The Halfling girl has a serious look upon her face, her eyes looking into a distant past. A smile blossoms slowly as she replies "Jen aer Vae" with a giggle. "We have arrows sir, but no quivers. I make them myself from the canes of willow., something me pappy taught me. I tie them into bunches of twenty for say a Noble a piece?" She looks a little hesitant, unsure of herself.
Frederick winces slightly at Aelinns comment, a hand raised gently to his temple. She is gone however before he can properly reply. Turning to Krikas he affects a small embarrassed smile. "Well actually..." he begins as Krikas continues to speak. At the sign of the red cloth a flush of anger rises quickly into Fredericks jowls before he realizes the intent. Krikas is not a member of the gang, perhaps a gesture of an ally?
"No reason to head out back. What you see is what I got. Not many caravans make it through in the winter, and the few that tried, well, they didn't make it is all." He lowers his voice a little, "I've got a small stash of items, essentials for the folk right. But cant get at it. The well, out back" he turns to glance in the direction, even though there is no way to actually see it through the wall. "If the Bands knew they would take it right." He pauses. "Its in the well, but last I went in somethin attacked me, a tentacle out of the darkness. Smarted right bad," He pulls his jacket back to reveal a nasty scar on his shoulder, fairly fresh and angry. He glances out the window...
Tap, Tap, Tap
Sildar was bent over, the hoof of a large work horse, towering over everybody and everything in the small shop, over his knee. A fire burned hot and slow, the embers casting the stone to red intensity. The smell of smoke and old tar hung about the structure. "Just a moment.." He says letting it hang in the air as the staccato repeats.
Tap, Tap, Tap.
Dropping the hoof, the large animal snorts in derision. A pat on the rump, "Good boy, have a treat, thats it, thats it."
Turning finally to Aelinn and Felmar, he gets right to the point, a disciplined man. While he carried a mug all night you never actually saw him drink. Even when the room erupted in celebration. "Im not going to waste your time. Nobody Knows who you are, where you came from, why or what for. We know you visited Harbin, just came from there in fact." He pauses looking at the two of you. Felmar is less than subtle in his inspection of the shop. Sildars eyes follow the Dwarf as he looks about.
"If you feel you have something to prove..." the statement hangs as he glances up the street. "Do what Harbin wants, bring it all back. But report your findings to me. First." He pauses, "Watch who you talk to. Rumors spread, word is quick to travel. Some who listen do not wish well for this world." He says cryptically before falls silent, glancing up the road...
glancing at the sound of horse and wagon trundle on the street beyond. A half dozen men, riding on two carts jump off, hollering "Times a wastin, lets away post haste"
Rusty decides to hang outside as the other four enter Barthen's. His gaze wanders in the direction of the shrine to Tymora. He wonders if he anyone can answer his questions. When Aelinn and Felmar leave the store and head across the street, he readjusts his focus, feeling a certain protectiveness now that the two couples are in separate buildings. He turns his furnace-like head toward the oncoming carts and recognizes the garb of the redbrands. As they stop and call for the party to hurry, the metal man sticks his head in Barthen's and says, "We are-are-are-are being summoned to carts. It i-i-i-is time to leave."
[[ I'm guessing "Jen aer vae" would be a halfling phrase of some sort, right? I'm not familiar with the exact linguistics. And best I got was from Google translate detecting Bangla for the phrase "Like a brother." ]]
"A noble sounds like a fair price." Briar says to the halfling girl, happily handing over the coin in exchange for the arrows. He opens his backpack and carefully places them with the rope wrapped around them to keep them from jumbling or poking holes.
[[ sheet modifications made ]]
When the shopkeeper shows his wounded arm to Krikas he says, "That's a nasty wound you've got there. You want me to take a look at it?" Assuming the shopkeeper agrees he asks for Torm's blessings and examines the scar.
Medicine: 16+5+2 = 23 //both to help with any advice on how to help it heal and get an idea of what kind of creature might cause such a wound
Briar sighs as Rusty relays the Redbands' impatience. "Indeed. I guess it is."
