(I split my post so that Tyrgram's post is in the middle.)

Quote from Furujiru>>

Tyrgram unclenched his jaw when he noticed the danger had passed. He relaxed his grip on his axe and slumped back against the wooden back of the carriage seat. He could repeat the clenching and unclenching several times over the next days for he did not expect to keep seeing the owlbear pop up every day. As it was the huge creature seemed to have taken a shine to the other hybrid creature in the group.

Quote from cyreon >>

As he pondered this, Riyphou was joined by Tyrgram. "Our friend is back again," says Riyphou. 

'You are sure it's friendly?' Tyrgram asked. He had not forgetting the initial hostility he had show the elephant man when they first met so he was willing to give the owlbear the benefit of the doubt. In any case he figured that a chat with Riyphou would be a good first step towards reparations.

'You seem to be on good terms with it. Planning on keeping it as a pet? I once knew this kid who was convinced he was a wizard. Had a pet snow owl and everything. Called her hedge witch or something, though that's probably sending the wrong message. Then there was this other kid: claimed he could talk to animals because he was raised by wolves. Fought a striped cat of unusual size and danced with a bear. Ball oodles he was called, if I remember correctly. Kids just have the craziest imaginations, right? Anyway, have you thought of a name?'

Halfway through his ramblings Tyrgram secretly hoped he could convince Riyphou to let him ride the owlbear. Now there would be a mighty fine steed indeed.

Riyphou chuckled softly, appreciating the enthusiasm. "I've been thinking about that," he admitted. "We should give it a name, something fitting for such a majestic creature."

He spent the next few days discussing potential names with others in the caravan. Each evening, after the caravan had settled and dinner was served, they would gather around and toss out ideas. Riyphou listened intently, though he refrained from making a final decision just yet. He wanted the name to be perfect. One night, as the owlbear settled down nearby, Riyphou found himself feeling a sense of peace. The creature's presence had become a comforting part of their routine. Sitting by the fire, he turned to Tyrgram who had shown interest in naming the creature. "How about 'Whisper'?" he suggested. "For the way it moves so quietly through the trees."

Zzyzyn spends the next few days of traveling slowly becoming more and more used to the antics of the various group members. He finds himself smiling at more of the jokes shared amongst the group, though he never shares any himself. Give him a few more weeks, and he might actually laugh at this rate.  When brought into a conversation, he doesn't ever say much, though when he does, it's with his usual two or three curt sentences before he falls silent once again, his brooding gaze intent on scouting the rim of the forest for danger. With what he lacked in social graces, he made up for focus and dedication. 

He's still distrustful of the owlbear, and every time it lumbers back into camp, Zzyzyn without fail stands about thirty feet away from it, ready to attack just in case the beast decided that gooodberries weren't quenching its hunger any more. Despite the owlbear's apparent friendliness, Zzyzyn still doubts that it's intentions were benevolent. 

On the dawn of the third day, Zzyzyn notes the conversation between Findal and Dugal, though he quickly returns back to the task of getting ready for the day. It wasn't his place to butt into conversations, and he was confident that if whatever the pair were discussing was important enough, they'd inevitably share it with the group.  

After a few days as a guard, Maxie finally starts to get the hang of being alert without wearing yourself out being hyper vigilant. The many visits of the Owlbear are good practice for her, a way to check that she hasn't gotten too lax in her looking for trouble. 

Maxie is intrigued by the Owlbear, but wary at the same time. Realizing that she would be but a single bite for such a large creature, and concerned that she might look like prey, she keeps her distance from the Owlbear. Though she would like to get closer, and maybe even pet it. Though petting it would be a stretch since even Riyphou isn't petting it. 

Stealing up her courage, Maxie asks Riyphou, "Next time the owlbear visits, can I try riding on your shoulder when you go feed it?"

One evening, as they settled for the night, Riyphou noticed Zzyzyn standing at his usual distance, ever vigilant and ready to spring into action. Zzyzyn's dedication to the group's safety was admirable, and though he didn't share much in conversations, Riyphou respected his commitment. Riyphou gave him a nod of acknowledgment, understanding the necessity of caution even in the face of what seemed like a developing friendship with Whisper.

The following morning, Maxie approached Riyphou with a request that surprised and delighted him.

"Next time the owlbear visits, can I try riding on your shoulder when you go feed it?"

