'Tace' enters the stables with all their belongings and quickly packs them away into the carriage, before looking at the horses and trying to think back to what he was shown during the during to Ersta.
He is actually quite surprised when he approaches each of them in turn with his hand out tentatively and they both respond well to him. He does try to speak calmly to each of them, making sure to mention their names often assuming they will, react to the words Choco and Mocha. Look at that, the city boy is a friend to the animals.
And so a little less nervously he manages to prepare them for travel, asking for help when needs from those working in the stables, and making sure each of the horses has a treat if he can find an apple or carrot or the like.
Whilst outside, he watches what is going on, but without reacting, knowing that this must be difficult on the townspeople. He nods to the Commandant when she mentions immediately leaving, and looks in surprise as the Sergeant pause to speak to Zaba. More humanity from the Sergeant, I wonder if his words will sink in.
He doesn't wait for the Sergeant to climb up onto the carriage himself, so he is ready as soon as the Sergeant is.
As they pass through the town, he also remains quiet, somber even.
When the Sergeant finally breaks the silence, he is lost in his own thoughts of what might become of Emma. And of the fact she knows a lot about him and his situation.
"Yes, Sir. I will confess I liked Emma, and worry for her. Danger seems likely to be part of the job, but attachments like that I was not expecting", he replies equally quietly.
When Lieutenant Ubwipi is mentioned, he spends a moment trying to think who that might be, recalling the gnomish Lieutenant.
"It has only been a few days, I expect he has been busy dealing with the fall out from the cave in".
Arren keeps his eyes on the road as he drives the carriage, never looking at Tace when he answers about Emma. At first it seems the Sergeant won't say more, but then he gives a quiet hum of assent before adding, "This was different from any mission we've had so far. Attachments, as you say, don't come often. And that's the part no one prepares you for."
He falls silent for a moment, then says, still watching the road, "I hope time is kind to Emma. She deserves better than the hand she was dealt."
As carriage moves on, Arren finds the steady work of guiding Choco and Mocha a welcome distraction from the last days in Ersta. Even the prospect of the mountain pass feels almost welcome, though it promises its own share of trouble.
The horses follow Bryn as he directs without resisting much. Perhaps they wish to leave the stables too, or maybe the treats won their hearts. Whatever the case, by the time anyone arrives at the stables, the carriage is ready to move, and the horses are just a little agitated that they've been prepared already and now must wait there standing.
As he expected, Arren's message to the crowd wasn't received well. At first, they seem confused, but the expressions soon turn to anger and repulsion again, accompanied by a few slurs. "Does he think we're stupid?" One shouts, and in response, another answers: "It's only because of them that she's not here now! She's done nothing wrong!" The crowd is heated again, and Arren figures it's best to leave now before something happens. But between the people in the crowd, Arren sees Zaba briefly nodding, though he doesn't look very compassionate either.
After just a couple of hours riding westwards, the carriage reaches the foot of the mountains and begins ascending the mountain path. Ersta can no longer be seen, hidden behind the hills the crew passed on the way. The mountain path, the Commandant explains when she gives Arren directions, is mostly levelled, aside from a little climb at the beginning and the end. Nonetheless, even though Arren knows already, she makes sure to remind him not to tire the horses too much when climbing, and to be careful while descending, too. She also reminds everyone that this path is expected to be more dangerous than the route they usually take along the shoreline, though after encountering Emma and leaving with just a few scratches, this warning seems a little less grim than it did before.
The view soon changes from the tree-covered hills to the rocky mountains covered mostly by small shrubs and short weeds. There are small streams, likely caused by the recent rains, crossing the path occasionally, from which the crew can refill their waterskins. The water looks mostly clean. By late afternoon, it seems the carriage had climbed about as much as it's expected to, and the air here is just a little colder, but also less humid and therefore clearer. Despite the Commandant's warnings about the expected danger in the mountains, you've seen nothing more threatening than an eagle in the sky. The area is full of animals, from rabbits and marmots to chamois, but these mostly keep their distance.
By evening, the crew finds a small grass-covered plateau on the road where it is wide enough to set up camp without blocking the road, which also looks relatively safe - at least from any natural hazards. Although there's still a little time before the sun sets completely, the Commandant decides it's best not to ride the mountains in the dark, and there's no telling how long it'll be before they find another good spot to camp.
