Cheddar does not interfere as the group tries to persuade a group of criminal cutthroats to let them tag along but he does not see the wisdom in it. He will however take a look around to see if this meeting is drawing any other attention.
“We could make a great distraction,” Finn said with a nod, trying to sell the idea. “With her invisibility, my changing my look and a bunch of prisoners set loose… Chaos is all but ensured…”
“Buuuut,” Finn adds with a warning look to his teammate, “We’re guests at your rodeo. We can go in quiet and stay quiet if you prefer to keep it all above board. We don’t want to interfere with your business. Just saying that once that is done, if you could find chaos a welcome distraction… we could provide.”
Now finding herself standing beside the rough and handsome looking man Finn Ol'Gren, Tylaerys quickly regains her composure, nodding and smiling in agreement with her companion. "And a little chaos would be something you gentlemen surely would know how to ripe the benefits of."The blonde half-elf adds with a warm smile.
Jozen Ivory, apparent leader of the Garbage Men, listens to the proposal. "Pass," he says when you are finished.
"You see, if the idea is we walk in, talk care of our business, engage in some small talk and then report back to you, well... then that is no risk to us but a big favor to you. I can get behind an idea like that provided the price is right, and the promise of a 'tidy sum' back in Greenest is good enough for me. However... once you start talking about 'inflitrating the camp' or 'creating a distraction' or 'rescuing prisoners' or 'helping ourselves to the Cult's gold'... well now all of those things start introducing risk on our side of the ledger. And risk requires that I perform a bit more underwriting before I can sign off on a plan."
He frowns. "And I cannot help but notice that this reward in Greenest is evolving into a less than certain proposition. In the space a few moments it has polymorphed itself from a 'tidy sum' into 'no actual numbers' but with the assurance that the people of Greenest are so very honest and generous. If I were a less than scrupulous businessman, I might employ such tactics to sound like I am promising a great deal but leave myself wiggleroom on the backend to pay out as little as possible. Sadly, a life of trial and tribulation has left me scarred and too damaged to open my heart in trust of strangers," he says with a sad smile.
"Bottom line... if you want to play coy with the purse, then we'll share what we learn inside in exchange for half this 'reward' and extend enough trust to belief such a reward is actually waiting in Greenest. But you lot stay outside the camp and don't try anything stupid to get this wasp's nest riled up while we are inside."
"If you want anything more, or for us to give you cover for any heroic rescue attempts, then I need a hard number for how much coin we are really talking about, so me and the boys can make an informed decision. And answer me plain this time... our deadline to collect is sundown and it looks like we are running short of daylight."
Cheddar:
There's no one else on the trail, either the path you've been following or the path these Garbage Men rode in on. Further ahead at the plateau where the raider camp is hidden, you can see in the deepening dusk the glow of many campfires. You can't rule out sentries on the walls of the plateau, but neither can you see any. And no alarm has been raised, nor guards sent out to greet you.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Finn reaches inside his stuff to where he stowed their card and brings it back out. “Garbage Men, indeed” he says handing the thing back to Jozen.
“We made no illusions about not having a definitive promise on the reward. You’re acting like we attempted to deceive you on that is disingenuous. I assume it’s a front so you don’t have to explain your cowardice in taking just the slightest of risks in order to help a who town of people,” Finn lectures. “But things are what they are, and so are people.”
Turning his back on the Garbage Men, Finn looks to the others and shrugs. “C’mon, let’s go. There’ll be no sneaking in now for surely this lost will sell us out before they’re even within hollering distance of the camp,” Finn says, taking their horse by the reins and preparing to saddle up.
It takes a brief moment for Tylaerys to catch on to the new negotiation strategy, but she too quickly turns for her mount as if negotiations now are over. "Refilling your coffers wasn't that important after all it seems." She adds with an almost pitying smile as she is back in the saddle. "I'll be sure to mention how valiantly you came to the rescue of those townsfolk, I'm sure your reputation will reach a whole new level of grandness, giving you business opportunities as never before."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
2
3
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
As you turn away, the Garbage Men consult one another. A small cloud of horseflies escapes Balthazar, which the others shoe away in irritation. Now it is the third man, Morty, who looks agitated. They break their huddle.
