Finn, make a WIS save, please.  DC 12.

Finn, regarding the riders:

 Finn, regarding the Fields of the Dead:

[Posting without spoilers as I imagine Finn could share this with anyone...]

The Fields of the Dead, stretching north of Baldur's Gate, are a vast expanse of rolling hills and open plains, infamous for a history steeped in blood.  The region earned its title as a result of countless battles fought there over centuries, a legacy of its strategic location along major trade routes and (in recent history) its proximity to Baldur's Gate, one of the most significant cities on the Sword Coast.

Early History

Long before Baldur's Gate rose to prominence, the Fields of the Dead were home to scattered tribes and small settlements.  Conflicts over resources and territory were frequent among these early peoples.  As trade along the Coast Way expanded, the region became a crossroads for travelers, merchants, and marauders.  Histories from this time are more myth than record, but the hills are dotted with vast cairns and mass graves at the sight of long-forgotten battles.

The Time of Troubles

During the Time of Troubles, when the gods were cast down to the mortal plane, the Fields of the Dead became a battlefield for factions vying for divine favor or seeking to exploit the chaos. Stories persist of strange phenomena in the region from this time—unnatural storms, ghostly apparitions, and relics of divine power hidden in the hills.

The Troll Wars

In the centuries following the founding of Baldur's Gate, the region saw large-scale conflicts, including the Troll Wars. The Fields of the Dead served as the staging ground for armies of trolls descending from the High Moor, clashing with human and dwarven forces united under Baldurian banners. These wars left the plains littered with bones, adding to the region's grim reputation.

Recent History

The Fields of the Dead remain sparsely populated due to their reputation for danger.  Bandit gangs, roving monsters, and the occasional undead make the area perilous for travelers.  However, its fertile soil and occasional ruins of ancient settlements attract prospectors and adventurers seeking riches.  Some whisper that the fields still bear the echoes of ancient battles, with restless spirits wandering the hills at night.  Of more mundane and certain dangers, the Fields of the Dead have no shortage of bandits, Orcs, wolves and even the odd troll or two.

Also, Finn:

Edhelri Lewel isn't exactly rude, but she is not reciprocal with small talk or banter.  

Beyd, on the other hand, is more than happy to talk.  He is a jovial and positive-sounding individual.  He listens to Finn's music and stories with sincere-ish interest and shares a few tales of his own from the road.  Even as Finn is laying the groundwork for a friendly business relationship with Beyd, he gets the sense that Beyd is likewise preparing Finn for a long journey as his customer.

Finn WIS Save:  17

     Regarding the new riders, Finn fills in the others with what bits and info he has.  "I definitely got the feeling they intentionally searched the caravan as best they could without making a scene.  They're looking for something... And they don't feel like this caravan is what they expected..."

((Fin does, of course, share info re: Fields of Dead with the others...))

When Finn attempts to lift a few coins from Yeshil, he feels an uncharacteristic surge of anxiety.  But it passes, likely just nervousness or superstition over this alleged 'curse.'  

[The 21 well exceeds Yeshil's passive perception.]

The practice thievery goes off without a hitch or incident.  

[Up to Yeshil how she responds...]

If they decide to buy a drink from Beyd, he has a whole menu of options [to be posted later].

During the days travel, Tylaerys would stay in the driver's seat of the cart, allowing her companions to rest or fraternize at their pleasure. At the stop she would take the time to go inside the cart and use her sending stone to update her Harper contact on their progress and await any more information from her network. She would happily offer to use her sorcerous magic to turn her companions invisible should they want to do some further information gathering within the caravan.

She would give both Yeshil and Finn appreciating smiles as they report on their respective investigations, trying to make sense of it all. "Could it be that the men are scouting out the caravan to check on it's defenses and valuables before they rejoin with their band of brigands waiting for us north of here? We should perhaps offer this information to Morgran, possibly anonymously. We want to keep a low profile if possible, our objective is to see where the cultists are taking the treasures." She finally finishes quietly, looking at her companions for their thoughts on the matter.