Sildar we were sent here by Lord Neverember. He wants the mine up and running again. Ore is getting rare in the city, and even your own smith isn't getting enough. We were supposed to check in with Harbin then visit the miners. The brigands that attacked us were goblins and redbands. We took the scarves to give to Harbin as evidence, until that is we found the redband mercenaries already here. There were too many of them up at the manor for us to take out on our own. We agreed to take his men to the brigands camp, so we could give the dead hostages a funeral, the dwarf belongs to the stone. If you could pass the word that we'll celebrate his life with a real wake to invite all the dwarves here it would be appreciated. I'll find some game for food.
We've also been told about a missing woman with her daughter gone to see the oracle. Do you have any directions to reach her we'd be obliged, Linene wasn't sure.
Time to go the redbands are here. I'll be sure to speak to you later.
Felmar they outnumber us let's keep together and watch each others backs. She pulled herself up into the back of a cart looking over the drivers shoulder. Glancing back she saw that Krikas had no warm furs for them. She pulled up her hood and face mask. Let's be on our way then.
She kept an eye on the redbands and also scanned ahead in hope of deer or wild boar. Her shortbow and an arrow in hand.
Just as he was about to head out to the well on Frederick's instruction, Rusty pokes his mechanical head in the door and interrupts. "I guess another time" He says to Frederick. "Maybe you won't need to hide your wares once were done in town" he adds as he follows his metallic friend out into the snowy street.
As he approaches the group of brigands riding up on the group he singles out the one seemingly in charge. In a casual tone he starts a conversation. "Seems the long winter has cleaned out even the shopkeep. Naught bar some pickles available for trade" Then with a touch more tongue in cheek, "Shame. Would've loved to trade for some warmer clothes. Don't know how you all stay warm".
OOC: I am heading out of state early tomorrow morning and will be out of pocket until late the 19th. See you all on the 20th. Don't kill Rusty off while I'm away!
Felmar follows Arlin when she leaves. “Agreed lass, I’m not fer likin’ being surrounded by our ‘escort’. But I have no problem reportin’ to Sildar first. Harbin rubs me the wrong way, so I ain’t too broken up ‘bout workin’ against him.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Barthen pulls his arm out of the simple brown linen shirt. welt the size of your hand, the interiro is a pink of fresh skin. The shine of it reminds you of a burn. The outer edges however have a series of evenly spaced puncture wounds, not a bite mark it is something else entirely. Barthen described a tentacle, his wounds describe a large fleshy pod with hooks or teeth.
The sound of the carts outside causes Barthne to become tense and quiet. Your friend mentioned coats or winter clothing. I only have one set made of sheepskin and a cloak of wolf furs. Take them, I hope to see you again soon."
Sildar stands passively as Aelinn fills him in on the who, where, why, and how. Nodding his head or gesturing with his hands at the explanation. "Words are all fine maam, but it is deeds I am most interested in.
"Strange, Linene would certainly know where the Oracle lives, she is after all from Conyberry, better in fact than I would. Conyberry is named after the woman, the oracle I mean. It is about a days walk from here. Back up to the Triboar and head East, you can see it from the road."
The scarred man hollers, becoming more impatient as the minutes tick by. Sildar looks up then back at Aelinn and Felmar. "Remember what I said, come to me first. There is a map, find it before they do. Be aware it may not look like a parchment or paper, what I do not know however."
The carts get underway. A half dozen militia and the scarred man riding in the rumble seat or haning off the back. It seems there is no extra room for the lot of you. Forced to walk the chill of the day seeps through your armor and feeble clothing. Shivers run up and down your spine, the quacking of your body generating exhaustion as you trudge along.
Arriving at the ruined cart, the area is quiet. A smear of blood and indescribable lumps of the oxen are all that remains of the poor beast. The Militia finally jump down and load the goods onto one of the carts they rode on. "Ok well now where is this Bandit camp" the scarred man says.
Make an Insight check DC 14 if successful read the following
One of the militia, a young man with a pugilistic jaw makes a noise, his arm starting to raise before he withers and falls quiet. The Scarred man threw a glare at the young man, halting him in the words and gesture he was about to make.