"300 gold," Jozen calls out. "Guarantee 300 gp to us upon return to Greenest. And you," he points to Finn, "with us until the job is done. Final offer."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Finn looks around at the others as if looking for better ideas, then turns her horse to Jozen and gets in close. “If 300 gold is your ask then I’ll guarantee it gets paid to you in Greenest even if I need sell my deed to the Speckled Trout,” Finn assures and puts his hand out to shake on the deal.
Tylaerys smiles from the back of her steed, satisfied an ageement has been reached, but she's not quite sure whether this included assisting with freeing the prisoners in the end. Some way or another she had to try at least, the thought of the innocent townsfolk being slaves or maybe even sacrifices to the evil queen of dragons was too much to bear.
When Finn quickly agrees to the deal, a glance is exchanged between Jozen and Morty. Jozen looks angry - at Morty - while Morty gives a faint shrug.
"Wonderful," says Jozen. "Here is how this will happen. You -" pointing again at Finn "- come in with us. Keep quiet and don't say anything. If any rank and file cultists in there try to talk to you, ignore them. If anybody important-looking puts the screws to you on who you are or why you're with us, the story is we brought you on for a little extra muscle, with Balthazar compromised such as he is. Got it?"
He then turns to the others - Tylaerys, Jararaka, Jirel and Cheddar. "I don't need to know what you have planned or how you expect to get people out of there. But once we have what we came for, we will put on a little show... play a little music, spread some drink around... real friendly and casual like. We'll try to keep all eyes on us. If you're quick and quiet, maybe you can get something accomplished."
"But we are in there and out of there - one hour. Once an hour is up, we are hitting the saddles and leaving. If you aren't done and gone by then, you are on your own."
"If you call the entire raider camp down on your heads - you are on your own."
"Assuming we all get out in one piece, we all take a leisurely stroll back to Greenest, you pass us our coin, and we all part ways like proper chums. Any questions?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
The young blonde half-elf nods as Jozen speaks, agreeing to his plan, figuring that a show would be just what would be needed to get the attention of the cultists away from guard duties and such. She had no questions of her own, instead looking to Finn, Cheddar, Jararaka and Jirel to see if everyone was on board with this inspiring plan. It was almost perfect, she only hoped Finn wouldn't get too much feeling on stage and forget about the mission as the cultists roared for an encore. ;-)
Jararaka listens attentively and finds herself nodding to the Ivory's point. No point in risking their lives for a job that doesn't even have down payment -- not that she has ever been offered many jobs before... Watching the bargaining wrap up, she exhales a little and mumbles, "stealin' from the rich is way easier than this stuff." She then turns back to the horses and picks up Pumpkinspice's reins, coaxing it back onto the road again.
Perception for any dangers or anyone coming near before the two groups set off (+ guidance): 16 + [roll]1d4[roll]
Jararaka listens attentively and finds herself nodding to the Ivory's point. No point in risking their lives for a job that doesn't even have down payment -- not that she has ever been offered many jobs before... Watching the bargaining wrap up, she exhales a little and mumbles, "stealin' from the rich is way easier than this stuff." She then turns back to the horses and picks up Pumpkinspice's reins, coaxing it back onto the road again.
Perception for any dangers or anyone coming near before the two groups set off (+ guidance): 19 + [roll]1d4[roll]
lol mistyped the roll. won't risk editting the post so guidance: 1
The Garbage Men gather Finn with them and ride ahead towards the camp. Cheddar will need to buddy up with one of the other horses unless the other four all leave their horses behind.
Before departing, you are provided with the briefest of explanations on the layout of the camp, from the Garbage Men's prior experience here and notes from Finn's owl flyby.
The cultists have set up their camp in the hollow of a rocky plateau that’s shaped roughly like a horseshoe. The lower portion of the plateau rises gently from the surrounding land, but it quickly steepens and ascends to a height of 150 feet above the landscape. Boulders form jumbled heaps at the bases of the cliffs. The level shelves and top of the plateau are covered in long grass, and brush and scrubby trees grow in patches.
