To the group "If we can catch up to the caravan, we could see if we can travel with them. Safety in numbers." Adding, with a slight smirk. "Plus, they might pay us for extra protection!"
"An opportunity then." Dahme'dre says as she starts die the road. Her song begins again usually hummed, she now sings softly:
"It's like forgetting the words to your favorite song You can't believe it You were always singing along It was so easy and the words so sweet You can't remember You try to feel the beat..."
With Dahme'dre leading the way, you all move at a rapid walking pace. Your long strides eat up the distance, gradually gaining on the caravan before you. Soon, the figures heading south are completely out of sight and no more come back toward you from the north, leaving you all alone with the long road and boxy shape of the wagons ahead.
The road winds its ways steadily in a generally northern direction, the faintest smudge on the horizon hinting at the chimney fires of a town or village in that direction. The sun slowly passes its zenith and shines now from the west, while still high in the sky.
As you move closer to the caravan, gradually catching up, you begin to pick out details. The rearmost wagon is a large, flat construction with towering wheels. You cannot makeout what is pulling it from a distance, but the occasional colossal pile of fresh manure you pass suggests several bovines of some size. Crates and boxes under tarpaulins lie piled atop the wagon, making it a lumpy shape in the middle distance.
When the road bends and the caravan spreads out, you catch glimpses of the second vehicle. This is an enclosed carriage of black wood, gilded and decorated with tasteful filigree. The occupants, if indeed there are any, are obscured from sight. Around the caravan, walking or riding on the back of the flatbed wagon are at least a dozen figured, dressed for travel but with the unmistakable glint of armor and weaponry in the early afternoon sun.
After another half hour, you are within hailing distance. You note the figures on the ground are aware of your presence, with eight drifting to walk behind the flatbed, taking turns watching your approach.
Aio, your eyes pick out a group of grizzled, wary men and women with a military bearing. Eyes peeled in every direction, they move with the wary confidence of veterans, scanning the surrounding countryside with one eye on you and your companions approach. They are dressed for travel, long dust cloaks parting as they move to reveal uniforms of Thar's Royal Guard over a mixture of ringmail, chainmail and leathers. Most are armed with a two-handed blade and crossbow, carried in overlapping fashion on their backs. None are carrying their weapons, except one woman atop the rear wagon who has a longbow held casually in one hand, no arrow cocked.
The Royal Guard are rarely seen in the streets of Thar these days, their duties consisting entirely of protecting and enforcing the will of an increasingly withdrawn noble class. Slightly misnamed, the Royal Guard are responsible to more than just the Monarchy, and are instead a shared resource whose time and efforts are distributed downward from the Monarchy to the minor nobility.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erdan will raise his eyebrow at mention of the royal guard. He remember that Lady Bizmaria seemed to worry about them before they were besieged the previous day.
To the party, he will whisper "We should not talk about the deed yet. I'm not sure Lady Bizmaria trusted them fully."
He will wave towards the guards and call out to them. "Hello there! It seems we are traveling in the same direction!"
After he calls out, he will watch them to see who will respond, and if they confer with someone else first. He's trying to figure out who the leader is among them.
Erdan, your hailing of the group doesn't cause much of a commotion. Most of the guards look your way briefly before resuming their vigilant march. A slight man, perhaps with some elven blood moves forward, away from you and hops lightly onto the side of the carriage to speak to someone within. Meanwhile, a thick set woman of well above average height detaches from the group and approaches you, under the watchful gaze of several of her companions. None reach for weapons, but there is a tension in their outwardly relaxed stances which suggests their laconic pose is artificial.
She raises a hand in greeting as she approaches, a lazy casual wave. "Hail, Citizen," she says with a hint of irony in her voice. "We do indeed head in the same direction, but I would ask you and yours to keep your distance." She jerks her head in the direction of the caravan's travel, "We'll be in Arion by midday tomorrow. You are welcome to camp within sight of our fires when we break our march for the night."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dahme'dre considers her knowledge of the guard and Lady Bizmaria's concern. While this group isn't likely to value aid from her party, the Royal Guard may be of use in other ways.
