After initially sighing in relief, Doozey just smiles sheepishly at the others, before without another word (except to reweave a enchantment upon himself) took to hoping into the driver's seat for the wagon after final checks in securing the oxen. Though, as embarrassment began to wane once the party was on the move again, he couldn't help but frown a little in remembering not only had the party failed in their main objectives, but upon returning to town any goods they recovered were likely to be strong-armed out of them. If not by questioning guards, then by "begrieved" merchants that survived previous bandit attacks or desperate civilians. But then, as his thoughts drifted to a certain gnome, alive and well, thinking of her chased away any further misgivings and even elicited an absentminded smile...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
While disappointed on the outcome of this particular quest. Neya knows full well that this was not their first failure, nor will it be the last. Not a comforting thought, but one that allows for adjustment in their methods.
Through a bit more of conversation, CRAP arrives at two conclusions. First, they realize they had come here with the goals of permanently dealing with the Gray Patriots and their gang conflict, and hopefully recover a heirloom of House Cardona in the process. With both Sahnd Krulek and Jeralla left alive, and none of the goods/treasures/loot stolen by the Gray Patriots recovered, CRAP concludes that they have failed in their stated goals for this mission.
Not everything ended in failure, though. Jeralla's gang had been essentially eliminated, or at least severely curtailed for now, and the treasures she stole were recovered. Sahnd Krulek had been a temporary ally and, mayhap, could be inclined to see CRAP in a less confrontational light in the future, should a second encounter ever come to pass. The body of an agent of the Order of the Gauntlet had been recovered and given proper rites, which was not only the right thing to do but should also earn the party some goodwill with that particular faction. An agent of the Harpers, a strong allied faction to CRAP, had been rescued and his mission was seen to completion with CRAP's help. A dangerous orcish warband associated with the green dragon Claugiyliamatar had been defeated. And perhaps most important of all, Villonah Leadstopper had been rescued alongside a group of innocent villagers, and her own separate mission under the purview of the Order of the Gauntlet was also seen to completion with CRAP's assistance.
CRAP's second conclusion was more direct: it is time to leave King's Pyre.
Preparations are finished. Utar, Raist, and Neya mount their horses. Doozey hops onto the wagon's driver seat and gets ready to lead the oxen away.Biscuit continues to rest within the wagon where the goods/treasures/loot stolen by Jeralla's band were housed. Sebastian scouts ahead the Iron Route. Some 8 or so hours of travel (including a short rest for lunch) separate CRAP from Phlan. This constitutes a slower trip than on the way in, but the wagon is heavy and it travels at lower speeds than the unhitched riding horses.
(OOC: Please describe what your characters do over the trip back to Phlan. You expect to arrive there around sunset, that is, the end of the second day since you left Phlan.)
"You know we should find that Harper when we get back. His prisoner might have an idea where Jeralla may.have absconded to" Raist rides easily near the front of the wagon. Occasionally scanning the sky for signs of Sebastian
Walking alongside the cart Utar nods in agreement, "We should check in with all of our contacts back in Phlan. A catch up with Villanoh is on the cards too. Pooling our knowledge might hold the key to achieving our aims of hunting down Jeralla and bringing an end to the Grey Patriots, we dealt Jeralla a mighty blow and prevented an Orcish hoard from becoming a third group of bandits affecting the city."
As he walks alongside the cart, Utar listens intently to Raist's breathing, now that he has rested, the wheezing is much less pronouced. Given they have some time to kill, Utar attempts to raise the issue again.
"Raist, after our rest, your wheeze has gone. I am begining to suspect it is no ordinary illness."
(OOC I can't recall getting an explanation from Raist regarding the wheezing previously, so thought I would attempt to prompt it again.)
"Well that. It isn't health related unfortunately and I don't think it can be categorized as an illness at all to be honest. More like a curse I think. And a lesson to be careful what you read and copy" he gives a short chuckle. "I'm still trying to figure what it is but I do know it is tied to the weave. And the more.i use the worse it gets"
As someone used to traveling long stretches without a word ever spoken -- or at least, none said by him when not otherwise prompted -- Doozey fully intended to make the journey in companionable silence, having initially found a measure of solace in the groups mixed successes. Though granted, one particular would gnaw occasionally at the back of his mind, even the short rest for lunch had been offhandedly dismissed as an inappropriate time to address things. But there would be discussion once they were back in Phlan.
Such was his intent at least, but...