A watchtower sits at the main approach to the lower section of the camp, while another watchtower sits deeper within the camp and at a higher elevation, commanding a view of the entire camp and the top of the plateau itself. The lower areas of the camp is where the kobolds make their dens. The upper areas near the back of the hollow hold the tents of the cultists, some lizardfolk guards, and the command tents of the cult hierarchy. There is also a large cave at the far end.
There were no prisoners the last time the Garbage Men were here, and they don't have anything to advise on that front.
They lead Finn forward with them toward the camp, leaving Jirel, Tylaerys, Cheddar and Jararaka behind to come up with their own ideas on how to get inside.
[Will post Finn's story in spoilers from her until such time as she reunites with the others.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
After leaving your allies from Greenest behind, you ride on in silence with the Garbage Men. Jozen rides in front, cocksure and relaxed. Morty to your right is more reserved, holding the reigns tightly in gloved hands. To your left, Balthazar is obviously uncomfortable. Odd biological noises occasionally rumble out of him, as does the odd horsefly. In short order you come around the front side of the plateau and the opening into the raider camp looms, as does the first watchtower.
Jozen gives no warning or explanation as to how to signal the tower… but apparently with good reason. The Garbage Men ride right past the tower without so much as a word, and the pair of kobolds sitting up top pay them no mind. You have entered the Greenfields camp of the Cult of the Dragon.
There are signs of activity everywhere. A makeshift fenceline holds horses, oxen and a mix of goats and sheep. A half dozen wagons sit parked along the inner wall of the plateau. On the other side, another fenceline creates an empty pen. The ground there is all torn up and the half-eaten remains of goats and an ox litter the ground.
Past the animal pens, you continue to ride deeper into the camp. You next come upon clusters of tents. They are circular huts made from closely spaced wooden or bone poles covered in hide, mud, and sod. Huts vary in diameter from 10 feet to 25 feet, and have low roofs of less than 5 feet. [Symbols on the map represent clusters of tents and not individual tents.]Those in the mouth of the hollow [lower level on the map] are crudely built and decorated with animal skulls. These are occupied by kobolds. Dozens of the little draconic humanoids scurry about as you ride past. They mostly ignore the Garbage Men, though a few leer or hiss in contempt. Some are quite busy cooking, cleaning, skinning hides or carrying heavy bags back and forth, while others seem to be content to lounge, drinking and smoking stinky weeds.
Jozen spurs his horse onward, and the rest of you pickup the pace to keep up. The path into the camp curves up a shallow rise and then you come upon another area of tents. These are of similar diameter to the kobold tents, but are sturdier, cleaner, and decorated with painted designs representing dragons. They are also taller, some with roofs of 10 feet or more. Here you see the cultists from the raid last night. They seem to be much more relaxed than the kobolds, and in a better mood. Many are drinking wine, and a few tip their cups in greeting as you ride past. Almost to a number, these folk are human. Though they seem to come is all shapes and sizes, with strong burly types hanging out with slovenly, obese drunkards and scrawny book worms. Their manner of dress varies quite a bit as well. While most are in black leathers or simple cloaks, a few wear more elaborate designs, with leather gloves fashioned to look like dragon claws, or with leather armor covered in studs tinted to reflect the colors of chromatic dragons; red, white, green, black or blue. Whether this reflects rank, or simply the fashion budgets of the cultists themselves, you could not tell.
Eventually you reach the highest part of the hollow, where a single large tent is set apart from the others by an open space. A four foot makeshift spiked wooden barricade surrounds the tent and a single opening is guarded by four cultists with spears, wearing capes shaped to look like dragon wings. At their heels are 4 of the green guard drakes, four legged dragon-like monsters that were part of the assault on Greenest last night.
Jozen slows and then pulls up on the reigns to stop his horse. “Hail. The Garbage Men, here to see the Lady Rezmir and her pet wizard.” He pats one of the saddle bags on his horse and it sounds with the promising jingle of coin. “We come to make an offering to your dragon queen and collect upon a reward.”