Yeshil looks confused for a moment at why Finn would be showing her some coins but expecting her to shout the drinks... until she realises that those are her coins! Squinting at him in a mock warning, she accepts and says: Fine! But just tea for me. My head is still full of smoke.

On the way to Beyd's, Yeshil will in turn attempt to pickpocket the equivalent number of coins from Finn. Sleight of Hand: 17

Yeshil sips her tea (or other non-alc beverage) and listens attentively to Finn's story, making mental notes of the details and contemplating what manner of curse this might be, if it is such. (Arcana: 25) Afterwards, she opens up about her own curse, providing specifics about the compelling geas that she agreed to at the Hhune mansion, as well as what little she recalls of her final conversation with Amrik - but asks him to not tell the others yet...

------------------------------

Regarding Finn's information about the night riders, Yeshil offers a counterpoint to Tylaerys's suggestions:

Well, we already suspect they are taking the treasure to Castle Naerytar, right? What we don't know is why! Maybe we shouldn't say anything to Morgran. If the brigands do attack... well, that might actually help us identify which wagons are most heavily and vigorously guarded, and which are teamed by cultists. Think about it: whether any robbery succeeds or fails, it could cause the cultists to lower their precautions and precipitate more conversation. It might work to our advantage.

((Not sure why that last post says 'manipulated'. I haven't even edited it... just posted that way.))

"Isn't that a bit...callous? There will likely be deaths of innocents during that attack. If we are right about this suspicion I would prefer to nip this in the bud by letting Morgran deal with these would be brigands and hopefully there will be no attack and no deaths. I will of course go along if this is the will of the majority. The attack might happen anyway." The young blonde half-elf says, looking between Yeashil, Finn and Jirel. "Either way, I don't expect us to find out the why during this trip, the cultists in the caravan might not even know so the best thing we can do is to discreetly follow and don't lose track of them once we're quite sure who they are."

Yeshil just shrugs and counters: Brigands are a normal part of caravan life - it's a risk they take. We can look after ourselves. She won't push the idea though, if the others feel the same way as Ty.

The blonde half-elf nods and smiles weakly at the green-skinnned girl's comment. Maybe she was too soft and naïve and not quite cut out for this line of business. Whatever the answer was she at least had to see this cultist business through.

[Since Yeshil wasn't just trying to steal, but to count out specific amounts of coins, I would give +5 to Finn's passive perception.  However, 17 still beats that number.  So... tag, Finn is it.]

Beyd's Menu for the Journey

[Costs are per mug]

• Under-the-Mountain Dwarven Ale
  • A strong, bitter ale brewed for miners.  Heavy in the belly and high ABV.
  • 4sp
• Forgefire Hard Cider
  • Another Dwarven recipe, this cider is loaded with cinnamon, almost like a 'red-hot.'
  • 3sp
• Lathander's Light Ale
  • A Human-made beverage, brewed by monk's devoted to the Dawn Lord.  Tasty but very low ABV.
  • 4sp
• Berdusk Red
  • A cheap, cheap wine.  The sort of thing peasant's drown their sorrows in.
  • 5cp
• Frostwind Cellars Cherry Wine
  • More cheap wine, but with a fancier name and a hint of cherries.
  • 1sp
• Duckhorn Merlot
  • A huge step up from the others.  Nothing any nobles will be fist-fighting one another to get their hands on, but a much better vintage than the others, and priced appropriately.
  • 1gp
• The wagon also has a plethora of whiskeys, gins, rums and vodkas.  Shots of whiskey at 3sp (he has several barrels) while the other spirits are 6sp.

Beyd Sechepol

Yeshil doesn't have enough information to assess this curse.  So far, it doesn't seem to have actually caused any harm to Finn's ability to steal.  SHe does know that a remove curse spell would be a surefire way to cure him of this ill.  It's possible a powerful cleric would also have means of dismissing such a curse.

[Jumping ahead to the next morning.  If anyone needed to do anything first, let me know.]

