(@Damian_May, did Cainneach notice any details regarding the riders, such as the number, their pace, were they accompanied by any carts, were the horses heavy warhorses or more typical riding horses? And you mentioned metal tack, but did you mean armoured barding, or merely that the horses were shoed and/or the rider's gear rattled around a bit? Happy to roll if requested.)
( There were likely less than a half dozen, if he had to guess four...perhaps five..just riders and horses ( palfrey's he's fairly certain from the pace....not ponies or draught animals at least). They seemed to be in no hurry, he doesn't think it was maille or other armour he heard.)
Breaking their fast and catching up the retinue readys themselves for their days travel and sets out again on the road, Famhs work leaving the larder rather more lavish than it was previously. Folks line the street to wave them off...with smiles and some good humoured commentary..
" Nay, ye'd need a ladder to kiss her, Corrum."
" He's a biggun an' all, same all over ye think?"
" Oh, he's a sweet one Brionh, a smile like that....."
" Look at them two doves.....canoodling wit them fingers thinking none ken what their up to."
" That's a soldier that, lad. Don't get on the bad side of a man like that.....though yer sister'd likely want to get on his good side..."
" That moggies near big enough to gobble you up! And that's a very fine hound....."
The company left Hightoun behind and trekked the high road for another three hours before coming in sight of what Vardi identified as Merebodl surrounded by marsh and mire. The people of Merebodl were not as jovial as their counterparts in Hightoun but a number of older men came to the roadside to greet them and welcome to their lands.
The retinue heard in passing that they were not the only ones to pass through today, with one venerable old codger recalling four men....bearded and cloaked...and perhaps in their early twenties passing through in the early morning with nary a word.
They broke for lunch by a brook running through a picturesque meadow and noted the clouds were staying away today bringing extra crispness to the air.
Breaking and moving on a haggard looking man approached them on the outskirts of Bunessan and attempted to wave them down as they passed.
Almeric will wave back in acknowledgment of the greetings from various villager, smiling projecting a calm and confident air. He had been inspired by the reaction of Duke Carnasse, when they first arrived in Beltayne, to continue to wear his Capellar tabard. This was a calculated risk; marking him out as a stranager, but also projecting the levels of authority and respect that he needed when alone in foreign fields. Besides, if he provoked the enemy to attack, he had done his job in identifying them as assuredly as Cainneach could by interpreting sounds and tracks. Adopting their standard marching order was familier now, to the disciplined Retinue. Experts in their craft needed no instructions. Cainneach and Thatch advanced to the front, checking for tracks and hazards; Almeric and Ori, building their relationship and the Sergeant's confidence in his new role; Vardi and Famh, who could talk of things less martial if required.
Getting their intelligence confirmed in Merebodl, Almeric gives Cainneach a respectful nod, recognising the expertise of the Woodsman. He wanted to chat with the man further, encourage him, build trust, but this would just be a distraction for him right now. "Four riders on palfreys, lightly armoured, in no hurry. We may still the initiative, as they didn't see us or don't consider us a threat. Let me know if the riders leave the road, quicken their progress. Good work."
===EDIT===Almeric has a sudden recollection, an inspiration if you will, or a previous encounter when the enemy used the same tactic. To conceal weapons, armour and your identity by wearing hooded cloaks was a common practice, for sure, but mimics the modus operandi of an old nemesis. The one that got away, the Traitor of Gorham, Sir Beorn the Brutal?
Further up the road, Almeric see the man and reacts instinctively, one hand sliding to his sword hilt as the other is raised to signal and call a 'Halt!' Watching the flanks, PERCEPTION = 1 Hahahaha! He turns to Ori, "Not a good place for an ambush. Get them off the road and stay alert, just in case." The knight strides across to the man, smiling, his hand releasing his sword hilt, with palms uplifted in peace. Ushering him off the road, he asks. "Good Day. Do you need help? Fear not, you are safe now. " Could this be one of the missing farmers? If so, how fortuitous for the man to stumble across them? Almeric is a reassuring and welcoming as a man in full war gear can be, on the road in broad daylight. PERESUASION = 18
Vardi listens with interest to the breakfast revelations of Ser Almeric, and seemingly has no argument to offer to his requests, no, his orders on maintaining secrecy as she silently reasons to herself ...He nay said anything about nay using our eyes and ears ta gather what grain can be found among the chaff and chatter though...
