Dalkkar greets Kragen with respect from someone of a higher station. "Well met, Kragen Gravelbeard! Tyr's justice indeed. These bandits have been attacking our caravans headed up the river road to Mirabar and such places for several months now. It has cost us much in lost goods and paying for extra guards." He continues to stand beside the table. The other dwarves maintain a watch around the room. "It has cost us much in paying wergild for lost guards as well. Not that we owed it," he adds hastily. "But, we took on the responsibility of the murderous bandits so that we could maintain a flow of goods."
He tucks his thumbs into his belt and starts to chuckle a bit. "As for drivers....well that's you! It is not a caravan that is leaving. Just your wagon pulled by two oxen." He gets a bit more serious, "We offered for Cleggor's goods to be transported with our next caravan sometime next ten-day. He was impatient and said he would make arrangements of his own."
He then smacks his fist into his hand, "I would enjoy nothing more than striking back at these bandits. But there is too much territory for them to hide. It would take a force much larger than we can put into the field to accomplish this. The Ships of Luskan have little interest in protecting our caravans. They say it is our cost to bear to trade our goods here. Mostly the usual mix of human and half-orcs attacking. Many times they are wearing red colored cloaks. No magic using attackers have been discussed by the guards."
Nodding to Dalkkar while listening intently, once he is complete with his response. "Thank you, that is helpful information, i should have been a little more curious and specific about the requirements of this endeavour." "That being said, the requirements are manageable and we intend to ensure that the contents and equipment make it safely and intact to it's intended destination." "The information, with regard to, the bandit attacks and their tactics and combatants is helpful." "Any chance there was a pattern of attack location/or area, and type of tactics used in the attacks... such as ranged weapons first from cover, then close range combat, disable transport mode, target certain individuals, etc??"
Dalkkar shakes his head, “No. They attack different places and different times.” He thinks for a moment before adding, “No set pattern. Seems to depend on the location. They usually are armed with spears and swords with a few having crossbows. Most of the deaths have occurred when the guards fight back too much.”
Acknowledging the new information "Understood and helpful, we will use this information to plan accordingly if something were to occur." " We will see you on the morrow?" "Thank you"
Nodding to Dalkkar that Kragen understands, he turns to the group, or whomever is left.. "Complete what preparations you need today and meet me in the common room at 6am for breakfast and then departure to the Mirabar Shield to pick up our contract." "Erbert, don't dawdle in the am, we have an early start." smiling fondly at the Gnome. "See you all in the am, cheers!" Kragen sets off to his room to prepare and rest for the evening.
Before the morning of departure, Gneuman will retrieve his backpack and ensure that additional rations have been added (enough for one week).
Before departure: Gneuman: "I have had ample experience with traveling in caravans when I worked for my father some years ago. Unfortunately, we were subjected to goblin attacks those many years ago as well." "I might suggest a small advance party travel about half a mile ahead to scout the road, look for recent tracks or signs of possible concern." "Should anything come up, we send someone back to the main caravan as quickly as possible." "....just a suggestion."
One of the dwarves with Dalkkar returns to the Dancing Dolphin and walks over to where you are sitting. “Quartermaster Dalkkar sent me to let you know he will be providing equipment for your journey as thanks for your eliminating the thieves’ den,” he tells you as he hands you a slip of paper. He nods to you and departs.
The paper has a list on it:
2 light crossbows
50 crossbow bolts
6 Javelins
Wood chopping axe
2 small tents
Corn meal, flour, salt, sugar, dried beans, salt pork & beef (vittles for 6 people for 6 days)
Gneuman’s shared knowledge from his experiences seems reasonable. I propose that our ‘point man’ carries a whistle. Should unforeseen danger ensnare him, a single, clear call will let us know he needs aid.
I imagine someone else could make better use of the crossbows than i could. The range of those things are much longer than my eldritch magic But that would be the only case I would use one. Makes much more sense for someone else to carry it
Hoid will take the other crossbow and 25 bolts. The javelins can stay with the wagon for whoever needs them in an emergency—unless anyone else can use a crossbow effectively (but I think not).