As dawn breaks, the caravan rattles into motion, winding deeper into the Fields of the Dead.  The surroundings are eerily beautiful.  Rolling hills rise and fall, blanketed in tall, swaying grass that seems almost silver in the morning light.  The remnants of ancient wars are scattered across the plains— hilts of old weapons, rusted helms, and the occasional toppled stone marker, worn smooth by centuries of wind and storms.  The air carries a chill, even as the sun climbs higher, and a faint mist clings stubbornly to the low-lying hollows.

But there are no dangers today, at least.  The hilltops and fields around the road are empty save for the occasional red-feathered hawk perched high in the brambles.

By midday, the caravan halts near a meandering stream, its waters clear but slow-moving, reflecting the blue of the open sky above.  The stream winds lazily through a cluster of gnarled oak trees, their twisted branches clawing at the air.  The banks are lush with reeds and wildflowers, offering a brief but welcome respite for the animals and travelers alike.

As the wagons circle and the animals drink deeply, the mood is somber.  The caravan leaders warn that the stream is fine for animals, but not potable for people.  The oppressive quiet of the Fields seems heavier here, broken only by the sounds of splashing water and the distant cry of a hawk.  A few caravan members murmur about the strange noises they thought they heard the night before—distant wails, the clash of steel—but they quickly dismiss it as tricks of the mind brought on by the weight of the place.

The caravan’s leaders urge to keep this a quick stop, aware that the Fields of the Dead are no place to linger.  Still, the crossing of the stream and watering of the animals is a complex endeavor and with a caravan so large, and so new to one another and not yet practiced, it clearly takes longer than desired.

(Oh well, hair of the dog... Yeshil will drink the light ale)

     Finn does not notice Yeshil re-steal the coin back.  Or if he does he does not reveal such.  ((Roll beats his passive.  I think he'd have been in the watch for such though but *shrug*.  Doesn't much matter, he'd double check his coin later at night and find out anyway.  He's glad to know there is another capable of such in the group... though considers ways to safeguard himself in the future....))  Finn shares what he knows about curses and geas but most of it is through legend and tales though he does believe that they all can be broken if one finds the right way... ((and I honestly don't recall too much of the gaes, I think I mainly skipped over that portion as Finn wasn't there. lol))

     "Callous or not," Finn says when they are discussing the newcomers and such with Tylaerys, "Our mission is focused on cultists, not on righting every little wrong.  I think we need look more big picture...  But to my view they were looking for something, or someone, specific not just generally assessing things.  The one definitely felt something was off about the caravan, too much tension.  The leader, however, stated they will ride hard come dawn... So whatever their interest with us is, I doubt they are brigands.  Brigands would take off once the briganding was finished, not at dawn, no?"

((Next morning, did the new comers ride off on their own or stay with the caravan?  I had assumed leaders comment Finn overheard meant they were taking off on their own but if Finn (and I) misunderstood then that's fine, just need to know for sure.))

     The next morning Finn is doing much the same as previously - walking through the wagons and people and basically being a man of good cheer - Cracking jokes with some, sharing stories with others, playing songs when it's wanted.  At least outwardly.  Finn is mostly being a social butterfly and everyone's best friend so as to continue being able to move about here and there and everywhere without it seeming suspicious and so that he can try to eavesdrop on everyone he passes by.  He does take the time to make sure Chomper is properly tended to, of course...  And he instructs Misses Binklesworth to keep a close eye on the newcomers (if they didn't ride off) or otherwise try to stick close to Edhelri Lewel - Nothing too obvious, just maybe curl up on their cart once until shooed away, stay in their general vicinity enough to be a common sight...

     And, if there is some time once the caravan gets moving again where Finn has some time to themselves on their own wagon, he will examine the ornate wooden box he "picked up" in Baldur's Gate. (Post 1976). He never really did get around to solving that box - as in figuring out how to open it and actually doing so...