Almeric: "We have our first lead now, thanks to Cainneach. We will track the riders that passed us this morning. I'm sure they will take us close to Marrowglen and if not, we can reassesson the road. Will luck it will be Sir Robert and his deputies. With Divine Guidance, it may even be those responsible!"
The big lass nods in agreement even as she reminds herself ...Divine Guidance is nay always specific as ta tha Divinity in question, as tha Allsister Dunlevy said, but ye best be grateful if it happens just the same...
Vardi gathers her gear and dons her coat of mail over a thick grey felt gambeson while Skoggi demolishes a breakfast of venison scraps. Once done, he noses open the lid and climbs into the large basket lashed to the top of her backpack.
She is respectful to the gaffers at the ford, but when the ragged man waves, Vardi looks to Ori, then Almeric, then studies the ragged man, and his surroundings.
OOC: Vardi makes two Perception checks, one to study the man, (Total of 6) one glancing around the area he's in (Total of 2) Note to self, maybe take the helm off next time...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cainneach's hand flies to his sword as the old man approaches. The first thought that occurs to him is of the man's similarity to the undead they'd recently encountered, given his dilapidated state. After that passes through his mind, the forester attempts to process what he's quickly observed of the figure, hopefully before Almeric finds himself in any danger. He also checks to make sure that Famh isn't rushing forward to aid the man. If the man and Almeric converse in low voices, Cainneach will attempt to read their lips.
After Almeric's 'pep talk' after the rest of group rise from their respective beds, Ori watches from the corner of the room with a relaxed expression. "Oi, someone's gotten a little to used to castle mattresses to get a good night's sleep in commoners bed. But ye point is made, we are here to ruffle ruffians feathers, not the common folk. We want there help to slovenly this then we need to make it clear that we can solve thier problems, otherwise they feel like they are sticking there necks out for nothing. When it comes to handling a crowd, presentation is half the battle. Show them your confidence and they will believe you're capable. Then we worry about proving that belief right."
After Almeric tells Ori to get the crew off the road, Ori turns to them. "Alright mates, take 5 but off the pathway, shove off into the bushes with the lot of ya aye?" Ori himself stays in the road. He understood Almeric point to not leave everyone exposed incase this turned out to be a diversion. But Ori didn't want to give the man the impression that they were an easily scared group, plus an ambushed would want to take the easy target, if they were all hard to see then they would go for the most vulnerable target, so this way Ori would give them the easy target, second to Almeric that is. He makes sure to catch Cainneach and Vardi eyes with exposing his hand axe stapped to his back and gripping the handle. He figured they would get the idea this wasn't a relaxing pause and spread the word without Ori announcing their suspicions to the world. His other hand still holding the handle of the club proped up on his shoulder in a seemingly relaxed grip. Ori will scan around to see if he spots anything out of place or places to watch them from.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Using her improvised spear for its original purpose of a walking stick, Famh nods to Ori wordlessly and heads off to the side of the road. She chooses a low knoll close enough to hear Sir Almeric's conversation with the man and support him with her spells in case of trouble, but out of immediate reach from the road. This she clambers up, then silently beckons the others before looking about her from the hummock's vantage point to see if she can spot any telltale signs of concealed watchers of either the retinue or the man Sir Almeric is speaking with.
=========
Famh's Investigation 20
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Cainneach notes Ori's indication to withdraw and backs off the road, continuing to scan the area after evaluating the old man. Were there any signs of a potential ambush, such as cover, outbuildings, or things ahead on the trail that could conceal trouble? In the back of his mind, the notion that there might have been five riders over the night, rather than only four, percolates. Cainneach calls Salt to heel as he withdraws. The hound seems untroubled by the bedraggled interloper.
The others filter off the road to observe and watch, Cainneach is able to get a clear view of the man as he speaks though from this angle he cannot see what Almeric is saying in return. Ori stands a sentinel, perhaps reminiscent of one of the rare occasions he had had to play St George in the mummers plays when Tristan was too hungover to perform. Salt stays beside Cainneach but his ears are pricked and he seems eager to go to Oris side though he seems little troubled by the meeting. Thatch hunkers down and disappears into the heather as he observes.
Famhs quick eyes flashed over the foliage and topography spotting few places an ambusher could hide and noting a stand of sweet cicely that would add to her larder supplies into the bargain, Vardi did not fare as well in her observations.
The man looks confused as he finally draws up to Sir Almeric and Ori, " I thought there were more.....oh, pardon yer Lordship."