Setting up the tents doesn't take long. With a few logs bought in Ersta, a fire can be lit as well. Commandant Nattensbarn finds a spot flat and levelled enough to place her small table and work on, while the rest of you have time to do as you like.
You have about half an hour before the sun sets completely to do anything if you wish, as well as any time after that. The area where you parked for the night is open and wide (considering you're on the side of a mountain), so there's 30-100 metres to go in each direction while keeping a line of sight. The grass here isn't tall, reaching just about to your ankles.
Please roll in advance a set of three Perception checks, which I could refer to for the coming days. Additionally, anyone who watches during the night, please roll an additional Perception check.
'Tace' is very introspective during the ride to the foot of the mountain pass, but once they reach it and he notices the changing vista, his thoughts are drawn outward. Far more at home in a city, the views as they ascend are new to him.
He watches the flight of the eagle for quite some time until he remembers the dangers of the pass and focusses back on their surroundings.
It is at this time he decides to ask a question of the Sergeant. "I know you were young when you left Etana, but were you ever told stories of the Etanan druids? Could they be the source of the root do you think?"
When they stop, he does his bit in erecting the tents, and then expects to be told to do the majority of the overnight watch. Whether alone or paired he is not immediately sure, but prepares for being on watch nonetheless.
Perception 1: 17+5=22 Perception 2: 3+5=8 Perception 3: 15+5=20 Perception Watch 1: 17+5=22 Perception Watch 2: 9+5=14 Perception Watch 3: 7+5=12 (I wasn't sure if an extra perception was needed for each day roll, or just one so rolled 3)
Bryn doesn't have too much with him, and during the day travels light. Just his Armour, Short Sword and daggers (two on his belt, the small knife he had in Tus in his boot). He has his thieves' tools, and spell components concealed, he wears Tace's wedding ring around his neck on a cord, he has the small bag of fruit he found in Tace's belongings and the scar disguise ingredients if small enough to conceal (if not they are stowed and he might get them out if he has enough privacy to try moulding them).
He will mostly travel with Arren, but occasionally with the lieutenant.
"Stories of druids?" Arren thinks for a moment. "I've heard a few, but they were mostly that: bedtime stories to lull children to sleep or to scare them into being careful. Some were about good-willed druids guiding those who were lost. Others depicted them as being extremely unappreciative of intrusions. Some painted them as terrifying figures who didn't hesitate to punish anyone that harmed nature or its creatures. And a few told of druids losing their minds entirely, becoming forces that needed to be stopped."
"Be that as it may, stories always portray them as powerful as the wizards of old... but far more reclusive. So I'd say druids could very well be behind these roots. But for Olive to have met one that shared one of their secret powers?" Arren hesitates, brow slightly furrowed. "That sounds far-fetched. Rangers, on the other hand, seem easier to come across. Though I imagine it's easy to meet them without realizing it, since they tend to protect the druidic abilities they can wield closely."
The Sergeant pauses before adding, "Speaking of the root, it's been a few days since we cut it. Is it still fresh, or has it dried out already?"
Once they stop and set up camp, Arren takes a few of the thinner logs they brought from Ersta and scatters them around the perimeter. They won't provide much in the way of security, but if anyone—or anything—approaches during the night, they might step on a log and make a noise. This could alert those on watch, or even spook Choco and Mocha into whinnying. He makes a point of remembering where he left them so he can retrieve them before they depart.
Since the mountain pass is known to be dangerous, Arren suggests that he also take part in one of the watches himself, timing it so he can still get at least six hours of sleep. It could be the first watch, or the last one, just before dawn.
When it's time to sleep, Arren feels a little apprehensive, given how he felt the last days upon waking. But the last time they slept under the stars, he didn't feel watched, nor did he have any nightmares... In any case, he wonders how he'll fare tonight, and if the Corporal will be able to notice anything.
(ooc: Would it be feasible to try hunting a rabbit - while staying close to camp - and cooking it? Arren doesn't have any of the ingredients listed in the recipe book he got—such as carrots or potatoes ... I could have thought of picking a few from the stewpot!—but I imagine a rabbit cooked over a small fire, with a bit of seasoning, would make a better meal than standard rations.