"I'd been wondering the same thing meself, Raist. But good to hear that at least its something actually manageable, and in the future we can be a bit more mindful not to overtax ya." Doozey assured the elf, but then frowned. "That said, if'n there's anything /else/ of the like we aughta know, best come clean now. 'cause unless after this little venture yer planning to -- for lack of better words, weedle yer way back into library life full time again, it's a dangerous game to be playing when out in the field."He turns his attention back to the road and sighs softly. "Granted, I do believe yer also due an apology. Trial by fire is all well and good for easier ops, but that whole thing back there?"Doozey grimaced and shook his head. "That was something an old friend of mines would call a full 'Delving into the Inferno' situation. And no offense, but it weren't something we aughta have brought ya into, time sensitive though that mission was. So for that and so much more, I do sincerly apologize Raist... But also, I am thankful ya stuck it out... Aaaannnd with a bit more training, not to come off as condescending now, but... I think ya got potential to become more than just another scholar."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Looking at Doozy curiously. "Are you asking if there are any untoward deeds in my past. Haha. No. Nothing I can think of. I did some adventuring in my younger days and this little jaunt brings those memories back. As far as after we return. If you all will have me I wish to journey with you longer. Training (another chuckle) that could prove interesting. My skill with um weapons and such was.severly lacking even before this curse."
On the long way back to Phlan, and despite Doozey's best laid plans, CRAP has a chance to strike a conversation and catch up on Raist's promised explanation. Utar takes a change to build on the elf's separate suggestion on listing potential people to question, while the group's halfling begins offering the wizard some tactical feedback. Still feeling her muscles ache, Neya seems to stay quiet for now.
Traveling overland, you brave the Iron Route once more. This is a rugged trail that drives through wild grasslands and along wind-whipped cliffs. The recent conflict between two warring bands of highwaymen has driven away any merchant traffic on the Iron Route. Only villagers with little to offer and/or carry seem to walk down the road, surely relying on their relative poverty as camouflage from thieves. That said, even this civilian traffic is thin.
It is only when CRAP stops for their needed midday break that Biscuit finally rises from his slumber. The mastiff is full of energy at this point, to the extent it puts the other animals into a cautionary stance while the party takes a short rest and refuels.
(OOC: You may complete a Short Rest if you wish. Let me know if there is anything you'd like to do at this point before arriving at Phlan's gates following the second half of this trek.)
(OOC: Apart from redirecting Biscuit's energy towards helping Doozey practice his weapon mastery of shortsword and scimitar, nothing really to add for during/immediately after the lunch break.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: This post is partly based on the OOC chat. Happy to edit it if plans change. I'm delaying the posting about the second half of the trip for now in case you want to discuss the message and its possible recipients.)
Doozey corrals Biscuit and redirects the mastiff's energy toward some tactical exercises. Meanwhile, Utar considers sending a a message to Phlan ahead of CRAP. Its words and exact recipient remain undecided for now.
The second half of their journey sees Utar compose his mental notes for sending to the following recipients:
1) The kobold major domo of Leadstopper Manor.
"We're coming home. Likely very late. No meal is necessary on arrival. Breakfast a must though. See you soon!"
2) Villanoh Leadstopper to discuss a meeting.
"Heading back to Phlan, be good to talk. Maybe early tomorrow at Leadstopper Manor? Have Gavriel's remains."
3)To their benefactor in Horse Cardona, again to arrange a meeting.
"Need to meet in Phlan tomorrow. Have important details to share about continuing mission. Send details."
(OOC These seem the most pressing meetings so far, we might want to arrange others but if we're getting in late, it might be best to arrange those next.)
"Yip yip. Crew coming back home tonight. Thanks for telling. Large breakfast in the morning. Also little breakfast tonight just in case, yes? Sagin on..."
Sagin's message is cutoff part way through. It occurs to you that Sagin may not be the best at counting.
From Villonah Leadstopper:
"Manor now? Have you upgraded the OUR Residence? Hahha! I'll arrive before you. I'm ravenous, so cook up a meal, would you? And thank you."
From Braden Yil:
"Oh! You startled me. Continuing...? I hope for tales of triumphant success. I shall meet you post luncheon at your domicile, if you'll have me."
(OOC: Is CRAP ready to depart their break spot and head to Phlan?)