The man had obviously been building himself up to something but as he approached Sir Almeric the wind seemed to go out of him, his eyes were red and his face even more so....
' Excuse me, Milord.' He said the last word unsurely as if he wasn't sure of the correct term of address..
He sketched a bow to Ori just in case, and greeted him with another, ' Milord.'
' I'm awful worried about my daughter, she was out tending to the coos this morning but she hasn't returned. I'm worried but I can't leave the youngsters to go see to her.'
' Would you be able to head out to the top paddock and see what has become of her?'
OOC: Vardi makes two Perception checks, one to study the man, (Total of 6) one glancing around the area he's in (Total of 2) Note to self, maybe take the helm off next time...
(doubt it was the helm ... I envision Skoggi pawing at her neck each time at just the wrong moment LOL)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
OOC: Vardi makes two Perception checks, one to study the man, (Total of 6) one glancing around the area he's in (Total of 2) Note to self, maybe take the helm off next time...
(doubt it was the helm ... I envision Skoggi pawing at her neck each time at just the wrong moment LOL)
OOC: Vardi makes two Perception checks, one to study the man, (Total of 6) one glancing around the area he's in (Total of 2) Note to self, maybe take the helm off next time...
(doubt it was the helm ... I envision Skoggi pawing at her neck each time at just the wrong moment LOL)
(More likely tipping the basket lid up over her head to see what all the fuss was about, but yup, probably Skokki!) :D
Almeric looked at the poor man and suddenly realised his mistake. This man was terrified for his daughter and flustered by the armoured men before him. Turning, he tries to catch Famh's eye, beckoning her over with a friendly wave.
To the poor man "Please, take you ease. We are no lords, but we are here to help. Please tell my friend everything and all will be will." Almeric steps away, waiting for Famh to approach and speak with the flustered and anxious man, then asks a question. "Who did you think we were?"
As Famh approaches "Can you please put this poor man at his ease and find out all you can about his missing daighter."
Cainneach only sees one side of the conversation, but he gets the gist of the man's plea. Sounds reasonable enough, but is it merely a convincing ploy to set up an ambush of the retinue at the paddock?
Insight21 (I imagine a high DC given the distance and only reading lips and observing body language, but may as well give it a go.)
In either case, Cainneach's heart skips a bit when he notices Almeric's gesture to Famh to come forward. The tactics were undoubtedly correct; have our unassuming woman speak with the distraught father about his daughter. Even so, it made the forester nervous to see his beloved approach the farmer. Cainneach looks to see if Almeric or Ori make any signal to the rest of the party, then quickly and quietly draws his bow.
Perception15 (any directions from Almeric or Ori?) Stealth14 (attempt to ready his bow unnoticed)
Almeric looked at the poor man and suddenly realised his mistake. This man was terrified for his daughter and flustered by the armoured men before him. Turning, he tries to catch Famh's eye, beckoning her over with a friendly wave.
To the poor man"Please, take you ease. We are no lords, but we are here to help. Please tell my friend everything and all will be will." Almeric steps away, waiting for Famh to approach and speak with the flustered and anxious man, then asks a question. "Who did you think we were?"
As Famh approaches "Can you please put this poor man at his ease and find out all you can about his missing daighter."
The man half sketches something that was probably intended to be a curtsey to Famh as he follows Almerics line of sight.
" Oh, I thought you might be from the Keep, bringing irregulars up to Marrowglen to bolster the winter levies."
Cainneach only sees one side of the conversation, but he gets the gist of the man's plea. Sounds reasonable enough, but is it merely a convincing ploy to set up an ambush of the retinue at the paddock?
Insight21 (I imagine a high DC given the distance and only reading lips and observing body language, but may as well give it a go.)
In either case, Cainneach's heart skips a bit when he notices Almeric's gesture to Famh to come forward. The tactics were undoubtedly correct; have our unassuming woman speak with the distraught father about his daughter. Even so, it made the forester nervous to see his beloved approach the farmer. Cainneach looks to see if Almeric or Ori make any signal to the rest of the party, then quickly and quietly draws his bow.
Perception15 (any directions from Almeric or Ori?) Stealth14 (attempt to ready his bow unnoticed)
Cainneachs keen senses note that both Sir Almeric and Oris body language has subtly changed as the man speaks and he detects only concern and panic in the flushed face of the older man.