Taurik smiles at Trolkarl, “You and your friends are welcome here anytime. Trolkarl, was it?” He directs you to a nearby market area with stalls and shops. “Look for Feldo’s stall. He is a woodcarver. Likely has signal whistles you can get for a few coppers each. Otherwise, if you want brass that are seaworthy, head to the smithy square. Those will be several silver each.”
i thank Taurik. Head out to smithy square. Do my best haggling without being obnoxious. And return to distribute our durable high quality brass alarm systems.
You all have a much more docile evening at The Dolphin tonight. Taurik and Jadeth prepare a meal of a traditional fish stew that has everything g that swims in the sea from what you can tell. It has a rich tomato stock fortified with white wine and is served in a giant bowl with hunks of sourdough bread on the side. It is rich and flavorful and goes great with the light ale keg broached tonight.
In the morning you say your goodbyes at The Dolphin and meet up with Dalkkar at the Mirabar Shield. A wagon is loaded up with all the supplies ordered by Cleghor. The Quartermasters assistant goes over the list with you as the ox team is harnessed to the yoke. A tarp is pulled over the supplies and secured. Dalkkar bids you farewell and wishes the Luck of Tymora to follow you.
You follow the River Road upstream the Luskar River. It is navigable here and river boats are seen plying the channel. The road has traffic and you are rarely alone with someone e else coming or going. Mid-morning there is a stir on the road as a dragon flies high overhead. It circles over where you are on the road and then continues to the NE. You cannot distinguish whether it is blue or black given how high it is. It is carrying some kind of animal in one hind claw.
The remainder of the day is uneventful. You come upon a small town, Watglen, in late afternoon. There is a mill by the river, a smithy and roadhouse with a stable as well as a number of small houses.
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Dalkkar greets Kragen with respect from someone of a higher station. "Well met, Kragen Gravelbeard! Tyr's justice indeed. These bandits have been attacking our caravans headed up the river road to Mirabar and such places for several months now. It has cost us much in lost goods and paying for extra guards." He continues to stand beside the table. The other dwarves maintain a watch around the room. "It has cost us much in paying wergild for lost guards as well. Not that we owed it," he adds hastily. "But, we took on the responsibility of the murderous bandits so that we could maintain a flow of goods."
He tucks his thumbs into his belt and starts to chuckle a bit. "As for drivers....well that's you! It is not a caravan that is leaving. Just your wagon pulled by two oxen." He gets a bit more serious, "We offered for Cleggor's goods to be transported with our next caravan sometime next ten-day. He was impatient and said he would make arrangements of his own."
He then smacks his fist into his hand, "I would enjoy nothing more than striking back at these bandits. But there is too much territory for them to hide. It would take a force much larger than we can put into the field to accomplish this. The Ships of Luskan have little interest in protecting our caravans. They say it is our cost to bear to trade our goods here. Mostly the usual mix of human and half-orcs attacking. Many times they are wearing red colored cloaks. No magic using attackers have been discussed by the guards."
Nodding to Dalkkar while listening intently, once he is complete with his response. "Thank you, that is helpful information, i should have been a little more curious and specific about the requirements of this endeavour." "That being said, the requirements are manageable and we intend to ensure that the contents and equipment make it safely and intact to it's intended destination." "The information, with regard to, the bandit attacks and their tactics and combatants is helpful." "Any chance there was a pattern of attack location/or area, and type of tactics used in the attacks... such as ranged weapons first from cover, then close range combat, disable transport mode, target certain individuals, etc??"
Dalkkar shakes his head, “No. They attack different places and different times.” He thinks for a moment before adding, “No set pattern. Seems to depend on the location. They usually are armed with spears and swords with a few having crossbows. Most of the deaths have occurred when the guards fight back too much.”
Acknowledging the new information "Understood and helpful, we will use this information to plan accordingly if something were to occur." " We will see you on the morrow?" "Thank you"
Dalkkar turns to go. He says, "If there is anything I can do for you to prepare, just let me know."
Nodding to Dalkkar that Kragen understands, he turns to the group, or whomever is left.. "Complete what preparations you need today and meet me in the common room at 6am for breakfast and then departure to the Mirabar Shield to pick up our contract." "Erbert, don't dawdle in the am, we have an early start." smiling fondly at the Gnome. "See you all in the am, cheers!" Kragen sets off to his room to prepare and rest for the evening.