Tylaerys would nod in agreement. Perhaps she was overly and unfairly suspicious of the riders, time would certainly tell. She would try to put her mind off her fears by spoiling herself with a glass of Duckhorn Merlot, offering to buy something for Jirel as well to cheer her up and keep her company for a while.

The next day would find the young blonde half-elf at the driver's seat of the team's cart once more. As the caravan reaches the stream she feels her suspicions of an attack returning and she discreetly tries to get the others to be wary until they crossed the stream and left this site. 

Perception to notice threats: 19

(Did Tylaerys get any response from her Harper contact? :-)

[Finn and Yeshil - I don't usually go for PvP thievery, but this all seemed harmless.  Going forward, if there is any desire to continue, you two come up with an agreeable system for challenges and I can arbitrate or call for rolls as necessary.]

The five riders DID depart at dawn - DM swears he remembers writing that detail down, but where did it go? - and were gone before most of the caravan was up and awake.  As promised, they rode away fast, their hooves thundering away to the northeast along the road.

[So, the decision was not to raise any concerns with the caravan?  If so, one of you please roll a D20.  We'll use the first roll.]

First D20 roll: 11

Quote from Bartjeebus >>

[Finn and Yeshil - I don't usually go for PvP thievery, but this all seemed harmless.  Going forward, if there is any desire to continue, you two come up with an agreeable system for challenges and I can arbitrate or call for rolls as necessary.]

 ((I doubt we'll need anything long term.))

[Tylaerys - nothing yet from the Harpers.  They acknowledge your messages of progress but don't provide any additional information.]

The stream crossing unfolds under clear, cold skies, the caravan's wagons divided on either side of the shallow water.  Those who have already crossed cluster together, urging the remaining wagons forward as the drivers struggle with hesitant animals and boggy ground.  There is a nervous energy as Jararaka's guards patrol the edges of the caravan, scanning the plains and the dark tree line beyond for threats.  This is a vulnerable position to be in.

You cannot shake the feeling of being watched.  Eyes scan the treeline, and from the whispers and anxious glances of other travelers, you can yell are not the only ones who feel eyes upon you.  Nevertheless, the last of the wagons manage to cross the stream without incident.  Though no enemy reveals itself, the tension drives the caravan forward at a hurried pace, eager to leave the crossing behind.

You continue to make good time - or at least that is what the caravan regulars are saying.  By early evening, the caravan ascends to a low hilltop surrounded by tall, swaying grass that ripples in the wind.  The expansive plains stretch in all directions, offering a panoramic but desolate view.  Here, the wagons form a tight circle, creating a makeshift fortress against the open wilderness.  The dwarven caravan master addresses the travelers, his tone stern and wary: “Keep fires small.  This land has eyes, and bright flames can draw danger from miles away.”

His warnings are heeded... for a while.  As the night falls, however, a few small clusters of travelers light larger fires, either out of drunkenness, carelessness, or sheer overconfidence in the caravan’s numbers.  The glow of these flames flickers in the growing dark, their light carrying far into the haunted expanse of the Fields of the Dead.  All around, the plains fall into an unsettling silence, broken only by the occasional mournful howl of a distant wolf.

Camped near as you are to Beyd's wagon, there is a steady stream of travelers passing by as they pick up their evening libations.  There is an anxious, almost irrationally exuberant energy in the camp, as though everyone is trying to shake the eerie feeling from the crossing.

[As night falls, is there anything you would like to do?]

Relieved that she was wrong about her suspicions, the young blonde half-elf still keeps being on some level of alert during this stretch. As night falls she would stay around Beyd's wagon, keeping a low profile to not draw any attention to herself or her companions but discreetly listening in on any conversations to maybe catch a tidbit or two of relevant information about the caravan. She would also offer to turn her companions unseen in the night for better chances of spying around.

Perception if  needed: 24

     Finn will do his usual "bard stuff" of talking and entertaining while also listening and eavesdropping.  Meanwhile Misses Binklesworth will try to check out the wagon that had the statue in it?  Try to get a better look at that, what else is in the wagon, maybe what the drivers chit chat about and then report back...