Cainneach draws and nocks his bow in a single smooth motion there are no direct signals from the two but from his observations he would guess they see little to no danger in the man himself.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Aye, Ser, right away. Poor lass." Famh climbs down the little knoll again and approaches the distraught man. "Forgive us for bein' a wee bit cautious at first. But yer worry for yer lassie's clear on yer face; an we'll use the same care tae find her. Can ye tell us hou long ago exactly she went oot, an bi whit path? An anythin else ye can think o thon micht help, particularly anythin oot o the common."
=========
Persuasion (to calm the man) 16
Insight (to catch inconsistencies or anything the man might be holding back on for whatever reason) 5
Investigation) (listening carefully to the man's story for leads or clues) 24
The older man calms noticeably at Famhs familiar lilt and gentle tone.
" Uh...yes...well Meabh went out earlier t'morn before first light; there's been raids and she worries on them...though no Clans gonna trouble themselves with our wee herd."
' Thankyou." , he said with relief. ' The path she took leads up the hill just past the end of town, its through the woods and up onto the ridgeline.', Famh finds the mans flustered expression and panic makes reading any subtle clues or implications rather difficult.
Watching out a window in the common area of the manor they are residing in, Ori tosses the pastry over to Thatch. "So mate, how did you end up here? Must be a pretty good tale of stables to high tables."
Thatch settled into the first watch with Ori and shared stories to pass the time. “How did I get here? I just set out to help old Mother Clay tend to a babe for Lord Dayne’s cousins. She was elderly you see, in no shape to walk. I needed to tend to Nibby, that’s our old hinny, to get her to the village on time. That seemed like forever ago now.” Thatch told the high points of Sir Valor and the witch and the Bear King’s tomb, up to the point they met Sir Almeric. “I wish master Hotspur was here, he could spin a tale much better than I, but that’s the long and short of it. Sir Valor entrusted us household staff that remained over to Sir Almeric and that’s about the time I met you. You see, I always wanted to get out of the stable and show my worth to the Daynes and this is my chance. Now you’ll have to share your story next time, I would like to hear more about your shows.”
Thatch traveled with Cainneach at the front of the retinue, ranging slightly ahead of the group at times while scouting for areas of danger or signs of the riders that passed before them. He had just returned back to brief the others on what he saw of the next town when the old man approached the group. Nodding at Sir Almeric’s and Ori’s instructions, Thatch faded away into the brush next to the trail and found a nice hiding place with a clear view of Sir Almeric. He readied his shortbow and frowned slightly as Sir Almeric waved Famh forward. Now what is the old man up to now? He wondered, but he did not break cover until the all clear was given.
(OOC: Apologies to the group for my absence, was unavailable for a few days and it looks like I missed a lot! Ready to jump back in and catch up.)
"We'll do all we can for ye.," Famh assures the man. She turns to Sir Almeric briefly, respectfully keeping her gaze slightly lowered as the retinue is not in private. "I'd counsel that we follow up on this now, Ser, though perhaps we ought send one as a messenger to let Sir Robert know what's happened." Turning back to the father, she slips back into her native dialect and says "A wonae trouble ye for ower much more, sae ye can get back tae yer bairns. Only tell us whit Meabh looks like, sae we'll know her whan we see her, an whit she haed on whan she went oot this morn."
"We'll do all we can for ye.," Famh assures the man. She turns to Sir Almeric briefly, respectfully keeping her gaze slightly lowered as the retinue is not in private. "I'd counsel that we follow up on this now, Ser, though perhaps we ought send one as a messenger to let Sir Robert know what's happened." Turning back to the father, she slips back into her native dialect and says "A wonae trouble ye for ower much more, sae ye can get back tae yer bairns. Only tell us whit Meabh looks like, sae we'll know her whan we see her, an whit she haed on whan she went oot this morn."
Almeric gets another clear vision of his path. This is happening more often, ever since the incident at the Blue Moon Temple. Either he was getting better at this job, or he had a guardian angel sending instructions? Almeric nods to Fahm in agreement.
"I'll go to Sir Robert and brief him. I have the letter and it's my job to deliver it. I'm no use clunking through the heather anyhow. You find the girl and find out the cause of this. Gather as much information for me afore I leave, if you please. Give me clear markers for me to follow, when you need me to. If you want 'heavy' support, send word by whatever means necessary." Nodding in confirmation, he gives the 'all clear' hand signal to the others. Almeric knew that Fahm has many abilities and and left the resolution of his final request to her good judgement.