Perception rolls: 8+3=11 / 1+3 = 4ouch! / 12+3=15. Watch rolls - adding 3 as @Volcano did, just in case: 19+3=22 / 6+3=9 / 3+3=6)
I've set up the sheet to illustrate this: - The "Equipment" section is what he usually carries most of the time. - The "Backpack" section is something he would pick if he expected to travel somewhere to investigate that place. Example: when they went into the forest to search for Emma. - The "Carriage" section contains the rest of his belongings, which he doesn't use that often.
* Driving the carriage: I think I'd remove the two javelins from the Equipment section. Not sure it is possible that he could be seated having those strapped on his back. The sword and shield though, sound more plausible. * Sleeping: Arren would doff the chainmail, shield, and longsword, though he would keep them very close—especially the weapons. The idea is that when he wakes up, the first thing he touches are his weapons, so he can pick them up super quickly, if necessary. The dagger, I'd say, he keeps on his person at all times.
'Tace' enters the stables with all their belongings and quickly packs them away into the carriage, before looking at the horses and trying to think back to what he was shown during the during to Ersta.
He is actually quite surprised when he approaches each of them in turn with his hand out tentatively and they both respond well to him. He does try to speak calmly to each of them, making sure to mention their names often assuming they will, react to the words Choco and Mocha. Look at that, the city boy is a friend to the animals.
And so a little less nervously he manages to prepare them for travel, asking for help when needs from those working in the stables, and making sure each of the horses has a treat if he can find an apple or carrot or the like.
Whilst outside, he watches what is going on, but without reacting, knowing that this must be difficult on the townspeople. He nods to the Commandant when she mentions immediately leaving, and looks in surprise as the Sergeant pause to speak to Zaba. More humanity from the Sergeant, I wonder if his words will sink in.
He doesn't wait for the Sergeant to climb up onto the carriage himself, so he is ready as soon as the Sergeant is.
As they pass through the town, he also remains quiet, somber even.
When the Sergeant finally breaks the silence, he is lost in his own thoughts of what might become of Emma. And of the fact she knows a lot about him and his situation.
"Yes, Sir. I will confess I liked Emma, and worry for her. Danger seems likely to be part of the job, but attachments like that I was not expecting", he replies equally quietly.
When Lieutenant Ubwipi is mentioned, he spends a moment trying to think who that might be, recalling the gnomish Lieutenant.
"It has only been a few days, I expect he has been busy dealing with the fall out from the cave in".
Arren keeps his eyes on the road as he drives the carriage, never looking at Tace when he answers about Emma. At first it seems the Sergeant won't say more, but then he gives a quiet hum of assent before adding, "This was different from any mission we've had so far. Attachments, as you say, don't come often. And that's the part no one prepares you for."
He falls silent for a moment, then says, still watching the road, "I hope time is kind to Emma. She deserves better than the hand she was dealt."
As carriage moves on, Arren finds the steady work of guiding Choco and Mocha a welcome distraction from the last days in Ersta. Even the prospect of the mountain pass feels almost welcome, though it promises its own share of trouble.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
The horses follow Bryn as he directs without resisting much. Perhaps they wish to leave the stables too, or maybe the treats won their hearts. Whatever the case, by the time anyone arrives at the stables, the carriage is ready to move, and the horses are just a little agitated that they've been prepared already and now must wait there standing.
As he expected, Arren's message to the crowd wasn't received well. At first, they seem confused, but the expressions soon turn to anger and repulsion again, accompanied by a few slurs. "Does he think we're stupid?" One shouts, and in response, another answers: "It's only because of them that she's not here now! She's done nothing wrong!" The crowd is heated again, and Arren figures it's best to leave now before something happens. But between the people in the crowd, Arren sees Zaba briefly nodding, though he doesn't look very compassionate either.
After just a couple of hours riding westwards, the carriage reaches the foot of the mountains and begins ascending the mountain path. Ersta can no longer be seen, hidden behind the hills the crew passed on the way. The mountain path, the Commandant explains when she gives Arren directions, is mostly levelled, aside from a little climb at the beginning and the end. Nonetheless, even though Arren knows already, she makes sure to remind him not to tire the horses too much when climbing, and to be careful while descending, too. She also reminds everyone that this path is expected to be more dangerous than the route they usually take along the shoreline, though after encountering Emma and leaving with just a few scratches, this warning seems a little less grim than it did before.