One of the guards ducks inside the tent and does not immediately return. Your group is ordered to dismount and wait outside the tent, for now.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
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(Sigh, another persuasion roll in case Finn is allowed to help with selling the distraction idea: 18 )
Cheddar does not interfere as the group tries to persuade a group of criminal cutthroats to let them tag along but he does not see the wisdom in it. He will however take a look around to see if this meeting is drawing any other attention.
Perception: 12
“We could make a great distraction,” Finn said with a nod, trying to sell the idea. “With her invisibility, my changing my look and a bunch of prisoners set loose… Chaos is all but ensured…”
“Buuuut,” Finn adds with a warning look to his teammate, “We’re guests at your rodeo. We can go in quiet and stay quiet if you prefer to keep it all above board. We don’t want to interfere with your business. Just saying that once that is done, if you could find chaos a welcome distraction… we could provide.”
Now finding herself standing beside the rough and handsome looking man Finn Ol'Gren, Tylaerys quickly regains her composure, nodding and smiling in agreement with her companion. "And a little chaos would be something you gentlemen surely would know how to ripe the benefits of." The blonde half-elf adds with a warm smile.
Jozen Ivory, apparent leader of the Garbage Men, listens to the proposal. "Pass," he says when you are finished.
"You see, if the idea is we walk in, talk care of our business, engage in some small talk and then report back to you, well... then that is no risk to us but a big favor to you. I can get behind an idea like that provided the price is right, and the promise of a 'tidy sum' back in Greenest is good enough for me. However... once you start talking about 'inflitrating the camp' or 'creating a distraction' or 'rescuing prisoners' or 'helping ourselves to the Cult's gold'... well now all of those things start introducing risk on our side of the ledger. And risk requires that I perform a bit more underwriting before I can sign off on a plan."
He frowns. "And I cannot help but notice that this reward in Greenest is evolving into a less than certain proposition. In the space a few moments it has polymorphed itself from a 'tidy sum' into 'no actual numbers' but with the assurance that the people of Greenest are so very honest and generous. If I were a less than scrupulous businessman, I might employ such tactics to sound like I am promising a great deal but leave myself wiggleroom on the backend to pay out as little as possible. Sadly, a life of trial and tribulation has left me scarred and too damaged to open my heart in trust of strangers," he says with a sad smile.
"Bottom line... if you want to play coy with the purse, then we'll share what we learn inside in exchange for half this 'reward' and extend enough trust to belief such a reward is actually waiting in Greenest. But you lot stay outside the camp and don't try anything stupid to get this wasp's nest riled up while we are inside."
"If you want anything more, or for us to give you cover for any heroic rescue attempts, then I need a hard number for how much coin we are really talking about, so me and the boys can make an informed decision. And answer me plain this time... our deadline to collect is sundown and it looks like we are running short of daylight."
Cheddar:
There's no one else on the trail, either the path you've been following or the path these Garbage Men rode in on. Further ahead at the plateau where the raider camp is hidden, you can see in the deepening dusk the glow of many campfires. You can't rule out sentries on the walls of the plateau, but neither can you see any. And no alarm has been raised, nor guards sent out to greet you.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Finn reaches inside his stuff to where he stowed their card and brings it back out. “Garbage Men, indeed” he says handing the thing back to Jozen.
“We made no illusions about not having a definitive promise on the reward. You’re acting like we attempted to deceive you on that is disingenuous. I assume it’s a front so you don’t have to explain your cowardice in taking just the slightest of risks in order to help a who town of people,” Finn lectures. “But things are what they are, and so are people.”
Turning his back on the Garbage Men, Finn looks to the others and shrugs. “C’mon, let’s go. There’ll be no sneaking in now for surely this lost will sell us out before they’re even within hollering distance of the camp,” Finn says, taking their horse by the reins and preparing to saddle up.
It takes a brief moment for Tylaerys to catch on to the new negotiation strategy, but she too quickly turns for her mount as if negotiations now are over. "Refilling your coffers wasn't that important after all it seems." She adds with an almost pitying smile as she is back in the saddle. "I'll be sure to mention how valiantly you came to the rescue of those townsfolk, I'm sure your reputation will reach a whole new level of grandness, giving you business opportunities as never before."
