"Hmmm... " Krackle says as he squints his eyes and scratches his scaley chin. "Your meals have been pretty tastey... and you seem awfully nice... But it could all be an act. There is no telling what kind of schemes a smart woman like you could create... especially if someone were offering you coin. you did say you need money." The kobold says as he considers her words. He then smiles big and digs out a gold coin from his pouch. "I'll give you this gold coin if you can tell me who is causing all the undead to attack the caravan."
Malfa seems exasperated "Look a caravan is sort of like a family where everyone has to pitch in. Throwing doubts and rumors will only disrupt the peace though I must say those 2 robed figures gives me an uncomfortable feeling." she takes the offered gold.
Zeds watches the 2 robed figure, and you notice the man in red is intoning a spell under his breath and moving his left hand in a subtle pattern in the air.
Serge's patrol does indeed make the other caravanners more at ease that they have someone to protect them should danger approaches. Though he sees nothing of note on his patrol.
Ixsas insight does not reveal much beyond an unease in Toren and Bay seeming to be more withdrawn.
Ixsas finished his snack and excuses himself from the brothers.
If he can, Ixsas finds Serge and Krackle and Father's them at Krackle's carriage to talk privately. He shares what the brothers told him, and he has two things he'd like to do before everyone goes to sleep tonight.
1. "Krackle, maybe you could persuade Toren to help you with something? Think of a pretense to lead him away for a few minutes. I'd like to get a chance to talk to Bay alone, without his brother around. Something seems to be bothering him, but I don't think he'll speak of it in front of his brother. Perhaps it's nothing, a simple sibling disagreement, but maybe it's something more serious."
2. "Serge, I could use your help with Yara and Elara. You're new to the caravan, so your curiosity won't seem out of place. Once I finish with Bay, see whether you can persuade them to open up more about their plans. I think that they are the only members of the caravan -- other than ourselves and the red-robed necromancer -- who are not artisans or long-time associates of Faelsin. Perhaps they lied about their reason for joining the caravan. See whether you can get them to talk about their past and how they plan to make their way once they arrive in Waterdeep. I'll join you and see whether their story holds up under Kossuth's revealing light."
Zeds, from hiding, does his best to stay hidden but looks around for any sign of a magical effect or unexplained occurrence. Zeds himself isn't all that familiar with magic and it's workings but watching the Red One's studying the tome and hand movements looks awfully suspicious to him. He considers just walking up and interrupting whatever mischief he may be up to but decides that would only be a momentary measure and nothing would stop them from restarting their spell when less observed...
Perception 18 - Not to recognize the spell or such, Zeds would have no clue, but to see if he can spot any visible effects from it?
Krackle hands over the gold coin and makes his way over to Ixsas. "I don't think Malfa is the one causing the problems..." The kobold would say in a defeated tone. "I am sure I can get Toren to follow me if you need." He would reply with a nod before heading off to lure the man away...
If Zeds were to spot him and inform him of the necromancer spell, he would be likely make I terrifying the spell a priority over luring away Toren..
Otherwise he would approach Toren and ask him for assistance In getting a new bag of feed from the top of his carriage to feed Jr.
Serge nods politely but doesn't interrupt Ixsas' questioning of the two teamsters.
Later, he gathers with the other back at the carriage. He's never actually been this close to a giant lizard before and he can't quite help himself from marveling how similar it is to a big, scaly oxen. Nodding at Ixsas' suggestion, Serge will approach Yara and Elara.
"Good evening, fellow travelers," he says with a short bow. "We haven't been properly introduced. My name is Serge Marshblade, and I've joined up with the caravan to supplement the ranks of the guards. I just thought I would stop by and introduce myself and see if you had any concerns about security. There is no shortage of danger out here in the wilderness. If you ever see anything unusual or suspicious, please don't hesitate to bring it to my attention. I'll never be too far away or too busy to listen to your concerns."
He flashes a relaxed smile, one that isn't wholly ingenuine, but practiced from many years at weddings, funerals, and dinner parties in his youth.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Unless it's a spell cast by Krackle or Ixsas before, Zeds would have no real chance of recognizing it. If/when he next sees either of them he describes what he saw and tries to get their impression of what it could have been but his priority is watching the red robed suspect and being ready to strike from the shadows if need be...
Yara in a gruff voice says "I saw your fight, and you did well for yourself. Anyone who protects my dear wife is a friend in my book"
Elara stops her weaving "last night was terrible. I wasn't sure if we would have seen the next day, but we have because of you and the other guards. You have my thanks. If you ever need any woven goods you can come to me and Yara is in my opinion is one of the best tool makers. So, if you have a need for tools come to Yara."