Also, she thinks on Anion. What resource would be needed there with such a heavy detail protecting it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Had a thought, if Dahme'dre is covering Guidance for the group, I should probably cover Resistance, being the pseudo-healer, huh?)
Valen will approach the armored woman, "Hail to you, I am Valen of The Bastion. We would take great comfort in resting so close to valiant warriors such as yourself. It serves as mutual benefit for both parties that we should benefit from each others' strength of arms." Valen will steal a glance at the ornate carriage, "I believe you and yours will understand if both parties carry mutual ignorance of their patrons. There are too many opportunistic players in the world these days. We are all just travelers from one place to another, there should be no need to be hassled during our respective journies."
(Persuassion? Enhanced with Guidance of my own 22. Sorry, forgot to separate the two. I obviously don't have a negative CHA mod that bad, so that would be 7 rolled, 4 Guidance, and 2 prof bonus)
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
"I agree, no need for hassling. We could be in Arion tonight if we did not wait for the slothful guard. Their fire shall be long gone over the horizon behind us when we break our march for the night."
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1) DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
Dahme'dre, you scrape your memories for what you can recall of Anion. If memory serves, Anion was a comparatively minor village before the rise of the Empire. As the Empire grew, and the influence of Thar as the Imperial Capital expanded, Anion grew proportionately as the nearest major settlement along the vital northern road. Located a fortuitous day to day and a half march from the capital, it became a common way-point for traders and travelers alike. You do not recall any hint in the history books you read of any particular rare element, mineral or herb in the region, nor of any notable mines in the vicinity.
Valen, you deliver your speech with passion, but the guard seems largely unmoved. "You can keep your secrets, Valen of the Bastion" she says with sardonic smile, "just so long as you keep your distance." She sniffs dismissively at the offer of mutual assistance,"the Royal Guard have no need for your arms, strong or otherwise." Your stolen glance at the carriage reveals few details, except a simple coat of arms featuring a shield, split vertically, half green half white.
"They don't seem too friendly. And I've met enough strange people recently already." Kuori nods at the rest of the party.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1) DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
Valen gives a nod to the royal guard and turns to Kuori, "I have to agree. Our late-patron seemed to distrust the guard and those that employ them. We know where they are headed. If we can, we may be able to feign rest in the night, push further, and be up before dawn. We'll likely want to. Be clear of Anion before they arrive."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
(Sorry, been a busy few days, I couldn't post much.)
Does Erdan recognize the coat of arms on the carriage?
Erdan will listen while his friends speak. He will nod along to there assessment that they should move quickly. "I agree, I don't think we would gain much by traveling slowly. Let's move."
Erdan will move back towards the guard woman "My lady, we intend to travel at a quicker pace then you and yours. We will keep our distance, but intend to go around you. I just wished to inform you so there are no misunderstandings as we approach."
Erdan, you do not recognize the crest but that is unsurprising, given that it clearly belongs to minor nobility and not one of the major houses. There are dozens, if not hundreds of such heraldic crests in what remains of the Empire and no one except perhaps the royal archivist keeps track of them all.
The guard listens to you with a bored look on her face and then offers a crooked smile, indicating the sides of the road. She makes a mocking gesture of welcome, to indicate that you can overtake her party and then trots back to her place with the caravan.
Marching quickly, the party, quickly overtakes the slower caravan and you leaving them behind within the half hour. If the guard's estimation was correct, you should be able to reach Anion by just after midnight if you press forward at full speed. It will however mean marching in the darkness for part of the journey. Alternatively, you could make camp at some point and press forward when the sun rises.
What do you do (and how do you do it)?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"Our destination is North, is it not?" Aio said, head tilted to the side.
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
Erdan says to Aio "Northeast, quite a ways away."
To the group "If we can catch up to the caravan, we could see if we can travel with them. Safety in numbers." Adding, with a slight smirk. "Plus, they might pay us for extra protection!"
"An opportunity then." Dahme'dre says as she starts die the road. Her song begins again usually hummed, she now sings softly:
"It's like forgetting the words to your favorite song
You can't believe it
You were always singing along
It was so easy and the words so sweet
You can't remember
You try to feel the beat..."
