief, it should come naturally." Father Beltram sighs. Juditha nods. It becomes apparent by Father Beltram's comment and Juditha's silence that the girl is incapable of speech. "Unfortunately, I have found myself incapable of reigning in the more zealous of her worshipers..."
"Me?" Mockery seems almost flattered someone asked her about her reason on this trip. "My sister and I are travelers - sellswords, though, really, I'm a sellute, Misery's more a sellsword. Ran into some nasty business in a few towns over and, well? We just want to get away, you know? Start anew. The land's harsh on us Tieflings, and we don't always get the long end of the stick...or was it the other way around? We always get the short end of the stick? I guess it matters little." Misery laughs - a simple, carefree laugh of one who enjoys the vibrant feeling of being alive. "My new goal is to teach that stuck-up prick of a Selunite a lesson. I don't think he'll be getting much out of my sister. It's pretty fun to watch the two argue, though."
The young man - Shane, you heard him called - uses Whistler's words as a means of ignoring the Sherriff entirely. It's clear the dark blue-robed man didn't think much of Riggs. Regardless, Shane meets Whistler's hand; the lack of callouses and rather weak grip indicating Shane's work is decidedly not the manual labor most along the frontier earned a living with. "Scrimshaw Brightsworth, at your service. Call me Shane, 'Ol' Man'," he smiles. Something about Shane's smile is off, resembling a fox assessing the state of an injured mouse with no escape. It's almost unnerving. "I prefer to introduce myself as an alchemist and spellweaver when such titles aren't considered synonymous with criminal and scoundrel."
"And I'm Riggs. Walter Riggs. Sheriff of this ol' county., if you haven't heard." Walter puffs his chest up and almost grabs Whistler's hand from Shane's to shake - it's clear Riggs enjoyed boasting about his title. "I'm here to keep an eye out for anythin' funny along this trip, you hear?"
"Many times over, sir," Shane sardonically replies with a roll of his eyes. "I have no qualms with another occupant in the wagon, though you will have to check with Bones. Between my magical supplies, Bones' weight, and Rigg's ego, I'm afraid the fit will be rather tight."
'Bones', the rather large man Shane referred to, merely watches with amusement as the conversation continues. He makes no motions to intervene, nor does he offer any reaction besides a brow raising in acknowledgement if Whistler catches his eyes.
"Pleasure ta meet ya', Mr. Brightsworth!"
Whistler caught the oddness in Shane's smile, but hid any reaction behind his current friendly-but-serious smile. He'd normally make a mental note that it was just another kid maybe needing to be taken down a peg or two at some point, but this seemed... different. Maybe the sheriff had been right about the young man? No, that wasn't it. There was a mystery here, and while Whistler wasn't the type to concern himself with other's secrets, he ALSO didn't want the drama of something hindering his trip to Goldshire. Especially some... whatever it was that the kid was hiding.
The bounty hunter's smile widened a bit as he involuntarily shook the sheriff's hand back. Might as well continue remain diplomatic... as open as the lawman was with his dislikes, his greeting meant he hadn't yet heard of Whistler's "talents." Either that, or he had heard, and just didn't think the fighter fell into the same category as a mage, sorcerer or alchemist. Whistler was content in keeping it that way for now... although he fully intended to eventually press the man on whether Giles had actually granted him a role as an overseer on the trip.
Whistler nodded gravely at the spellweaver. "Well then, I s'pose I'd's best get to that, then," he said before looking Bones' way. Turning back to Riggs, he simply nodded "Sheriff," before walking over to the scraggly man. He'd wanted to feel him out--might as well make the best of an invitation to do so.
The bounty hunter broadened his smile as he approached. "So," he began in a friendly tone as he stopped in front of the man. "I take it you ah' Good Man Bones?" He nodded in the direction of Riggs and Brightsworth. "Yo' companions were wantin' me to check with you 'fo' taking the last spot on yo' wagon." He then jingled the coin purse attached to his belt, still smiling broadly. "I reckon you'll find my money is good as anyone else's here, and I jus' happen to not have a 'bundance o' possesions wit' me. Won't take up mo' than my share of space, at least. So then, you up for the extra company, Mr. Bones?"
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
‘Father Beltram, a pleasure.’ Manny nods to the older man as he shakes his hand, and then nods to Juditha with a smile ‘And likewise, Juditha.’ he says, extending his hand to her as well. ‘You seem admirably hale for a man of your years, Father, but please don’t hesitate to call on my services if you have need.’
He nods towards Connor ‘Your, hmm, colleague is carrying a divine presence within him. I suspect that might be the cause of his vigour, and perhaps also his lack of flexibility…?’
"Well, because I'll be trying to get them off of you..."
Mark looks at all the folks gathered. Everyone has a purpose, legit or not. Without turning his face to the woman, he asks her, if she's even still there.
"What's in it for you?"
"Losing to a master is nothing to be ashamed of, unless you learn nothing from the experience."
Master Suana.
She doesn’t turn to face him. “Information. It probably won’t be useful information, but that isn’t so important to me these days.”