Raist aids.in packing and mounts up
"Sebastian if you would be so kind. Usual patrol and return n caw if anything looks pressing"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
After initially sighing in relief, Doozey just smiles sheepishly at the others, before without another word (except to reweave a enchantment upon himself) took to hoping into the driver's seat for the wagon after final checks in securing the oxen. Though, as embarrassment began to wane once the party was on the move again, he couldn't help but frown a little in remembering not only had the party failed in their main objectives, but upon returning to town any goods they recovered were likely to be strong-armed out of them. If not by questioning guards, then by "begrieved" merchants that survived previous bandit attacks or desperate civilians. But then, as his thoughts drifted to a certain gnome, alive and well, thinking of her chased away any further misgivings and even elicited an absentminded smile...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
While disappointed on the outcome of this particular quest. Neya knows full well that this was not their first failure, nor will it be the last. Not a comforting thought, but one that allows for adjustment in their methods.
She has some of her own thinking to do as well.
Extended Signature
Through a bit more of conversation, CRAP arrives at two conclusions. First, they realize they had come here with the goals of permanently dealing with the Gray Patriots and their gang conflict, and hopefully recover a heirloom of House Cardona in the process. With both Sahnd Krulek and Jeralla left alive, and none of the goods/treasures/loot stolen by the Gray Patriots recovered, CRAP concludes that they have failed in their stated goals for this mission.
Not everything ended in failure, though. Jeralla's gang had been essentially eliminated, or at least severely curtailed for now, and the treasures she stole were recovered. Sahnd Krulek had been a temporary ally and, mayhap, could be inclined to see CRAP in a less confrontational light in the future, should a second encounter ever come to pass. The body of an agent of the Order of the Gauntlet had been recovered and given proper rites, which was not only the right thing to do but should also earn the party some goodwill with that particular faction. An agent of the Harpers, a strong allied faction to CRAP, had been rescued and his mission was seen to completion with CRAP's help. A dangerous orcish warband associated with the green dragon Claugiyliamatar had been defeated. And perhaps most important of all, Villonah Leadstopper had been rescued alongside a group of innocent villagers, and her own separate mission under the purview of the Order of the Gauntlet was also seen to completion with CRAP's assistance.
CRAP's second conclusion was more direct: it is time to leave King's Pyre.
Preparations are finished. Utar, Raist, and Neya mount their horses. Doozey hops onto the wagon's driver seat and gets ready to lead the oxen away. Biscuit continues to rest within the wagon where the goods/treasures/loot stolen by Jeralla's band were housed. Sebastian scouts ahead the Iron Route. Some 8 or so hours of travel (including a short rest for lunch) separate CRAP from Phlan. This constitutes a slower trip than on the way in, but the wagon is heavy and it travels at lower speeds than the unhitched riding horses.
(OOC: Please describe what your characters do over the trip back to Phlan. You expect to arrive there around sunset, that is, the end of the second day since you left Phlan.)
"You know we should find that Harper when we get back. His prisoner might have an idea where Jeralla may.have absconded to" Raist rides easily near the front of the wagon. Occasionally scanning the sky for signs of Sebastian
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Walking alongside the cart Utar nods in agreement, "We should check in with all of our contacts back in Phlan. A catch up with Villanoh is on the cards too. Pooling our knowledge might hold the key to achieving our aims of hunting down Jeralla and bringing an end to the Grey Patriots, we dealt Jeralla a mighty blow and prevented an Orcish hoard from becoming a third group of bandits affecting the city."
As he walks alongside the cart, Utar listens intently to Raist's breathing, now that he has rested, the wheezing is much less pronouced. Given they have some time to kill, Utar attempts to raise the issue again.
"Raist, after our rest, your wheeze has gone. I am begining to suspect it is no ordinary illness."
(OOC I can't recall getting an explanation from Raist regarding the wheezing previously, so thought I would attempt to prompt it again.)
"Well that. It isn't health related unfortunately and I don't think it can be categorized as an illness at all to be honest. More like a curse I think. And a lesson to be careful what you read and copy" he gives a short chuckle. "I'm still trying to figure what it is but I do know it is tied to the weave. And the more.i use the worse it gets"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
As someone used to traveling long stretches without a word ever spoken -- or at least, none said by him when not otherwise prompted -- Doozey fully intended to make the journey in companionable silence, having initially found a measure of solace in the groups mixed successes. Though granted, one particular would gnaw occasionally at the back of his mind, even the short rest for lunch had been offhandedly dismissed as an inappropriate time to address things. But there would be discussion once they were back in Phlan.