Before leaving, Briar says to Barthen, "I'd definitely stay away from the well at you." His eyes are wide with his mind racing of what could've caused it. "With even marks like that, makes me think of an otyugh in which you're lucky to have gotten out alive. Hopefully my mind is just jumping to conclusions, but certainly not the thing you'd want to see around town."
[Insight[/skill]: 7+5 = 12 Possible Guidance for another +2 //would depend on if you'd say it's a situation it could've been cast, probably would've cast it for checking around things to make sure no ambush so depends on your ruling there
Briar stays quiet at first as the scarred man talks. Battle tactics were one thing. Personal relations were another and he knew he wasn't a deceptive halfling. He looks to Krikas and Aelinn as they've been quite adept at handling the ruse.
So the young man knew where the hideout was, maybe had even been here before. Definitely time to stick together.
Aelinn had refused to give up her place in the wagon and none of the redbands had argued with her over it, the others weren't so lucky. Standing right behind the driver she was pointing towards the worn foot trail. Be careful there is a giant spider around here.
The redbands shifted uncomfortably.
Head for the rope ladder. There's a lift down in the cavern for moving the bodies and the fabric rolls. You might have a barrelful of salt pork up there as well. Where do you want to start, bodies or booty?
Back on the same road they walked in on Krikas grumbles about never going backwards in moving forwards. It wasn't often he retraced his steps during his journey across the Realms. Begrudgingly, he stomps along side the cart as they head back to the bandit camp.
Insight 19 (game log)
On arrival he doesn't offer help to the militia. Not even a merry tune to work to. The question of the camps location revealing more than Krikas could've hoped for. Basically proof the militia were more than they seemed. He plays along for now, embellishing on Aelinn's directions as needed.
OOC-Guidance like all spells have verbal, somatic or material components. It is very difficult to mask such use of the weave.
If Briar had used guidance to search the area and keep a watch for an ambush he would have used it for such a task. As the spell is not a Reaction it would have little use in this situation.
The militia arranges the crates and barrels, gathering the scattered goods back to the original horseless cart. The scarred man takes his time ensuring that each box and barrel is thoroughly searched.
The trail has disappeared, the recent snows obscuring the path from easy sight. None the less you find it an easy trek into the woods, the occasional gnarled wood, outcropping of rock and trickle of water help remind you of the path. As you reach the warm gulley the path is too steep for the horses and carts to make it. The scarred man, Arfrid, calls a halt. "Any of you want to stay with the carts?" He asks already knowing the answer. A sigh he points at the young pugilist. "Wait here, we will return shortly"
Up the rope and through the open front entrance, half the militia light torches, banishing the darkness into shifting shadows and creeping corners. The bodies of the Goblins and the Raiders remain were you left them. After a quick scout through the caves the Scarred man, Arfrid looks to your group. "Best way I see this is we take a scetion and bring everything back to the lift!" He looks at the dozen men and woman before him. "Rusty you want to take the lift down and unload." He glances around. "I don't want to be here all day. You seem the best equipped to unload quickly."
He points at two of his crew, "You two head to the sleeping quarters, I'm going to check out the bodies and haul them back" Pointing to another pair of militia, a man of truly burly Northern stock and a wild haired woman. "Head straight North, empty the bed chamber we spotted."
The militia begins to break up, Arfrid looks at your group, "You coming?" he asks.
Arfrid has suggested an efficient means of clearing the lair and moving on...
He (Arfrid) will head to 5 and bring the prisoners bodies back.
She nodded to Arfrid. I'll help with the prisoners bodies. Do you intend to take the bandits back as well? Persuasion 21, Perception 20 (watching the redbands)
She bent down and picked up an empty quiver, Here Briar catch! I don't think Harbin will worry about that.
OOC It's Bastille day here so I'm keeping it short today.
Felmar will accompany the group heading towards sleeping area 6. He has an apparent spring in his step, his hammer bouncing on his shoulder as he whistles, leading the two thugs towards that location. While he is trying to appear nonchalant, every muscle in his body is tense and ready to strike at a second’s notice.