Mark nods, not wanting to get too inquisitive. He's gotten some info, useful for a possible dangerous situation, and that's enough.
Given he doesn't feel like chatting with the townsfolks, he looks around carefully, wondering when they will be ready to go.
"Losing to a master is nothing to be ashamed of, unless you learn nothing from the experience."
Master Suana.
Both Shane and the Sheriff conclude their greetings with Whistler with different levels of politeness before continuing to pack. Their squabbling has, for now, ceased, but they still throw wayward glances each other's way.
The large, scraggly man has clearly worked manual labor most his life, and has clearly enjoyed whatever profits have been brought his way. He's large - towering easily over six feet in height, and a healthy layer of fat covers still-rippling muscles. Bones chews his apple as Whistler walks up and speaks, remaining silent for several moments as he chews and chews, eyes lightly sizing Whistler up and down. His expression is quite neutral; polite and interested, certainly, but otherwise bemused.
After several seconds definitely longer than necessary, Bones' bulky shoulders lift in a shrug. He wipes his hands and simply answers; "No issues here, sir. I'll mostly walk, anyhow - it'll do me good, you think?"
"Of course, of course," Father Beltram states, a smile on his crinkled face. Juditha mimics Manny's gesture and does her best to smile (OOC: Connor is the one radiating a divine presence, and judging by your post, I assume you are speaking to Father Beltram. Let me know if I misinterpreted or not). "If you need anything as well, you let me know, you hear? As for Connor, well...he has the best intentions for all, but I fear he lacks the wisdom to determine who's in need of help, and he certainly lacks the restraint to stop himself from 'helping' a situation he deems necessary to interfere in. Be careful, Manny - I fear him sometimes. Perhaps you can speak some sense into him. I have tried myself."
Speaking of - Misery, the straight-horned Tiefling, merely interrupts the priest who seems determined to preach something to her. The Tiefling shakes her head after saying something under her breath and returns to the back of the caravan to join her sister. Connor's expression could kill, but he eventually turns and returns to the Selunite wagon. Bones, Shane, and the Sheriff finish packing their bags in their own caravan, while each individual wagon begins preparations to officially leave.
The Kenku leaning against a tree in the shade has been watching, clearly listening to more than what a normal person would be able to.
Giles, the elven guide, emits an ear-piercing whistle before cupping his hands around his mouth and shouting; "Make haste! We leave now!" The elf turns, smiles, and begins walking down the dirt-trodden path carving through the prairies and trees of the trail through Jackdaw Ridge. The Selunite wagon is close behind, followed by the Durnons, Carpenters, Moores, and the rental wagon. The rest straggle on behind.
The journey has officially begun.
Alright - quick synopsis of how 'days' are going to function.
You're free to engage an NPC in conversation whenever you wish. Beyond that, posts will be broken down into distinct phases - one day scene, and one campfire scene. Please, roll me a standard Perception check during the day and during the night. If there are any preparations or specific rolls (watching the behavior of a specific NPC, breaking into a wagon to see what's up, attempting to steal something from an NPC), feel free to roll a check. If the skill is different than what I would've wanted, I'll apply the modifiers from your sheet.
Regardless, I'll be describing what's going on, what you notice, and important dialogue between NPCs.
For now - the chilly, autumn morning rises as the town of Swainbrook grows faint in the distance. The path is relatively clear - the weather nearly cloudless, a blue sky making travel quite easy. Giles leads the caravan and engages in cheery conversation with Mockery, while Misery walks, arms crossed, silent and stony-faced. Shane seems to be reading some sort of book in his wagon, while the Sherriff and Bones walk alongside the rental. Henry rides his clearly purchased, expensive horses, casting a regal gaze over all who walk, while Juditha strides next to the Selunite wagon.
Please - roll me one Perception check. Feel free to roll additional checks as you desire - and, of course, speak with any NPC you wish to.
Having placed his backpack in the rented wagon, Whistler was content to walk for a bit. He'd kept his valuables on his person, of course, so there was no reason to be in the wagon all day. The bounty hunter had intended to help keep a watch out for trouble--and while he sincerely hoped the trip would go smoothly, he also found himself keeping an eye open for opportunities to practice his... abilities.
A quick glance cast over the others on foot put him at ease. The decisions were sensible, if obvious; nothing out of the ordinary there. For some reason, Juditha felt the least in--place, although still not actually out of place... the older man couldn't quite put his finger onto why, but then, he wasn't much into religion (despite having learned a little from his mother,) so he chose to not focus on it too much. Instead, he smiled a bit as he adjusted the buckler on his back, thankful for the relative quiet as they headed out.
(( Perception Check: 26 ))
Sterling - V. Human Bard 3 (College of Art) - [Pic] - [Traits] - in Bards: Dragon Heist (w/ Mansion) - Jasper's [Pic] - Sterling's [Sigil]
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Gorm Perception check: 11
Gorm D'iabhal begins the trek on her feet, backpack upon her shoulders and the hood of her cloak up. Those on the journey have surely already seen the small horns poking up through her blue hair and pegged her for a Tiefling but given the preaching Misery and Mockery have seemed to be getting from the one priest she's decided it best not to flaunt the fact and remind anybody.