Riyphou smiled warmly at her. "Of course, Maxie. I think it's a good idea for Whisper to get used to more of us. Just remember to stay calm and quiet. We'll go together."

When Whisper returned later that day, Riyphou lifted Maxie onto his shoulder. She perched there nervously, gripping his head for support as they approached the owlbear. Riyphou held out the goodberries. "This is Whisper," Riyphou said softly to Maxie. "I think it's important we all learn to trust each other." Riyphou hoped that this interaction would help both Maxie and Whisper become more comfortable with each other. He knew that building this trust was essential for their continued peaceful journey.

Maxie stayed quiet, trying hard not to shake. The owlbear was even scarier up close! But it was interesting watching the dangerous owlbear eating goodberries. 

 

Quote from cyreon >>

Riyphou chuckled softly, appreciating the enthusiasm. "I've been thinking about that," he admitted. "We should give it a name, something fitting for such a majestic creature."

He spent the next few days discussing potential names with others in the caravan. Each evening, after the caravan had settled and dinner was served, they would gather around and toss out ideas. Riyphou listened intently, though he refrained from making a final decision just yet. He wanted the name to be perfect. One night, as the owlbear settled down nearby, Riyphou found himself feeling a sense of peace. The creature's presence had become a comforting part of their routine. Sitting by the fire, he turned to Tyrgram who had shown interest in naming the creature. "How about 'Whisper'?" he suggested. "For the way it moves so quietly through the trees."

Tyrgram stroked his beard in contemplation.

'Whisper?' he asked after the fourth or fifth stroke. 'WHISPER!' he shouted. Well, not as much shouted as speak at a higher volume. After all, he did not want to spook the creature.

Tyrgram shrugged. 'It does not really strike fear into the hearts of your enemies but I suppose if you like it, it's a fine enough name.'

The rest of the evening and morning Tyrgram joined into the usual hustle and bustle of getting things set up for camp and packing them up again. Though now he did add in a routine check of carefully packing away any food or otherwise sweet smelling stuff securely, lest they would get accosted by a feathery bear of unusual proportion.

When they returned to the camp, Riyphou gently set Maxie down. "You did well, Maxie. It's important to understand and respect creatures like Whisper. Fear is natural, but so is learning to overcome it."

Later, as the group settled down for the evening, Tyrgram’s thoughtful strokes of his beard caught Riyphou’s attention. The dwarf seemed to mull over the name ‘Whisper’ before voicing his opinion.

Riyphou chuckled softly. "Fear is not always about loudness or aggression. Sometimes, it's the quiet ones you need to watch out for."

As the camp bustled with the usual evening routines, Riyphou noticed Tyrgram meticulously packing away any food or sweet-smelling items. It was a wise precaution, considering Whisper's frequent visits. Riyphou felt a sense of camaraderie growing among the group, each member contributing to their collective safety in different ways.

Dugal and Findal's conversation comes to a close. Dugal looks as dour as ever, more annoyed than anything. Findal, however, wears his disappointed expression plain for a moment longer before he slaps his cheeks and returns to his wagon with cheer. The Owlbear, now named Whisper, was content while the rest of the group gathers supplies and closes up wagons to settle next to Riyphou. Overall 'Whisper' doesn't seem to mind the monicker given to it, but then how much it properly understands the speech of bipedal folk is questionable at best.

Whisper does seem to understood food enough, and happily takes all the goodberries that Riyphou offers before eventually trundling away as Sen, Kin, Ovrola and Raf get themselves situated for the ninth day of travel along the Long Road. Findal takes a moment to dither at his own wagon, shooting a glance at those hired as guards. He appears to hem and haw for a moment, before he settles himself in his wagon as well, Dugal already settled at his own.

"Five minutes and we head out!" Dugal calls out to everyone to ensure the entire caravan knows to be ready to leave. They have another long day ahead to prepare.

Riyphou observed Dugal and Findal's conversation, noting Findal’s momentary disappointment. Whisper, now accustomed to its name, contentedly took the goodberries and wandered off as the caravan prepared for the day. As Sen, Kin, Ovrola, and Raf got ready, Riyphou noticed Findal’s hesitation and worried glance towards the guards. When Dugal announced their imminent departure, Riyphou decided to accompany Findal today, sensing something was amiss.

“Findal,” Riyphou began, “you seemed hesitant earlier. Is something on your mind? I’d be happy to accompany you today, in case you need help or someone to talk to.”