Turning to Ori "Ori, Sergeant-at-Arms to the Dayne Retinue; I am going for a walk and may be some time. You're in command now. I have a terrible feeling Beorn is behind. I will stop him, whatever the cost. The blessings of Gatanades be upon you." Almeric salutes and slaps the man on the back. Fey Gift: Hospitality +8 Temp HP's.
Almeric steps back to chat with Vardi, while Fahm questuions the farmer further. Almeric takes some directions from Vardi, from here to Marrowglen and the topography around the farm of the missing girl. "I'm sorry we couldn't chat more about Plate Harnesses, maybe later?" Another slap on the back. Fey Gift: Hospitality +3 Temp HP's. (OOC Soz, only 2 Gifts, so the tanks can have them.)
Once Almeric has the name and description of the girl, and an account of events surrounding the disappearance, he will strike off up the road at pace. [Quick March - 1 turn walking/observing and 1 turn Dashing. Rinse and repeat.]
Waving to all with a friendly smile. "It has been, and shall always be, an honour and privilege to serve as your commander. Au Revoir"
The man sketched out a description of his daughter saying that Meadh is the spitting image of her mother; a tall, pale girl with long black hair and eyes green as the grass. This morning, he thinks, she was dressed in a dark blue wollen smock and a yellow scarf.
Almeric departed at haste to bring the news to Marrowglen leaving the retinue with their task.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
( There were likely less than a half dozen, if he had to guess four...perhaps five..just riders and horses ( palfrey's he's fairly certain from the pace....not ponies or draught animals at least). They seemed to be in no hurry, he doesn't think it was maille or other armour he heard.)
Breaking their fast and catching up the retinue readys themselves for their days travel and sets out again on the road, Famhs work leaving the larder rather more lavish than it was previously. Folks line the street to wave them off...with smiles and some good humoured commentary..
" Nay, ye'd need a ladder to kiss her, Corrum."
" He's a biggun an' all, same all over ye think?"
" Oh, he's a sweet one Brionh, a smile like that....."
" Look at them two doves.....canoodling wit them fingers thinking none ken what their up to."
" That's a soldier that, lad. Don't get on the bad side of a man like that.....though yer sister'd likely want to get on his good side..."
" That moggies near big enough to gobble you up! And that's a very fine hound....."
The company left Hightoun behind and trekked the high road for another three hours before coming in sight of what Vardi identified as Merebodl surrounded by marsh and mire. The people of Merebodl were not as jovial as their counterparts in Hightoun but a number of older men came to the roadside to greet them and welcome to their lands.
The retinue heard in passing that they were not the only ones to pass through today, with one venerable old codger recalling four men....bearded and cloaked...and perhaps in their early twenties passing through in the early morning with nary a word.
They broke for lunch by a brook running through a picturesque meadow and noted the clouds were staying away today bringing extra crispness to the air.
Breaking and moving on a haggard looking man approached them on the outskirts of Bunessan and attempted to wave them down as they passed.
Almeric will wave back in acknowledgment of the greetings from various villager, smiling projecting a calm and confident air. He had been inspired by the reaction of Duke Carnasse, when they first arrived in Beltayne, to continue to wear his Capellar tabard. This was a calculated risk; marking him out as a stranager, but also projecting the levels of authority and respect that he needed when alone in foreign fields. Besides, if he provoked the enemy to attack, he had done his job in identifying them as assuredly as Cainneach could by interpreting sounds and tracks. Adopting their standard marching order was familier now, to the disciplined Retinue. Experts in their craft needed no instructions. Cainneach and Thatch advanced to the front, checking for tracks and hazards; Almeric and Ori, building their relationship and the Sergeant's confidence in his new role; Vardi and Famh, who could talk of things less martial if required.
Getting their intelligence confirmed in Merebodl, Almeric gives Cainneach a respectful nod, recognising the expertise of the Woodsman. He wanted to chat with the man further, encourage him, build trust, but this would just be a distraction for him right now. "Four riders on palfreys, lightly armoured, in no hurry. We may still the initiative, as they didn't see us or don't consider us a threat. Let me know if the riders leave the road, quicken their progress. Good work."
===EDIT=== Almeric has a sudden recollection, an inspiration if you will, or a previous encounter when the enemy used the same tactic. To conceal weapons, armour and your identity by wearing hooded cloaks was a common practice, for sure, but mimics the modus operandi of an old nemesis. The one that got away, the Traitor of Gorham, Sir Beorn the Brutal?