Performance: 15
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
"I too will help with the bodies." says Briar. "Best show respect for the dead." Internally he makes note of where the various Redbands are going. Divide and conquer. Not much longer they could each act dumb about not knowing what was going on.
[[ Just double-checking, the Redbands are currently wearing the red bands like the bandits had, right? ]]
"A fine plan. Very efficient. If I didn't know better I'd say you've been through here before" Krikas gives Arfrid a backhanded compliment. "I'll head to the sleeping chamber (4) I guess since you two are off with the others". He joins the two redbands but walks at a very casual pace. He thought he had seen a hallway they hadn't explored when last here and figures he'd try his luck now.
Up the first lot of stairs at the crossways he looks to make sure the militia crew have reached their destination and then turns left, searching the tunnel. If questioned he simply says "Sorry, I get turned around easy" and run to catch up to his pair of militia crew.
The militia, none of them wearing the red bands they were sporting yesterday while collecting taxes split, each heading in a separate direction. The only lights are the torches your group carries yet they have no hesitation about heading deeper into the dark cavern. They were not a boisterous crew on the way here, even so a tension hangs in the air, struggling to escape despite the closeness of the walls. "Arright, show me this dead dwarf a yours lass." Arfrid says to Aelinn. Still it feels like he could find them on his own, he follows deeper into the dark.
Krikas peels off early, stepping into the shadows to explore a side passage. Daylight faintly illuminates its end but secrets may still be revealed. Slinking forward, leaving the torch light to fade in the distance.
Rusty agrees, loading and unloading the lift may be the best use for him, he is joined by a militia man, a slow witted farm boy. Perhaps the most talkative of the group, rusty could wax eloquent on farm life by the time this was all done. The kid looks dangerous from throwing hay bales all his life, he talks incessantly about his ma.
Felmar follows the two militia in front of him, too suspicious to take the lead he stays back an extra few feet. whether nerves, or anticipation the pair notice, the woman in particular keeps glancing back. Entering a columned room, hammocks tied and hanging silently, the two spread out. Their attention may be more on Felmar and less on searching the room. After the fourth or fifth footlocker chest opened the man stands up and exclaims "Harbin wants this junk back. Aint nothin but stained and stinkin clothes. whats are we even looking for." He harrumphs in impatience, "Dwarf you gots any ideas here?"
Arfrid lead-follows to the back of the cave system, commenting as you pass the large table and hearth, "This area will need our attention no, either of you wish to start her, no?" He continues on either way. Finding the body of the dwarf, he barely glances at the other corpses. He checks the man thoroughly, reaching into pockets, down the vestment, lifting the pant legs as far as they would go. If you weren't there, or if he felt it proper decorum the corpses would probably be naked.
"He was dead when yo found him" he asks as he stands to face you. "There was nothing on him?" his tone condescending, about what you have come to expect from this man. "Fine, he can go, drag him back to the lift." he turns to inspect another body.
Felmar just shrugs at the question. “Hey, me job is to show ye te the cave. I held up me end. I’m assumin’ Harbin wants te sell this stuff fer coin, so I’d say grab whatever ye think ye can get a couple coppers for.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
So they were after something, Sildar said a map, but there had been no map found by them and between Krikas and herself they had looked thoroughly.
Arfrid He died just as I arrived and I'm no cleric with a god's grace for healing.
He's a little heavy for me, Briar can you take an arm and help me? He deserves to be buried in the stone. She only intended to help move the dead hostages. The rest was up to the redbands. 80 years of working with dwarven smugglers (fine wines, spirits and ales) had left her with a soft spot for all dwarves. He had asked her to find a Harper, she hoped that from her conversations with the town folk, the Harper would find her.
((Apologies. I guess during my recent medical issues I misremembered a post. I thought Aelinn was the one that read the note from the goblin. It was Krikas and I didn't pass the info on. I'll get him to fill everyone in once we return to town))
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The Halfling girl has a serious look upon her face, her eyes looking into a distant past. A smile blossoms slowly as she replies "Jen aer Vae" with a giggle. "We have arrows sir, but no quivers. I make them myself from the canes of willow., something me pappy taught me. I tie them into bunches of twenty for say a Noble a piece?" She looks a little hesitant, unsure of herself.