Extended Signature
With Dahme'dre leading the way, you all move at a rapid walking pace. Your long strides eat up the distance, gradually gaining on the caravan before you. Soon, the figures heading south are completely out of sight and no more come back toward you from the north, leaving you all alone with the long road and boxy shape of the wagons ahead.
The road winds its ways steadily in a generally northern direction, the faintest smudge on the horizon hinting at the chimney fires of a town or village in that direction. The sun slowly passes its zenith and shines now from the west, while still high in the sky.
As you move closer to the caravan, gradually catching up, you begin to pick out details. The rearmost wagon is a large, flat construction with towering wheels. You cannot makeout what is pulling it from a distance, but the occasional colossal pile of fresh manure you pass suggests several bovines of some size. Crates and boxes under tarpaulins lie piled atop the wagon, making it a lumpy shape in the middle distance.
When the road bends and the caravan spreads out, you catch glimpses of the second vehicle. This is an enclosed carriage of black wood, gilded and decorated with tasteful filigree. The occupants, if indeed there are any, are obscured from sight. Around the caravan, walking or riding on the back of the flatbed wagon are at least a dozen figured, dressed for travel but with the unmistakable glint of armor and weaponry in the early afternoon sun.
After another half hour, you are within hailing distance. You note the figures on the ground are aware of your presence, with eight drifting to walk behind the flatbed, taking turns watching your approach.
"Aio, you've keener eyes than the rest of us. They look friendly?" Dahme'dre nudges the monk conferring the Guidance of the ages.
[Edit: 1]
Extended Signature
Aio cocked her head to the side and studied the guardsmen.
Perception: 20
Insight: 19
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
Aio, your eyes pick out a group of grizzled, wary men and women with a military bearing. Eyes peeled in every direction, they move with the wary confidence of veterans, scanning the surrounding countryside with one eye on you and your companions approach. They are dressed for travel, long dust cloaks parting as they move to reveal uniforms of Thar's Royal Guard over a mixture of ringmail, chainmail and leathers. Most are armed with a two-handed blade and crossbow, carried in overlapping fashion on their backs. None are carrying their weapons, except one woman atop the rear wagon who has a longbow held casually in one hand, no arrow cocked.
The Royal Guard are rarely seen in the streets of Thar these days, their duties consisting entirely of protecting and enforcing the will of an increasingly withdrawn noble class. Slightly misnamed, the Royal Guard are responsible to more than just the Monarchy, and are instead a shared resource whose time and efforts are distributed downward from the Monarchy to the minor nobility.
"Soldiers. Royal Guard. They seem ok." Aio says after scrutinizing the group.
Pit of Vipers: Watl Wiggins - Halfling Rogue(10)
League of Improbable Adventurers: Alan Quatermain - Human Fighter(3)
Erdan will raise his eyebrow at mention of the royal guard. He remember that Lady Bizmaria seemed to worry about them before they were besieged the previous day.
To the party, he will whisper "We should not talk about the deed yet. I'm not sure Lady Bizmaria trusted them fully."
He will wave towards the guards and call out to them. "Hello there! It seems we are traveling in the same direction!"
After he calls out, he will watch them to see who will respond, and if they confer with someone else first. He's trying to figure out who the leader is among them.
perception 20
Erdan, your hailing of the group doesn't cause much of a commotion. Most of the guards look your way briefly before resuming their vigilant march. A slight man, perhaps with some elven blood moves forward, away from you and hops lightly onto the side of the carriage to speak to someone within. Meanwhile, a thick set woman of well above average height detaches from the group and approaches you, under the watchful gaze of several of her companions. None reach for weapons, but there is a tension in their outwardly relaxed stances which suggests their laconic pose is artificial.
She raises a hand in greeting as she approaches, a lazy casual wave. "Hail, Citizen," she says with a hint of irony in her voice. "We do indeed head in the same direction, but I would ask you and yours to keep your distance." She jerks her head in the direction of the caravan's travel, "We'll be in Arion by midday tomorrow. You are welcome to camp within sight of our fires when we break our march for the night."