Yara is quick to add "Yes we can offer our goods for a discounted cost right dear"
"Ah where's my head, Your right honey. After all we need all the coin, we can get to settle in Waterdeep" says Elara
Ixsas goes and stands nearby, holding his hands up to the fire to feel it warmth. He touches the holy symbol hanging from its cord around his neck, and he says a quiet prayer for guidance. Finally, Ixsas tries to draw out Bay. He asks, "You were quiet earlier, Bay. Do you have misgivings about your brother's plan?" He tries not to press too hard, saying, "Kossuth's light reveals all in the end. It's better not to hide thoughts or doubts in darkness. Know that you can talk to me in confidence."
Ixsas is listening for anything that sounds untrue or like Bay is hiding something. Since Toren had already encountered the Hellriders before they attacked the camp, Ixsas wonders whether Toren is involved in something nefarious or working for someone else. It's natural that Bay wouldn't want to betray his brother,
If needed, Persuasion11 + 1 from guidance If that check wasn't needed, add the Guidance boost to Insight17
Bay lets out a cough and is slow to respond as if lost in thought "Toren is a good brother but whatever her saw is wearing him down. I see it on his face and last night seems to made him even more agitated. Don't worry though I am keeping an eye on him. He just needs to be away from this place."
Ixsas gets the sense that Bay is telling you most of the truth though not everything.
When Krackle gets back to his carriage, He points up towards the roof a.d gestures towards the feed. "The bags are up there... they are nearly as big as I am... and I'm still a little tender after my fight with the undead..." The kobold says to the man with a smile. As Toren moves to get the feed, The kobold continues. "You know, coming face to face with creatures like that can be pretty scary. Sometimes just cuddling up to Jr and telling him about what's on my mind makes me feel better. You know, I bet Jr would let you feed him if you wanted. He loves food and head scratches you know. You could spend a little time talking to him." The kobold then pauses for a moment and looks the man in the eye. "If you have anything you want to talk about... anything that you want to get off your chest... I'll listen." He adds with a gentle smile.
Toran brings down the feed and hesitantly feeds Krackle Jr. Though he does not dare to pet the giant lizard.
He looks back towards his brother and says "I am better now so I don't really have anything on my chest. Where did you buy Jr? I have never seen a giant lizard. Well not up close anyway."
As he stands there talking his right hand absentmindedly goes to his burned wound left by the Hellriders.
"Looking to make a fresh start in Waterdeep?" Serge asks Yara and Elara. He chuckles. "For my taste, its too much city. When I've passed through, I always feel like I am lost, or missing something, or late getting somewhere. But no one can question that it is a place of great opportunity."
He turns to leave. "I appreciate the kind offer. And keep me in mind. If you see or hear anything suspicious or dangerous, whether on the trail or in camp, please don't hesitate to call it out."
"Have a pleasant evening."
He leaves them, perfectly convinced that they are no more than they claim to be.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Bay lets out a cough and is slow to respond as if lost in thought "Toren is a good brother but whatever her saw is wearing him down. I see it on his face and last night seems to made him even more agitated. Don't worry though I am keeping an eye on him. He just needs to be away from this place."
Ixsas gets the sense that Bay is telling you most of the truth though not everything.
Ixsas says, "He's not in any other trouble though, is he? I mean, how did he encounter those Hellriders days before the night of the New Moon?" He gives Bay a searching look with his green eyes that seem to gather the light of the fire and glow in the dark. "Sometimes, when people are afraid or under pressure, they stray from the path of Light. They may take desperate and unwise actions. Guard against it! That will surely lead to ruin, even faster than the first thing that they feared."
Ixsas turns his gaze back to the fire and muses out loud, "I pray that we all make it to Waterdeep alive. The gods can help, but life is still a great struggle between light and dark. If we continue to face attacks like we did last night...." He shakes his head and sighs. He finishes by saying, "If Toren knows anything about why the caravan was attacked, you must convince him to share with us. We're all in this together. If anyone is killed before we reach Waterdeep, it will be partly the fault of anyone who conceals information from us or who works against the others in this caravan." While he's staring into the fire, he's actually thinking about Vexas and the red-robed man by the end of the conversation.
"Toren has always had vivid dreams, but I don't see how that can draw in the Hellriders. Toren is my brother, and I will do what I think is best for him. Right now, he is just tired and a bit agitated. As long as I am by his side there is no cause for concern. If something changes, I will let you know." says Bay.
Ixsas gets the distinct sense of a man protecting his younger brother. As they say Blood is thicker than water.
"Well... he had been owned a man Zeds and I found burning and pillaging a village..." Krackle replies. "After we took care of the evil man, I decided to take in this fine creature."