Frederick winces slightly at Aelinns comment, a hand raised gently to his temple. She is gone however before he can properly reply. Turning to Krikas he affects a small embarrassed smile. "Well actually..." he begins as Krikas continues to speak. At the sign of the red cloth a flush of anger rises quickly into Fredericks jowls before he realizes the intent. Krikas is not a member of the gang, perhaps a gesture of an ally?
"No reason to head out back. What you see is what I got. Not many caravans make it through in the winter, and the few that tried, well, they didn't make it is all." He lowers his voice a little, "I've got a small stash of items, essentials for the folk right. But cant get at it. The well, out back" he turns to glance in the direction, even though there is no way to actually see it through the wall. "If the Bands knew they would take it right." He pauses. "Its in the well, but last I went in somethin attacked me, a tentacle out of the darkness. Smarted right bad," He pulls his jacket back to reveal a nasty scar on his shoulder, fairly fresh and angry. He glances out the window...
Tap, Tap, Tap
Sildar was bent over, the hoof of a large work horse, towering over everybody and everything in the small shop, over his knee. A fire burned hot and slow, the embers casting the stone to red intensity. The smell of smoke and old tar hung about the structure. "Just a moment.." He says letting it hang in the air as the staccato repeats.
Tap, Tap, Tap.
Dropping the hoof, the large animal snorts in derision. A pat on the rump, "Good boy, have a treat, thats it, thats it."
Turning finally to Aelinn and Felmar, he gets right to the point, a disciplined man. While he carried a mug all night you never actually saw him drink. Even when the room erupted in celebration. "Im not going to waste your time. Nobody Knows who you are, where you came from, why or what for. We know you visited Harbin, just came from there in fact." He pauses looking at the two of you. Felmar is less than subtle in his inspection of the shop. Sildars eyes follow the Dwarf as he looks about.
"If you feel you have something to prove..." the statement hangs as he glances up the street. "Do what Harbin wants, bring it all back. But report your findings to me. First." He pauses, "Watch who you talk to. Rumors spread, word is quick to travel. Some who listen do not wish well for this world." He says cryptically before falls silent, glancing up the road...
glancing at the sound of horse and wagon trundle on the street beyond. A half dozen men, riding on two carts jump off, hollering "Times a wastin, lets away post haste"
Rusty decides to hang outside as the other four enter Barthen's. His gaze wanders in the direction of the shrine to Tymora. He wonders if he anyone can answer his questions. When Aelinn and Felmar leave the store and head across the street, he readjusts his focus, feeling a certain protectiveness now that the two couples are in separate buildings. He turns his furnace-like head toward the oncoming carts and recognizes the garb of the redbrands. As they stop and call for the party to hurry, the metal man sticks his head in Barthen's and says, "We are-are-are-are being summoned to carts. It i-i-i-is time to leave."
[[ I'm guessing "Jen aer vae" would be a halfling phrase of some sort, right? I'm not familiar with the exact linguistics. And best I got was from Google translate detecting Bangla for the phrase "Like a brother." ]]
"A noble sounds like a fair price." Briar says to the halfling girl, happily handing over the coin in exchange for the arrows. He opens his backpack and carefully places them with the rope wrapped around them to keep them from jumbling or poking holes.
[[ sheet modifications made ]]
When the shopkeeper shows his wounded arm to Krikas he says, "That's a nasty wound you've got there. You want me to take a look at it?" Assuming the shopkeeper agrees he asks for Torm's blessings and examines the scar.
Medicine: 16+5+2 = 23
//both to help with any advice on how to help it heal and get an idea of what kind of creature might cause such a wound
Briar sighs as Rusty relays the Redbands' impatience. "Indeed. I guess it is."