Before the morning of departure, Gneuman will retrieve his backpack and ensure that additional rations have been added (enough for one week).
Before departure: Gneuman: "I have had ample experience with traveling in caravans when I worked for my father some years ago. Unfortunately, we were subjected to goblin attacks those many years ago as well." "I might suggest a small advance party travel about half a mile ahead to scout the road, look for recent tracks or signs of possible concern." "Should anything come up, we send someone back to the main caravan as quickly as possible." "....just a suggestion."
One of the dwarves with Dalkkar returns to the Dancing Dolphin and walks over to where you are sitting. “Quartermaster Dalkkar sent me to let you know he will be providing equipment for your journey as thanks for your eliminating the thieves’ den,” he tells you as he hands you a slip of paper. He nods to you and departs.
The paper has a list on it:
2 light crossbows
50 crossbow bolts
6 Javelins
Wood chopping axe
2 small tents
Corn meal, flour, salt, sugar, dried beans, salt pork & beef (vittles for 6 people for 6 days)
Pots / Pans, grate for open fire cooking
D
Who can/wants to use the ranged weapons?
Gneuman’s shared knowledge from his experiences seems reasonable.
I propose that our ‘point man’ carries a whistle. Should unforeseen danger ensnare him, a single, clear call will let us know he needs aid.
I imagine someone else could make better use of the crossbows than i could. The range of those things are much longer than my eldritch magic But that would be the only case I would use one. Makes much more sense for someone else to carry it
Guess I'll take a crossbow and 25 bolts since it'll be better range than my javelins.
Hoid will take the other crossbow and 25 bolts. The javelins can stay with the wagon for whoever needs them in an emergency—unless anyone else can use a crossbow effectively (but I think not).
We should have a whistle with the wagon too. Ambushers can let the scout pass and then attack the juicy wagon for all the loot.
Here is my proposal to the group to move things along.
Who is procuring the whistles?
Let's start the party!
For the few copper each, maybe better if we all have one.
I mention to Taurik “ I’m sure these provisions for the dwarves will keep us from starving but look forward to a proper meal when we return “
I ask him for the closest marker, and let me know I can bring back anything small he needs, and head out.
Taurik smiles at Trolkarl, “You and your friends are welcome here anytime. Trolkarl, was it?” He directs you to a nearby market area with stalls and shops. “Look for Feldo’s stall. He is a woodcarver. Likely has signal whistles you can get for a few coppers each. Otherwise, if you want brass that are seaworthy, head to the smithy square. Those will be several silver each.”
Seaworthy whistles may be worthwhile for durability.
5sp for brass
5cp for wood
brass it is.
i thank Taurik. Head out to smithy square. Do my best haggling without being obnoxious. And return to distribute our durable high quality brass alarm systems.
You all have a much more docile evening at The Dolphin tonight. Taurik and Jadeth prepare a meal of a traditional fish stew that has everything g that swims in the sea from what you can tell. It has a rich tomato stock fortified with white wine and is served in a giant bowl with hunks of sourdough bread on the side. It is rich and flavorful and goes great with the light ale keg broached tonight.
In the morning you say your goodbyes at The Dolphin and meet up with Dalkkar at the Mirabar Shield. A wagon is loaded up with all the supplies ordered by Cleghor. The Quartermasters assistant goes over the list with you as the ox team is harnessed to the yoke. A tarp is pulled over the supplies and secured. Dalkkar bids you farewell and wishes the Luck of Tymora to follow you.
You follow the River Road upstream the Luskar River. It is navigable here and river boats are seen plying the channel. The road has traffic and you are rarely alone with someone e else coming or going. Mid-morning there is a stir on the road as a dragon flies high overhead. It circles over where you are on the road and then continues to the NE. You cannot distinguish whether it is blue or black given how high it is. It is carrying some kind of animal in one hind claw.
The remainder of the day is uneventful. You come upon a small town, Watglen, in late afternoon. There is a mill by the river, a smithy and roadhouse with a stable as well as a number of small houses.