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Kracke gets no definitive read off of Malfa, so he is not sure if she is lying or not.
"Hmmm... " Krackle says as he squints his eyes and scratches his scaley chin. "Your meals have been pretty tastey... and you seem awfully nice... But it could all be an act. There is no telling what kind of schemes a smart woman like you could create... especially if someone were offering you coin. you did say you need money." The kobold says as he considers her words. He then smiles big and digs out a gold coin from his pouch. "I'll give you this gold coin if you can tell me who is causing all the undead to attack the caravan."
Malfa seems exasperated "Look a caravan is sort of like a family where everyone has to pitch in. Throwing doubts and rumors will only disrupt the peace though I must say those 2 robed figures gives me an uncomfortable feeling." she takes the offered gold.
Zeds watches the 2 robed figure, and you notice the man in red is intoning a spell under his breath and moving his left hand in a subtle pattern in the air.
Serge's patrol does indeed make the other caravanners more at ease that they have someone to protect them should danger approaches. Though he sees nothing of note on his patrol.
Ixsas finished his snack and excuses himself from the brothers.
If he can, Ixsas finds Serge and Krackle and Father's them at Krackle's carriage to talk privately. He shares what the brothers told him, and he has two things he'd like to do before everyone goes to sleep tonight.
1. "Krackle, maybe you could persuade Toren to help you with something? Think of a pretense to lead him away for a few minutes. I'd like to get a chance to talk to Bay alone, without his brother around. Something seems to be bothering him, but I don't think he'll speak of it in front of his brother. Perhaps it's nothing, a simple sibling disagreement, but maybe it's something more serious."
2. "Serge, I could use your help with Yara and Elara. You're new to the caravan, so your curiosity won't seem out of place. Once I finish with Bay, see whether you can persuade them to open up more about their plans. I think that they are the only members of the caravan -- other than ourselves and the red-robed necromancer -- who are not artisans or long-time associates of Faelsin. Perhaps they lied about their reason for joining the caravan. See whether you can get them to talk about their past and how they plan to make their way once they arrive in Waterdeep. I'll join you and see whether their story holds up under Kossuth's revealing light."
Zeds, from hiding, does his best to stay hidden but looks around for any sign of a magical effect or unexplained occurrence. Zeds himself isn't all that familiar with magic and it's workings but watching the Red One's studying the tome and hand movements looks awfully suspicious to him. He considers just walking up and interrupting whatever mischief he may be up to but decides that would only be a momentary measure and nothing would stop them from restarting their spell when less observed...
Perception 18 - Not to recognize the spell or such, Zeds would have no clue, but to see if he can spot any visible effects from it?
Zeds sharp eyes sees a wave distortion in the air surrounding the man in red's left hand. It is quickly dispersed by the evening wind.
Krackle hands over the gold coin and makes his way over to Ixsas. "I don't think Malfa is the one causing the problems..." The kobold would say in a defeated tone. "I am sure I can get Toren to follow me if you need." He would reply with a nod before heading off to lure the man away...
If Zeds were to spot him and inform him of the necromancer spell, he would be likely make I terrifying the spell a priority over luring away Toren..
Otherwise he would approach Toren and ask him for assistance In getting a new bag of feed from the top of his carriage to feed Jr.
Serge nods politely but doesn't interrupt Ixsas' questioning of the two teamsters.
Later, he gathers with the other back at the carriage. He's never actually been this close to a giant lizard before and he can't quite help himself from marveling how similar it is to a big, scaly oxen. Nodding at Ixsas' suggestion, Serge will approach Yara and Elara.
"Good evening, fellow travelers," he says with a short bow. "We haven't been properly introduced. My name is Serge Marshblade, and I've joined up with the caravan to supplement the ranks of the guards. I just thought I would stop by and introduce myself and see if you had any concerns about security. There is no shortage of danger out here in the wilderness. If you ever see anything unusual or suspicious, please don't hesitate to bring it to my attention. I'll never be too far away or too busy to listen to your concerns."
He flashes a relaxed smile, one that isn't wholly ingenuine, but practiced from many years at weddings, funerals, and dinner parties in his youth.
Persuasion: 19
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Unless it's a spell cast by Krackle or Ixsas before, Zeds would have no real chance of recognizing it. If/when he next sees either of them he describes what he saw and tries to get their impression of what it could have been but his priority is watching the red robed suspect and being ready to strike from the shadows if need be...
Toren looks back at his brother but eventually leaves his side to help Krackle grab the feed bag for Krackle Jr.
Bay is now sitting alone by the fire.
Yara and Elara are by their wagon.