Further up the road, Almeric see the man and reacts instinctively, one hand sliding to his sword hilt as the other is raised to signal and call a 'Halt!' Watching the flanks, PERCEPTION = 1 Hahahaha! He turns to Ori, "Not a good place for an ambush. Get them off the road and stay alert, just in case." The knight strides across to the man, smiling, his hand releasing his sword hilt, with palms uplifted in peace. Ushering him off the road, he asks. "Good Day. Do you need help? Fear not, you are safe now. " Could this be one of the missing farmers? If so, how fortuitous for the man to stumble across them? Almeric is a reassuring and welcoming as a man in full war gear can be, on the road in broad daylight. PERESUASION = 18
Vardi listens with interest to the breakfast revelations of Ser Almeric, and seemingly has no argument to offer to his requests, no, his orders on maintaining secrecy as she silently reasons to herself ...He nay said anything about nay using our eyes and ears ta gather what grain can be found among the chaff and chatter though...
Almeric: "We have our first lead now, thanks to Cainneach. We will track the riders that passed us this morning. I'm sure they will take us close to Marrowglen and if not, we can reassess on the road. Will luck it will be Sir Robert and his deputies. With Divine Guidance, it may even be those responsible!"
The big lass nods in agreement even as she reminds herself ...Divine Guidance is nay always specific as ta tha Divinity in question, as tha Allsister Dunlevy said, but ye best be grateful if it happens just the same...
Vardi gathers her gear and dons her coat of mail over a thick grey felt gambeson while Skoggi demolishes a breakfast of venison scraps. Once done, he noses open the lid and climbs into the large basket lashed to the top of her backpack.
She is respectful to the gaffers at the ford, but when the ragged man waves, Vardi looks to Ori, then Almeric, then studies the ragged man, and his surroundings.
OOC: Vardi makes two Perception checks, one to study the man, (Total of 6) one glancing around the area he's in (Total of 2) Note to self, maybe take the helm off next time...
Cainneach's hand flies to his sword as the old man approaches. The first thought that occurs to him is of the man's similarity to the undead they'd recently encountered, given his dilapidated state. After that passes through his mind, the forester attempts to process what he's quickly observed of the figure, hopefully before Almeric finds himself in any danger. He also checks to make sure that Famh isn't rushing forward to aid the man. If the man and Almeric converse in low voices, Cainneach will attempt to read their lips.
Perception 9
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
After Almeric's 'pep talk' after the rest of group rise from their respective beds, Ori watches from the corner of the room with a relaxed expression. "Oi, someone's gotten a little to used to castle mattresses to get a good night's sleep in commoners bed. But ye point is made, we are here to ruffle ruffians feathers, not the common folk. We want there help to slovenly this then we need to make it clear that we can solve thier problems, otherwise they feel like they are sticking there necks out for nothing. When it comes to handling a crowd, presentation is half the battle. Show them your confidence and they will believe you're capable. Then we worry about proving that belief right."
After Almeric tells Ori to get the crew off the road, Ori turns to them. "Alright mates, take 5 but off the pathway, shove off into the bushes with the lot of ya aye?" Ori himself stays in the road. He understood Almeric point to not leave everyone exposed incase this turned out to be a diversion. But Ori didn't want to give the man the impression that they were an easily scared group, plus an ambushed would want to take the easy target, if they were all hard to see then they would go for the most vulnerable target, so this way Ori would give them the easy target, second to Almeric that is. He makes sure to catch Cainneach and Vardi eyes with exposing his hand axe stapped to his back and gripping the handle. He figured they would get the idea this wasn't a relaxing pause and spread the word without Ori announcing their suspicions to the world. His other hand still holding the handle of the club proped up on his shoulder in a seemingly relaxed grip. Ori will scan around to see if he spots anything out of place or places to watch them from.
Ori Perception: 16
Using her improvised spear for its original purpose of a walking stick, Famh nods to Ori wordlessly and heads off to the side of the road. She chooses a low knoll close enough to hear Sir Almeric's conversation with the man and support him with her spells in case of trouble, but out of immediate reach from the road. This she clambers up, then silently beckons the others before looking about her from the hummock's vantage point to see if she can spot any telltale signs of concealed watchers of either the retinue or the man Sir Almeric is speaking with.
=========
Famh's Investigation 20
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Cainneach notes Ori's indication to withdraw and backs off the road, continuing to scan the area after evaluating the old man. Were there any signs of a potential ambush, such as cover, outbuildings, or things ahead on the trail that could conceal trouble? In the back of his mind, the notion that there might have been five riders over the night, rather than only four, percolates. Cainneach calls Salt to heel as he withdraws. The hound seems untroubled by the bedraggled interloper.