2
3
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
As you turn away, the Garbage Men consult one another. A small cloud of horseflies escapes Balthazar, which the others shoe away in irritation. Now it is the third man, Morty, who looks agitated. They break their huddle.
"300 gold," Jozen calls out. "Guarantee 300 gp to us upon return to Greenest. And you," he points to Finn, "with us until the job is done. Final offer."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Finn looks around at the others as if looking for better ideas, then turns her horse to Jozen and gets in close. “If 300 gold is your ask then I’ll guarantee it gets paid to you in Greenest even if I need sell my deed to the Speckled Trout,” Finn assures and puts his hand out to shake on the deal.
Tylaerys smiles from the back of her steed, satisfied an ageement has been reached, but she's not quite sure whether this included assisting with freeing the prisoners in the end. Some way or another she had to try at least, the thought of the innocent townsfolk being slaves or maybe even sacrifices to the evil queen of dragons was too much to bear.
Insight DC 16:
When Finn quickly agrees to the deal, a glance is exchanged between Jozen and Morty. Jozen looks angry - at Morty - while Morty gives a faint shrug.
"Wonderful," says Jozen. "Here is how this will happen. You -" pointing again at Finn "- come in with us. Keep quiet and don't say anything. If any rank and file cultists in there try to talk to you, ignore them. If anybody important-looking puts the screws to you on who you are or why you're with us, the story is we brought you on for a little extra muscle, with Balthazar compromised such as he is. Got it?"
He then turns to the others - Tylaerys, Jararaka, Jirel and Cheddar. "I don't need to know what you have planned or how you expect to get people out of there. But once we have what we came for, we will put on a little show... play a little music, spread some drink around... real friendly and casual like. We'll try to keep all eyes on us. If you're quick and quiet, maybe you can get something accomplished."
"But we are in there and out of there - one hour. Once an hour is up, we are hitting the saddles and leaving. If you aren't done and gone by then, you are on your own."
"If you call the entire raider camp down on your heads - you are on your own."
"Assuming we all get out in one piece, we all take a leisurely stroll back to Greenest, you pass us our coin, and we all part ways like proper chums. Any questions?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys insight: 23
The young blonde half-elf nods as Jozen speaks, agreeing to his plan, figuring that a show would be just what would be needed to get the attention of the cultists away from guard duties and such. She had no questions of her own, instead looking to Finn, Cheddar, Jararaka and Jirel to see if everyone was on board with this inspiring plan. It was almost perfect, she only hoped Finn wouldn't get too much feeling on stage and forget about the mission as the cultists roared for an encore. ;-)
Insight: 11
Honey hues meet Jozen's. Jirel dips her head in silent acknowledgement and respectful agreement.
just an unstable unicorn.
Insight (game log): 19
Rather than speak Finn gives Jozen a thumbs up then turns to his team and tosses them a wink to indicate all is good.
Cheddar shrugs.
"Don't look at me" he says. "I'm just the cat."
Insight: 8
Jararaka listens attentively and finds herself nodding to the Ivory's point. No point in risking their lives for a job that doesn't even have down payment -- not that she has ever been offered many jobs before... Watching the bargaining wrap up, she exhales a little and mumbles, "stealin' from the rich is way easier than this stuff." She then turns back to the horses and picks up Pumpkinspice's reins, coaxing it back onto the road again.
Perception for any dangers or anyone coming near before the two groups set off (+ guidance): 16 + [roll]1d4[roll]
lol mistyped the roll. won't risk editting the post so guidance: 1
The Garbage Men gather Finn with them and ride ahead towards the camp. Cheddar will need to buddy up with one of the other horses unless the other four all leave their horses behind.
Before departing, you are provided with the briefest of explanations on the layout of the camp, from the Garbage Men's prior experience here and notes from Finn's owl flyby.
The cultists have set up their camp in the hollow of a rocky plateau that’s shaped roughly like a horseshoe. The lower portion of the plateau rises gently from the surrounding land, but it quickly steepens and ascends to a height of 150 feet above the landscape. Boulders form jumbled heaps at the bases of the cliffs. The level shelves and top of the plateau are covered in long grass, and brush and scrubby trees grow in patches.