Such was his intent at least, but...
"I'd been wondering the same thing meself, Raist. But good to hear that at least its something actually manageable, and in the future we can be a bit more mindful not to overtax ya." Doozey assured the elf, but then frowned. "That said, if'n there's anything /else/ of the like we aughta know, best come clean now. 'cause unless after this little venture yer planning to -- for lack of better words, weedle yer way back into library life full time again, it's a dangerous game to be playing when out in the field." He turns his attention back to the road and sighs softly. "Granted, I do believe yer also due an apology. Trial by fire is all well and good for easier ops, but that whole thing back there?" Doozey grimaced and shook his head. "That was something an old friend of mines would call a full 'Delving into the Inferno' situation. And no offense, but it weren't something we aughta have brought ya into, time sensitive though that mission was. So for that and so much more, I do sincerly apologize Raist... But also, I am thankful ya stuck it out... Aaaannnd with a bit more training, not to come off as condescending now, but... I think ya got potential to become more than just another scholar."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Looking at Doozy curiously. "Are you asking if there are any untoward deeds in my past. Haha. No. Nothing I can think of. I did some adventuring in my younger days and this little jaunt brings those memories back. As far as after we return. If you all will have me I wish to journey with you longer. Training (another chuckle) that could prove interesting. My skill with um weapons and such was.severly lacking even before this curse."
Laissez les bons temps rouler
DM's Screen:
10
On the long way back to Phlan, and despite Doozey's best laid plans, CRAP has a chance to strike a conversation and catch up on Raist's promised explanation. Utar takes a change to build on the elf's separate suggestion on listing potential people to question, while the group's halfling begins offering the wizard some tactical feedback. Still feeling her muscles ache, Neya seems to stay quiet for now.
Traveling overland, you brave the Iron Route once more. This is a rugged trail that drives through wild grasslands and along wind-whipped cliffs. The recent conflict between two warring bands of highwaymen has driven away any merchant traffic on the Iron Route. Only villagers with little to offer and/or carry seem to walk down the road, surely relying on their relative poverty as camouflage from thieves. That said, even this civilian traffic is thin.
It is only when CRAP stops for their needed midday break that Biscuit finally rises from his slumber. The mastiff is full of energy at this point, to the extent it puts the other animals into a cautionary stance while the party takes a short rest and refuels.
(OOC: You may complete a Short Rest if you wish. Let me know if there is anything you'd like to do at this point before arriving at Phlan's gates following the second half of this trek.)
(OOC: Apart from redirecting Biscuit's energy towards helping Doozey practice his weapon mastery of shortsword and scimitar, nothing really to add for during/immediately after the lunch break.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: This post is partly based on the OOC chat. Happy to edit it if plans change. I'm delaying the posting about the second half of the trip for now in case you want to discuss the message and its possible recipients.)
Doozey corrals Biscuit and redirects the mastiff's energy toward some tactical exercises. Meanwhile, Utar considers sending a a message to Phlan ahead of CRAP. Its words and exact recipient remain undecided for now.
The second half of their journey sees Utar compose his mental notes for sending to the following recipients:
1) The kobold major domo of Leadstopper Manor.
"We're coming home. Likely very late. No meal is necessary on arrival. Breakfast a must though. See you soon!"
2) Villanoh Leadstopper to discuss a meeting.
"Heading back to Phlan, be good to talk. Maybe early tomorrow at Leadstopper Manor? Have Gavriel's remains."
3)To their benefactor in Horse Cardona, again to arrange a meeting.
"Need to meet in Phlan tomorrow. Have important details to share about continuing mission. Send details."
(OOC These seem the most pressing meetings so far, we might want to arrange others but if we're getting in late, it might be best to arrange those next.)
Utar gets his answers:
From Sagin:
"Yip yip. Crew coming back home tonight. Thanks for telling. Large breakfast in the morning. Also little breakfast tonight just in case, yes? Sagin on..."
Sagin's message is cutoff part way through. It occurs to you that Sagin may not be the best at counting.
From Villonah Leadstopper:
"Manor now? Have you upgraded the OUR Residence? Hahha! I'll arrive before you. I'm ravenous, so cook up a meal, would you? And thank you."
From Braden Yil:
"Oh! You startled me. Continuing...? I hope for tales of triumphant success. I shall meet you post luncheon at your domicile, if you'll have me."
(OOC: Is CRAP ready to depart their break spot and head to Phlan?)