Perception 21
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
The others filter off the road to observe and watch, Cainneach is able to get a clear view of the man as he speaks though from this angle he cannot see what Almeric is saying in return. Ori stands a sentinel, perhaps reminiscent of one of the rare occasions he had had to play St George in the mummers plays when Tristan was too hungover to perform. Salt stays beside Cainneach but his ears are pricked and he seems eager to go to Oris side though he seems little troubled by the meeting. Thatch hunkers down and disappears into the heather as he observes.
Famhs quick eyes flashed over the foliage and topography spotting few places an ambusher could hide and noting a stand of sweet cicely that would add to her larder supplies into the bargain, Vardi did not fare as well in her observations.
The man looks confused as he finally draws up to Sir Almeric and Ori, " I thought there were more.....oh, pardon yer Lordship."
The man had obviously been building himself up to something but as he approached Sir Almeric the wind seemed to go out of him, his eyes were red and his face even more so....
' Excuse me, Milord.' He said the last word unsurely as if he wasn't sure of the correct term of address..
He sketched a bow to Ori just in case, and greeted him with another, ' Milord.'
' I'm awful worried about my daughter, she was out tending to the coos this morning but she hasn't returned. I'm worried but I can't leave the youngsters to go see to her.'
' Would you be able to head out to the top paddock and see what has become of her?'
(doubt it was the helm ... I envision Skoggi pawing at her neck each time at just the wrong moment LOL)
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
(More likely tipping the basket lid up over her head to see what all the fuss was about, but yup, probably Skokki!) :D
Almeric looked at the poor man and suddenly realised his mistake. This man was terrified for his daughter and flustered by the armoured men before him. Turning, he tries to catch Famh's eye, beckoning her over with a friendly wave.
To the poor man "Please, take you ease. We are no lords, but we are here to help. Please tell my friend everything and all will be will." Almeric steps away, waiting for Famh to approach and speak with the flustered and anxious man, then asks a question. "Who did you think we were?"
As Famh approaches "Can you please put this poor man at his ease and find out all you can about his missing daighter."
Cainneach only sees one side of the conversation, but he gets the gist of the man's plea. Sounds reasonable enough, but is it merely a convincing ploy to set up an ambush of the retinue at the paddock?
Insight 21 (I imagine a high DC given the distance and only reading lips and observing body language, but may as well give it a go.)
In either case, Cainneach's heart skips a bit when he notices Almeric's gesture to Famh to come forward. The tactics were undoubtedly correct; have our unassuming woman speak with the distraught father about his daughter. Even so, it made the forester nervous to see his beloved approach the farmer. Cainneach looks to see if Almeric or Ori make any signal to the rest of the party, then quickly and quietly draws his bow.
Perception 15 (any directions from Almeric or Ori?)
Stealth 14 (attempt to ready his bow unnoticed)
Active - Player: Sleeping Gods ---- Complete - Player: Masquerade, Teleportation Machine ---- Complete - DM: Extradimensional Spaces
Come join the Worlds of Pphost, a new and growing PbP community! Adventures are currently running in the world of Haven or do some role-playing!
It never hurts to help! ---- PbP: [Rolling Dice] [Tooltips] ---- DDB Content: [Free Adventures] [Encounter of the Week]
The man half sketches something that was probably intended to be a curtsey to Famh as he follows Almerics line of sight.
" Oh, I thought you might be from the Keep, bringing irregulars up to Marrowglen to bolster the winter levies."
Cainneachs keen senses note that both Sir Almeric and Oris body language has subtly changed as the man speaks and he detects only concern and panic in the flushed face of the older man.
Cainneach draws and nocks his bow in a single smooth motion there are no direct signals from the two but from his observations he would guess they see little to no danger in the man himself.
"Aye, Ser, right away. Poor lass." Famh climbs down the little knoll again and approaches the distraught man. "Forgive us for bein' a wee bit cautious at first. But yer worry for yer lassie's clear on yer face; an we'll use the same care tae find her. Can ye tell us hou long ago exactly she went oot, an bi whit path? An anythin else ye can think o thon micht help, particularly anythin oot o the common."
=========
Persuasion (to calm the man) 16
Insight (to catch inconsistencies or anything the man might be holding back on for whatever reason) 5
Investigation) (listening carefully to the man's story for leads or clues) 24
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
The older man calms noticeably at Famhs familiar lilt and gentle tone.