Yara in a gruff voice says "I saw your fight, and you did well for yourself. Anyone who protects my dear wife is a friend in my book"
Elara stops her weaving "last night was terrible. I wasn't sure if we would have seen the next day, but we have because of you and the other guards. You have my thanks. If you ever need any woven goods you can come to me and Yara is in my opinion is one of the best tool makers. So, if you have a need for tools come to Yara."
Yara is quick to add "Yes we can offer our goods for a discounted cost right dear"
"Ah where's my head, Your right honey. After all we need all the coin, we can get to settle in Waterdeep" says Elara
Ixsas goes and stands nearby, holding his hands up to the fire to feel it warmth. He touches the holy symbol hanging from its cord around his neck, and he says a quiet prayer for guidance. Finally, Ixsas tries to draw out Bay. He asks, "You were quiet earlier, Bay. Do you have misgivings about your brother's plan?" He tries not to press too hard, saying, "Kossuth's light reveals all in the end. It's better not to hide thoughts or doubts in darkness. Know that you can talk to me in confidence."
Ixsas is listening for anything that sounds untrue or like Bay is hiding something. Since Toren had already encountered the Hellriders before they attacked the camp, Ixsas wonders whether Toren is involved in something nefarious or working for someone else. It's natural that Bay wouldn't want to betray his brother,
If needed, Persuasion 11 + 1 from guidance
If that check wasn't needed, add the Guidance boost to Insight 17
Bay lets out a cough and is slow to respond as if lost in thought "Toren is a good brother but whatever her saw is wearing him down. I see it on his face and last night seems to made him even more agitated. Don't worry though I am keeping an eye on him. He just needs to be away from this place."
Ixsas gets the sense that Bay is telling you most of the truth though not everything.
When Krackle gets back to his carriage, He points up towards the roof a.d gestures towards the feed. "The bags are up there... they are nearly as big as I am... and I'm still a little tender after my fight with the undead..." The kobold says to the man with a smile. As Toren moves to get the feed, The kobold continues. "You know, coming face to face with creatures like that can be pretty scary. Sometimes just cuddling up to Jr and telling him about what's on my mind makes me feel better. You know, I bet Jr would let you feed him if you wanted. He loves food and head scratches you know. You could spend a little time talking to him." The kobold then pauses for a moment and looks the man in the eye. "If you have anything you want to talk about... anything that you want to get off your chest... I'll listen." He adds with a gentle smile.
persuasion 25
Toran brings down the feed and hesitantly feeds Krackle Jr. Though he does not dare to pet the giant lizard.
He looks back towards his brother and says "I am better now so I don't really have anything on my chest. Where did you buy Jr? I have never seen a giant lizard. Well not up close anyway."
As he stands there talking his right hand absentmindedly goes to his burned wound left by the Hellriders.
"Looking to make a fresh start in Waterdeep?" Serge asks Yara and Elara. He chuckles. "For my taste, its too much city. When I've passed through, I always feel like I am lost, or missing something, or late getting somewhere. But no one can question that it is a place of great opportunity."
He turns to leave. "I appreciate the kind offer. And keep me in mind. If you see or hear anything suspicious or dangerous, whether on the trail or in camp, please don't hesitate to call it out."
"Have a pleasant evening."
He leaves them, perfectly convinced that they are no more than they claim to be.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Ixsas says, "He's not in any other trouble though, is he? I mean, how did he encounter those Hellriders days before the night of the New Moon?" He gives Bay a searching look with his green eyes that seem to gather the light of the fire and glow in the dark. "Sometimes, when people are afraid or under pressure, they stray from the path of Light. They may take desperate and unwise actions. Guard against it! That will surely lead to ruin, even faster than the first thing that they feared."
Ixsas turns his gaze back to the fire and muses out loud, "I pray that we all make it to Waterdeep alive. The gods can help, but life is still a great struggle between light and dark. If we continue to face attacks like we did last night...." He shakes his head and sighs. He finishes by saying, "If Toren knows anything about why the caravan was attacked, you must convince him to share with us. We're all in this together. If anyone is killed before we reach Waterdeep, it will be partly the fault of anyone who conceals information from us or who works against the others in this caravan." While he's staring into the fire, he's actually thinking about Vexas and the red-robed man by the end of the conversation.
"Toren has always had vivid dreams, but I don't see how that can draw in the Hellriders. Toren is my brother, and I will do what I think is best for him. Right now, he is just tired and a bit agitated. As long as I am by his side there is no cause for concern. If something changes, I will let you know." says Bay.
Ixsas gets the distinct sense of a man protecting his younger brother. As they say Blood is thicker than water.
"Well... he had been owned a man Zeds and I found burning and pillaging a village..." Krackle replies. "After we took care of the evil man, I decided to take in this fine creature."