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
Aelinn
Sildar we were sent here by Lord Neverember. He wants the mine up and running again. Ore is getting rare in the city, and even your own smith isn't getting enough. We were supposed to check in with Harbin then visit the miners. The brigands that attacked us were goblins and redbands. We took the scarves to give to Harbin as evidence, until that is we found the redband mercenaries already here. There were too many of them up at the manor for us to take out on our own. We agreed to take his men to the brigands camp, so we could give the dead hostages a funeral, the dwarf belongs to the stone. If you could pass the word that we'll celebrate his life with a real wake to invite all the dwarves here it would be appreciated. I'll find some game for food.
We've also been told about a missing woman with her daughter gone to see the oracle. Do you have any directions to reach her we'd be obliged, Linene wasn't sure.
Time to go the redbands are here. I'll be sure to speak to you later.
Felmar they outnumber us let's keep together and watch each others backs. She pulled herself up into the back of a cart looking over the drivers shoulder. Glancing back she saw that Krikas had no warm furs for them. She pulled up her hood and face mask. Let's be on our way then.
She kept an eye on the redbands and also scanned ahead in hope of deer or wild boar. Her shortbow and an arrow in hand.
Perception 21
Krikas
Just as he was about to head out to the well on Frederick's instruction, Rusty pokes his mechanical head in the door and interrupts. "I guess another time" He says to Frederick. "Maybe you won't need to hide your wares once were done in town" he adds as he follows his metallic friend out into the snowy street.
As he approaches the group of brigands riding up on the group he singles out the one seemingly in charge. In a casual tone he starts a conversation. "Seems the long winter has cleaned out even the shopkeep. Naught bar some pickles available for trade" Then with a touch more tongue in cheek, "Shame. Would've loved to trade for some warmer clothes. Don't know how you all stay warm".
OOC: I am heading out of state early tomorrow morning and will be out of pocket until late the 19th. See you all on the 20th. Don't kill Rusty off while I'm away!
Felmar follows Arlin when she leaves. “Agreed lass, I’m not fer likin’ being surrounded by our ‘escort’. But I have no problem reportin’ to Sildar first. Harbin rubs me the wrong way, so I ain’t too broken up ‘bout workin’ against him.”
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
Barthen pulls his arm out of the simple brown linen shirt. welt the size of your hand, the interiro is a pink of fresh skin. The shine of it reminds you of a burn. The outer edges however have a series of evenly spaced puncture wounds, not a bite mark it is something else entirely. Barthen described a tentacle, his wounds describe a large fleshy pod with hooks or teeth.
The sound of the carts outside causes Barthne to become tense and quiet. Your friend mentioned coats or winter clothing. I only have one set made of sheepskin and a cloak of wolf furs. Take them, I hope to see you again soon."
Sildar stands passively as Aelinn fills him in on the who, where, why, and how. Nodding his head or gesturing with his hands at the explanation. "Words are all fine maam, but it is deeds I am most interested in.
"Strange, Linene would certainly know where the Oracle lives, she is after all from Conyberry, better in fact than I would. Conyberry is named after the woman, the oracle I mean. It is about a days walk from here. Back up to the Triboar and head East, you can see it from the road."
The scarred man hollers, becoming more impatient as the minutes tick by. Sildar looks up then back at Aelinn and Felmar. "Remember what I said, come to me first. There is a map, find it before they do. Be aware it may not look like a parchment or paper, what I do not know however."
The carts get underway. A half dozen militia and the scarred man riding in the rumble seat or haning off the back. It seems there is no extra room for the lot of you. Forced to walk the chill of the day seeps through your armor and feeble clothing. Shivers run up and down your spine, the quacking of your body generating exhaustion as you trudge along.
Arriving at the ruined cart, the area is quiet. A smear of blood and indescribable lumps of the oxen are all that remains of the poor beast. The Militia finally jump down and load the goods onto one of the carts they rode on. "Ok well now where is this Bandit camp" the scarred man says.
Make an Insight check DC 14 if successful read the following
One of the militia, a young man with a pugilistic jaw makes a noise, his arm starting to raise before he withers and falls quiet. The Scarred man threw a glare at the young man, halting him in the words and gesture he was about to make.