Dahme'dre considers her knowledge of the guard and Lady Bizmaria's concern. While this group isn't likely to value aid from her party, the Royal Guard may be of use in other ways.
Also, she thinks on Anion. What resource would be needed there with such a heavy detail protecting it.
(History: (4)10)
Extended Signature
(Had a thought, if Dahme'dre is covering Guidance for the group, I should probably cover Resistance, being the pseudo-healer, huh?)
Valen will approach the armored woman, "Hail to you, I am Valen of The Bastion. We would take great comfort in resting so close to valiant warriors such as yourself. It serves as mutual benefit for both parties that we should benefit from each others' strength of arms." Valen will steal a glance at the ornate carriage, "I believe you and yours will understand if both parties carry mutual ignorance of their patrons. There are too many opportunistic players in the world these days. We are all just travelers from one place to another, there should be no need to be hassled during our respective journies."
(Persuassion? Enhanced with Guidance of my own 22. Sorry, forgot to separate the two. I obviously don't have a negative CHA mod that bad, so that would be 7 rolled, 4 Guidance, and 2 prof bonus)
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
"I agree, no need for hassling. We could be in Arion tonight if we did not wait for the slothful guard. Their fire shall be long gone over the horizon behind us when we break our march for the night."
Kuori seems quite upset about something.
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1)
DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
Dahme'dre, you scrape your memories for what you can recall of Anion. If memory serves, Anion was a comparatively minor village before the rise of the Empire. As the Empire grew, and the influence of Thar as the Imperial Capital expanded, Anion grew proportionately as the nearest major settlement along the vital northern road. Located a fortuitous day to day and a half march from the capital, it became a common way-point for traders and travelers alike. You do not recall any hint in the history books you read of any particular rare element, mineral or herb in the region, nor of any notable mines in the vicinity.
Valen, you deliver your speech with passion, but the guard seems largely unmoved. "You can keep your secrets, Valen of the Bastion" she says with sardonic smile, "just so long as you keep your distance." She sniffs dismissively at the offer of mutual assistance, "the Royal Guard have no need for your arms, strong or otherwise." Your stolen glance at the carriage reveals few details, except a simple coat of arms featuring a shield, split vertically, half green half white.
Dahme'dre moves to walk beside Kuori. "You don't think we'd benefit from the guard's presence?" She asks.
Extended Signature
"They don't seem too friendly. And I've met enough strange people recently already." Kuori nods at the rest of the party.
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1)
DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
Valen gives a nod to the royal guard and turns to Kuori, "I have to agree. Our late-patron seemed to distrust the guard and those that employ them. We know where they are headed. If we can, we may be able to feign rest in the night, push further, and be up before dawn. We'll likely want to. Be clear of Anion before they arrive."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
"Very well, we'll push ahead."
Extended Signature
(Sorry, been a busy few days, I couldn't post much.)
Does Erdan recognize the coat of arms on the carriage?
Erdan will listen while his friends speak. He will nod along to there assessment that they should move quickly. "I agree, I don't think we would gain much by traveling slowly. Let's move."
Erdan will move back towards the guard woman "My lady, we intend to travel at a quicker pace then you and yours. We will keep our distance, but intend to go around you. I just wished to inform you so there are no misunderstandings as we approach."
Erdan, you do not recognize the crest but that is unsurprising, given that it clearly belongs to minor nobility and not one of the major houses. There are dozens, if not hundreds of such heraldic crests in what remains of the Empire and no one except perhaps the royal archivist keeps track of them all.
The guard listens to you with a bored look on her face and then offers a crooked smile, indicating the sides of the road. She makes a mocking gesture of welcome, to indicate that you can overtake her party and then trots back to her place with the caravan.
Marching quickly, the party, quickly overtakes the slower caravan and you leaving them behind within the half hour. If the guard's estimation was correct, you should be able to reach Anion by just after midnight if you press forward at full speed. It will however mean marching in the darkness for part of the journey. Alternatively, you could make camp at some point and press forward when the sun rises.
What do you do (and how do you do it)?