Gorm passes minor conversation with any and all but mostly tries to stay to the fringes and just watch. She does make a point of staying within eyesight of the Moore caravan. As promised, she tries to be present without being hovering or obtrusive.
Gorm does disappear from the rest of the group for about an hour. "I'll catch up," she mentions to anybody who sees her step off the trail and find a little privacy for herself. When she does sprint for a while to finally catch up, she gives a weak smile and will just say "stomach issues" while giving a bit of a shrug to any who inquire.
In truth, Gorm moved away from view and found herself a quiet spot to cast Find Familiar and summon her familiar, an Imp this time. The Imp shape changes into a raven all but immediately and flies ahead making sure the path is clear and Gorm jogs to catch up. Once caught up, the imp/ravel will land atop the Moore's caravan and set up perch there... listening and watching and relaying anything interesting to Gorm...
Periwinkle bounces along, near the front of the group, a great gap-toothed smile spread across her. Near the start of the journey, her energy is boundless, and she quite literally springs a good foot in the air with each step. Her attention is often caught by something just off the trail, and she goes bounding off after it, returning a few minutes later with significantly more sticks and leaves in her hair than usual.
However, as the day progresses, her energy wanes significantly. It's hard work on her little halfling legs, keeping up with everyone else, and she evidently expected there to be far more excitement than this. At some point, she just stops, a miffed expression on her face.
"This is far too much walking," she announces. "I'm fed up with it."
She takes off her hat and, after wiping her brow, turns it over. She peers down inside of it, then taps twice on its side, and suddenly a great wind flows from it, with a sound strangely reminiscent of an exasperated sigh. The wind flows around Peri, then scoops her up into the air, leaving her resting comfortably in the air, sitting on her staff. The sound of the wind dies down, and Peri remains floating along for the rest of the day.
(Casting Levitate with the Ascendant Step invocation)
Perception: 13
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Amara doesn't speak to anyone as she walks. She doesn't put her satchel anywhere, continuing to carry it on her person, and she doesn't look at the others. It doesn't seem like she thinks herself better than anyone--more so that she just isn't interested in you. She seems to instead be observing her surroundings a lot, and a couple of times, she pauses briefly, taking out a notebook and scrawling something down in it.
Perception: 19
Hearing Giles' call to set off, Manny gives a final smile and bow towards Father Beltran and Juditha, to allow them to ready themselves. His bags already on the Durnon's wagon, he's fully ready for the journey to begin. This gives him the luxury of watching preparations, and taking a deeper note of the other travellers without wagons. He gives Gorm a collegiate nod, recognising a fellow practitioner, and also spies a fellow, who he offers a grin, feeling the excitement of new beginnings, new opportunities...
Perception: 25
Day 1:
A Pleasant Day
Whistler's wanderings for the day prove the man's words aren't without their worth, and Manny's keen senses clue him in on the same, and Amara is similarly attentive as well. Paying close attention to his surroundings, perhaps out of interest of his eclectic companions, they notices a few general things; Clarabelle and Varnest share several hushed conversations, glancing several times nervously at their two children scampering around the rest of the wagons and generally causing a nuisance more than they can handle. He noticed the sounds of a heated argument coming from behind the tarp of the Carpenter's wagon, Juditha, the mute, armored woman defending the Selunite wagon, barely strays from her duty the entire day; she stops to rest never once. Occasionally she touches a symbol hanging around her neck and attempts to mutter something, but evidently, no words sound.
Whistler and Manny, you two notice the more silent of the two Tiefling twins momentarily part from the group.
Whistler only, for a darn 26:
Whistler notices Misery wipe a drop of blood from her chin before she exited the woods. She doesn't seem to be injured. Judging by her demeanor and attitude, she didn't intend to be noticed; her yellow eyes scanned the crowd for anyone potentially watching, but she didn't seem to notice Whistler or Manny.
Gorm, roll me a 1d20.
Periwinkle notices he drew the absolute attention of Tico and Mary, the Varnest's children. It's quite clear they've never seen anything as exciting as Periwinkle in a long, long, long time. They're innately curious and throw rapid-fire questions at Periwinkle for as long as they're able to before needing to draw breath.
Shane stays in his compartment the entire day, penning something into a book.
Whistler and Manny, your eyes eventually drift upwards to see an eagle circling some half-mile, perhaps a mile above the caravan. You blink - an arrow suddenly skewers the poor bird directly down the center. The Kenku you witnessed earlier lowers his bow, giving each of you a simple, curt nod before the hunter shifts into the woods to pick up his quarry.
(Each 'Day' and 'Night' phase will have two posts on my part, giving you a chance to state your intent to interact with or respond to any situation.)
Gorm's Raven Perception check: 6 - unfortunately, Gorm's imp/raven finds a particularly entertaining butterfly to chase around the Moore's wagon. While the raven does get a glance at each of its occupants, nothing more can be discerned than what Gorm learned through her conversations with them directly.
Gorm d20: 20
(disregard if it was for imp perception! Imp’s mainly looking out for theft or attack anyway, not eavesdropping.)