" Uh...yes...well Meabh went out earlier t'morn before first light; there's been raids and she worries on them...though no Clans gonna trouble themselves with our wee herd."
' Thankyou." , he said with relief. ' The path she took leads up the hill just past the end of town, its through the woods and up onto the ridgeline.', Famh finds the mans flustered expression and panic makes reading any subtle clues or implications rather difficult.
Thatch settled into the first watch with Ori and shared stories to pass the time. “How did I get here? I just set out to help old Mother Clay tend to a babe for Lord Dayne’s cousins. She was elderly you see, in no shape to walk. I needed to tend to Nibby, that’s our old hinny, to get her to the village on time. That seemed like forever ago now.” Thatch told the high points of Sir Valor and the witch and the Bear King’s tomb, up to the point they met Sir Almeric. “I wish master Hotspur was here, he could spin a tale much better than I, but that’s the long and short of it. Sir Valor entrusted us household staff that remained over to Sir Almeric and that’s about the time I met you. You see, I always wanted to get out of the stable and show my worth to the Daynes and this is my chance. Now you’ll have to share your story next time, I would like to hear more about your shows.”
Thatch traveled with Cainneach at the front of the retinue, ranging slightly ahead of the group at times while scouting for areas of danger or signs of the riders that passed before them. He had just returned back to brief the others on what he saw of the next town when the old man approached the group. Nodding at Sir Almeric’s and Ori’s instructions, Thatch faded away into the brush next to the trail and found a nice hiding place with a clear view of Sir Almeric. He readied his shortbow and frowned slightly as Sir Almeric waved Famh forward. Now what is the old man up to now? He wondered, but he did not break cover until the all clear was given.
(OOC: Apologies to the group for my absence, was unavailable for a few days and it looks like I missed a lot! Ready to jump back in and catch up.)
"We'll do all we can for ye.," Famh assures the man. She turns to Sir Almeric briefly, respectfully keeping her gaze slightly lowered as the retinue is not in private. "I'd counsel that we follow up on this now, Ser, though perhaps we ought send one as a messenger to let Sir Robert know what's happened." Turning back to the father, she slips back into her native dialect and says "A wonae trouble ye for ower much more, sae ye can get back tae yer bairns. Only tell us whit Meabh looks like, sae we'll know her whan we see her, an whit she haed on whan she went oot this morn."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Almeric gets another clear vision of his path. This is happening more often, ever since the incident at the Blue Moon Temple. Either he was getting better at this job, or he had a guardian angel sending instructions? Almeric nods to Fahm in agreement.
"I'll go to Sir Robert and brief him. I have the letter and it's my job to deliver it. I'm no use clunking through the heather anyhow. You find the girl and find out the cause of this. Gather as much information for me afore I leave, if you please. Give me clear markers for me to follow, when you need me to. If you want 'heavy' support, send word by whatever means necessary." Nodding in confirmation, he gives the 'all clear' hand signal to the others. Almeric knew that Fahm has many abilities and and left the resolution of his final request to her good judgement.
Turning to Ori "Ori, Sergeant-at-Arms to the Dayne Retinue; I am going for a walk and may be some time. You're in command now. I have a terrible feeling Beorn is behind. I will stop him, whatever the cost. The blessings of Gatanades be upon you." Almeric salutes and slaps the man on the back. Fey Gift: Hospitality +8 Temp HP's.
Almeric steps back to chat with Vardi, while Fahm questuions the farmer further. Almeric takes some directions from Vardi, from here to Marrowglen and the topography around the farm of the missing girl. "I'm sorry we couldn't chat more about Plate Harnesses, maybe later?" Another slap on the back. Fey Gift: Hospitality +3 Temp HP's. (OOC Soz, only 2 Gifts, so the tanks can have them.)
Once Almeric has the name and description of the girl, and an account of events surrounding the disappearance, he will strike off up the road at pace. [Quick March - 1 turn walking/observing and 1 turn Dashing. Rinse and repeat.]
Waving to all with a friendly smile. "It has been, and shall always be, an honour and privilege to serve as your commander. Au Revoir"
The man sketched out a description of his daughter saying that Meadh is the spitting image of her mother; a tall, pale girl with long black hair and eyes green as the grass. This morning, he thinks, she was dressed in a dark blue wollen smock and a yellow scarf.
Almeric departed at haste to bring the news to Marrowglen leaving the retinue with their task.