Before leaving, Briar says to Barthen, "I'd definitely stay away from the well at you." His eyes are wide with his mind racing of what could've caused it. "With even marks like that, makes me think of an otyugh in which you're lucky to have gotten out alive. Hopefully my mind is just jumping to conclusions, but certainly not the thing you'd want to see around town."
[Insight[/skill]: 7+5 = 12
Possible Guidance for another +2
//would depend on if you'd say it's a situation it could've been cast, probably would've cast it for checking around things to make sure no ambush so depends on your ruling there
Briar stays quiet at first as the scarred man talks. Battle tactics were one thing. Personal relations were another and he knew he wasn't a deceptive halfling. He looks to Krikas and Aelinn as they've been quite adept at handling the ruse.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
Aelinn
Insight 20
So the young man knew where the hideout was, maybe had even been here before. Definitely time to stick together.
Aelinn had refused to give up her place in the wagon and none of the redbands had argued with her over it, the others weren't so lucky. Standing right behind the driver she was pointing towards the worn foot trail. Be careful there is a giant spider around here.
The redbands shifted uncomfortably.
Head for the rope ladder. There's a lift down in the cavern for moving the bodies and the fabric rolls. You might have a barrelful of salt pork up there as well. Where do you want to start, bodies or booty?
Krikas
Back on the same road they walked in on Krikas grumbles about never going backwards in moving forwards. It wasn't often he retraced his steps during his journey across the Realms. Begrudgingly, he stomps along side the cart as they head back to the bandit camp.
Insight 19 (game log)
On arrival he doesn't offer help to the militia. Not even a merry tune to work to. The question of the camps location revealing more than Krikas could've hoped for. Basically proof the militia were more than they seemed. He plays along for now, embellishing on Aelinn's directions as needed.
OOC-Guidance like all spells have verbal, somatic or material components. It is very difficult to mask such use of the weave.
If Briar had used guidance to search the area and keep a watch for an ambush he would have used it for such a task. As the spell is not a Reaction it would have little use in this situation.
The militia arranges the crates and barrels, gathering the scattered goods back to the original horseless cart. The scarred man takes his time ensuring that each box and barrel is thoroughly searched.
The trail has disappeared, the recent snows obscuring the path from easy sight. None the less you find it an easy trek into the woods, the occasional gnarled wood, outcropping of rock and trickle of water help remind you of the path. As you reach the warm gulley the path is too steep for the horses and carts to make it. The scarred man, Arfrid, calls a halt. "Any of you want to stay with the carts?" He asks already knowing the answer. A sigh he points at the young pugilist. "Wait here, we will return shortly"
Up the rope and through the open front entrance, half the militia light torches, banishing the darkness into shifting shadows and creeping corners. The bodies of the Goblins and the Raiders remain were you left them. After a quick scout through the caves the Scarred man, Arfrid looks to your group. "Best way I see this is we take a scetion and bring everything back to the lift!" He looks at the dozen men and woman before him. "Rusty you want to take the lift down and unload." He glances around. "I don't want to be here all day. You seem the best equipped to unload quickly."
He points at two of his crew, "You two head to the sleeping quarters, I'm going to check out the bodies and haul them back" Pointing to another pair of militia, a man of truly burly Northern stock and a wild haired woman. "Head straight North, empty the bed chamber we spotted."
The militia begins to break up, Arfrid looks at your group, "You coming?" he asks.
Arfrid has suggested an efficient means of clearing the lair and moving on...
He (Arfrid) will head to 5 and bring the prisoners bodies back.
2 Crew will head to 6, sleeping area
2 crew will head to 4, sleeping chamber
1 crew will hang back at 7/8 with Rusty
Aelinn
She nodded to Arfrid. I'll help with the prisoners bodies. Do you intend to take the bandits back as well? Persuasion 21, Perception 20 (watching the redbands)
She bent down and picked up an empty quiver, Here Briar catch! I don't think Harbin will worry about that.
OOC It's Bastille day here so I'm keeping it short today.