Riyphou settled near Findal’s wagon as the caravan set off. If luck is on his side, today, he could guard the caravan and support a companion. Ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, he falls in step with the lurching wagon.

Dah’ren lets the others takes care of the owlbear, its a miracle the creature now is tamed by Riyphou. He takes it easy this past few days, it seems his people aren’t following them anymore after that one attack. He hopes they’re far away enough from their territory.

When Dugal calls for everyone to leave soon, Dah’ren once again sat beside Raf. 

Maxie carries herself to the top of the usual wagon she rides, deciding to stay there then follow Riyphou as he changes position.

Tyrgram took up his usual spot on Ovrola's cart next to her. He was a bit more at ease now knowing that the owlbear was somewhat pacified. He settled in for the day's ride, feeling slightly cozy in the knowledge that, perchance, he had made some headway connecting with the others. After all, he would count on them to watch his back as he would theirs.

Findal seemed rather surprised at Riyphou's arrival at his cart, and offered the luxon a wide smile. "I would be entirely pleased for you to spend some time at my wagon, today, friend! I would quite like to hear how things are going with the Owlbear. Whisper I heard you call it?" He paused for a moment to add, "I was only trying to raise some concerns with old Duggie about the dangers we've encountered so far. It has been...good, that the group of you are so talented."

Dugal called for time as everyone settled into place, and the wagons pulled one by one out of the makeshift camp and back onto the road. Findal kept himself toward the middle of the pack this time, and kept his attention focused on the travel throughout the day. Whisper, as it had in the past few days, returned every now and then to the trail of wagons themselves, before disappearing off to do whatever it did when it was away.

As the wagons began to move, Riyphou settled near Findal's cart. Whisper had wandered off, but Riyphou remained alert for its return.

"Yes, Whisper. The name seems to suit it. It’s been a challenge, but the goodberries have kept it placated. Whisper has been quite peaceful, and I believe it’s starting to trust us. Still, I remain cautious."

Riyphou scanned the surroundings, his eyes sharp for any sign of danger. "I understand your concerns about the dangers we've faced. We must stay prepared and alert. It’s good that everyone is settling into their roles and watching out for one another. Whisper's presence, though intimidating, could turn into an advantage if we manage it correctly."

The day wore on with Riyphou remaining vigilant. He felt a growing sense of camaraderie among the group, each day bringing them closer together. Whisper’s occasional reappearances were greeted with a mix of wariness and relief, but Riyphou’s hands were never far from a handful of goodberries, ready to keep the creature sated and friendly.

Perception: 11, or 9 if with disadvantage (he'd get advantage on smell related checks.)

Maxie was a little uneasy not having the comforting presence of Riyphou walking near the cart she was riding. But after a few days to get the hang of it, she's now able to be watchful without wearing herself out with hypervigilance.

Perception 21. 

Tyrgram quickly fell into the by now routine of pleasantly chatting with miss Ovrola while keeping an eye on their surroundings. He had not the slightest inkling which was proceeding better: trying to get miss Ovrola to open up a bit more about herself or keeping watch while trying not to doze off.

Perception check: 11

The farther they’re away from his kin, the more relaxed Dah’ren become. He is enjoying the sights more and his previously tense demeanor loosen. He chats up with Raf from time to time, asking about his work and his family. He does occasionally keep an eye on the treeline but he didn’t feel worried as much as the past week.

Perception 17

The party keeps a weathered eye out as the caravan progresses, and it is with keen eyes that Dah'ren and Maxie catch sight of a slightly emaciated, canid like creature has stalked the caravan through the brush. It appears hungry, and within seconds of warning the caravan, it bursts out from the bushes and targets Sen. Large jaws, a hungry mouth, slobbering, lunges for Sen seated atop her wagon. The creature is easily recognized by well-traveled folk as a worg.

Maxie calls out in her high squeeky voice, "Big Wolf!" She follows that up with "Magic Missile!" sending all 3 missile set the worg in an effort to discourage it from coming closer.

(rolled in channel, did 2 points per missile, 6 points total :-( )

Dah’ren with quick reflexes, stands and shoot an arrow at the approaching Worg, hitting it straight on its leg, but the beast keeps on charging. Still not stopping the damn thing, Dah’ren leaps from caravan to caravan in order to guard Sen from being bitten by the large wolf.

Attack 25 Damage 10 

Athletic 22