A watchtower sits at the main approach to the lower section of the camp, while another watchtower sits deeper within the camp and at a higher elevation, commanding a view of the entire camp and the top of the plateau itself. The lower areas of the camp is where the kobolds make their dens. The upper areas near the back of the hollow hold the tents of the cultists, some lizardfolk guards, and the command tents of the cult hierarchy. There is also a large cave at the far end.
There were no prisoners the last time the Garbage Men were here, and they don't have anything to advise on that front.
They lead Finn forward with them toward the camp, leaving Jirel, Tylaerys, Cheddar and Jararaka behind to come up with their own ideas on how to get inside.
[Will post Finn's story in spoilers from her until such time as she reunites with the others.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Finn:
After leaving your allies from Greenest behind, you ride on in silence with the Garbage Men. Jozen rides in front, cocksure and relaxed. Morty to your right is more reserved, holding the reigns tightly in gloved hands. To your left, Balthazar is obviously uncomfortable. Odd biological noises occasionally rumble out of him, as does the odd horsefly. In short order you come around the front side of the plateau and the opening into the raider camp looms, as does the first watchtower.
Jozen gives no warning or explanation as to how to signal the tower… but apparently with good reason. The Garbage Men ride right past the tower without so much as a word, and the pair of kobolds sitting up top pay them no mind. You have entered the Greenfields camp of the Cult of the Dragon.
There are signs of activity everywhere. A makeshift fenceline holds horses, oxen and a mix of goats and sheep. A half dozen wagons sit parked along the inner wall of the plateau. On the other side, another fenceline creates an empty pen. The ground there is all torn up and the half-eaten remains of goats and an ox litter the ground.
Past the animal pens, you continue to ride deeper into the camp. You next come upon clusters of tents. They are circular huts made from closely spaced wooden or bone poles covered in hide, mud, and sod. Huts vary in diameter from 10 feet to 25 feet, and have low roofs of less than 5 feet. [Symbols on the map represent clusters of tents and not individual tents.] Those in the mouth of the hollow [lower level on the map] are crudely built and decorated with animal skulls. These are occupied by kobolds. Dozens of the little draconic humanoids scurry about as you ride past. They mostly ignore the Garbage Men, though a few leer or hiss in contempt. Some are quite busy cooking, cleaning, skinning hides or carrying heavy bags back and forth, while others seem to be content to lounge, drinking and smoking stinky weeds.
Jozen spurs his horse onward, and the rest of you pickup the pace to keep up. The path into the camp curves up a shallow rise and then you come upon another area of tents. These are of similar diameter to the kobold tents, but are sturdier, cleaner, and decorated with painted designs representing dragons. They are also taller, some with roofs of 10 feet or more. Here you see the cultists from the raid last night. They seem to be much more relaxed than the kobolds, and in a better mood. Many are drinking wine, and a few tip their cups in greeting as you ride past. Almost to a number, these folk are human. Though they seem to come is all shapes and sizes, with strong burly types hanging out with slovenly, obese drunkards and scrawny book worms. Their manner of dress varies quite a bit as well. While most are in black leathers or simple cloaks, a few wear more elaborate designs, with leather gloves fashioned to look like dragon claws, or with leather armor covered in studs tinted to reflect the colors of chromatic dragons; red, white, green, black or blue. Whether this reflects rank, or simply the fashion budgets of the cultists themselves, you could not tell.
Eventually you reach the highest part of the hollow, where a single large tent is set apart from the others by an open space. A four foot makeshift spiked wooden barricade surrounds the tent and a single opening is guarded by four cultists with spears, wearing capes shaped to look like dragon wings. At their heels are 4 of the green guard drakes, four legged dragon-like monsters that were part of the assault on Greenest last night.
Jozen slows and then pulls up on the reigns to stop his horse. “Hail. The Garbage Men, here to see the Lady Rezmir and her pet wizard.” He pats one of the saddle bags on his horse and it sounds with the promising jingle of coin. “We come to make an offering to your dragon queen and collect upon a reward.”
One of the guards ducks inside the tent and does not immediately return. Your group is ordered to dismount and wait outside the tent, for now.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War