Felmar will accompany the group heading towards sleeping area 6. He has an apparent spring in his step, his hammer bouncing on his shoulder as he whistles, leading the two thugs towards that location. While he is trying to appear nonchalant, every muscle in his body is tense and ready to strike at a second’s notice.
Performance: 15
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
"I too will help with the bodies." says Briar. "Best show respect for the dead." Internally he makes note of where the various Redbands are going. Divide and conquer. Not much longer they could each act dumb about not knowing what was going on.
[[ Just double-checking, the Redbands are currently wearing the red bands like the bandits had, right? ]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
Krikas
"A fine plan. Very efficient. If I didn't know better I'd say you've been through here before" Krikas gives Arfrid a backhanded compliment. "I'll head to the sleeping chamber (4) I guess since you two are off with the others". He joins the two redbands but walks at a very casual pace. He thought he had seen a hallway they hadn't explored when last here and figures he'd try his luck now.
Up the first lot of stairs at the crossways he looks to make sure the militia crew have reached their destination and then turns left, searching the tunnel. If questioned he simply says "Sorry, I get turned around easy" and run to catch up to his pair of militia crew.
The militia, none of them wearing the red bands they were sporting yesterday while collecting taxes split, each heading in a separate direction. The only lights are the torches your group carries yet they have no hesitation about heading deeper into the dark cavern. They were not a boisterous crew on the way here, even so a tension hangs in the air, struggling to escape despite the closeness of the walls. "Arright, show me this dead dwarf a yours lass." Arfrid says to Aelinn. Still it feels like he could find them on his own, he follows deeper into the dark.
Krikas peels off early, stepping into the shadows to explore a side passage. Daylight faintly illuminates its end but secrets may still be revealed. Slinking forward, leaving the torch light to fade in the distance.
Rusty agrees, loading and unloading the lift may be the best use for him, he is joined by a militia man, a slow witted farm boy. Perhaps the most talkative of the group, rusty could wax eloquent on farm life by the time this was all done. The kid looks dangerous from throwing hay bales all his life, he talks incessantly about his ma.
Felmar follows the two militia in front of him, too suspicious to take the lead he stays back an extra few feet. whether nerves, or anticipation the pair notice, the woman in particular keeps glancing back. Entering a columned room, hammocks tied and hanging silently, the two spread out. Their attention may be more on Felmar and less on searching the room. After the fourth or fifth footlocker chest opened the man stands up and exclaims "Harbin wants this junk back. Aint nothin but stained and stinkin clothes. whats are we even looking for." He harrumphs in impatience, "Dwarf you gots any ideas here?"
Arfrid lead-follows to the back of the cave system, commenting as you pass the large table and hearth, "This area will need our attention no, either of you wish to start her, no?" He continues on either way. Finding the body of the dwarf, he barely glances at the other corpses. He checks the man thoroughly, reaching into pockets, down the vestment, lifting the pant legs as far as they would go. If you weren't there, or if he felt it proper decorum the corpses would probably be naked.
"He was dead when yo found him" he asks as he stands to face you. "There was nothing on him?" his tone condescending, about what you have come to expect from this man. "Fine, he can go, drag him back to the lift." he turns to inspect another body.
Felmar just shrugs at the question. “Hey, me job is to show ye te the cave. I held up me end. I’m assumin’ Harbin wants te sell this stuff fer coin, so I’d say grab whatever ye think ye can get a couple coppers for.”
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
Aelinn
So they were after something, Sildar said a map, but there had been no map found by them and between Krikas and herself they had looked thoroughly.
Arfrid He died just as I arrived and I'm no cleric with a god's grace for healing.
He's a little heavy for me, Briar can you take an arm and help me? He deserves to be buried in the stone. She only intended to help move the dead hostages. The rest was up to the redbands. 80 years of working with dwarven smugglers (fine wines, spirits and ales) had left her with a soft spot for all dwarves. He had asked her to find a Harper, she hoped that from her conversations with the town folk, the Harper would find her.
((Apologies. I guess during my recent medical issues I misremembered a post. I thought Aelinn was the one that read the note from the goblin. It was Krikas and I didn't pass the info on. I'll get him to fill everyone in once we return to town))