The view soon changes from the tree-covered hills to the rocky mountains covered mostly by small shrubs and short weeds. There are small streams, likely caused by the recent rains, crossing the path occasionally, from which the crew can refill their waterskins. The water looks mostly clean. By late afternoon, it seems the carriage had climbed about as much as it's expected to, and the air here is just a little colder, but also less humid and therefore clearer. Despite the Commandant's warnings about the expected danger in the mountains, you've seen nothing more threatening than an eagle in the sky. The area is full of animals, from rabbits and marmots to chamois, but these mostly keep their distance.
By evening, the crew finds a small grass-covered plateau on the road where it is wide enough to set up camp without blocking the road, which also looks relatively safe - at least from any natural hazards. Although there's still a little time before the sun sets completely, the Commandant decides it's best not to ride the mountains in the dark, and there's no telling how long it'll be before they find another good spot to camp.
Setting up the tents doesn't take long. With a few logs bought in Ersta, a fire can be lit as well. Commandant Nattensbarn finds a spot flat and levelled enough to place her small table and work on, while the rest of you have time to do as you like.
You have about half an hour before the sun sets completely to do anything if you wish, as well as any time after that. The area where you parked for the night is open and wide (considering you're on the side of a mountain), so there's 30-100 metres to go in each direction while keeping a line of sight. The grass here isn't tall, reaching just about to your ankles.
Please roll in advance a set of three Perception checks, which I could refer to for the coming days. Additionally, anyone who watches during the night, please roll an additional Perception check.
Varielky
'Tace' is very introspective during the ride to the foot of the mountain pass, but once they reach it and he notices the changing vista, his thoughts are drawn outward. Far more at home in a city, the views as they ascend are new to him.
He watches the flight of the eagle for quite some time until he remembers the dangers of the pass and focusses back on their surroundings.
It is at this time he decides to ask a question of the Sergeant. "I know you were young when you left Etana, but were you ever told stories of the Etanan druids? Could they be the source of the root do you think?"
When they stop, he does his bit in erecting the tents, and then expects to be told to do the majority of the overnight watch. Whether alone or paired he is not immediately sure, but prepares for being on watch nonetheless.
Perception 1: 17+5=22
Perception 2: 3+5=8
Perception 3: 15+5=20
Perception Watch 1: 17+5=22
Perception Watch 2: 9+5=14
Perception Watch 3: 7+5=12
(I wasn't sure if an extra perception was needed for each day roll, or just one so rolled 3)
Bryn doesn't have too much with him, and during the day travels light. Just his Armour, Short Sword and daggers (two on his belt, the small knife he had in Tus in his boot). He has his thieves' tools, and spell components concealed, he wears Tace's wedding ring around his neck on a cord, he has the small bag of fruit he found in Tace's belongings and the scar disguise ingredients if small enough to conceal (if not they are stowed and he might get them out if he has enough privacy to try moulding them).
He will mostly travel with Arren, but occasionally with the lieutenant.
"Stories of druids?" Arren thinks for a moment. "I've heard a few, but they were mostly that: bedtime stories to lull children to sleep or to scare them into being careful. Some were about good-willed druids guiding those who were lost. Others depicted them as being extremely unappreciative of intrusions. Some painted them as terrifying figures who didn't hesitate to punish anyone that harmed nature or its creatures. And a few told of druids losing their minds entirely, becoming forces that needed to be stopped."
"Be that as it may, stories always portray them as powerful as the wizards of old... but far more reclusive. So I'd say druids could very well be behind these roots. But for Olive to have met one that shared one of their secret powers?" Arren hesitates, brow slightly furrowed. "That sounds far-fetched. Rangers, on the other hand, seem easier to come across. Though I imagine it's easy to meet them without realizing it, since they tend to protect the druidic abilities they can wield closely."
The Sergeant pauses before adding, "Speaking of the root, it's been a few days since we cut it. Is it still fresh, or has it dried out already?"
Once they stop and set up camp, Arren takes a few of the thinner logs they brought from Ersta and scatters them around the perimeter. They won't provide much in the way of security, but if anyone—or anything—approaches during the night, they might step on a log and make a noise. This could alert those on watch, or even spook Choco and Mocha into whinnying. He makes a point of remembering where he left them so he can retrieve them before they depart.
Since the mountain pass is known to be dangerous, Arren suggests that he also take part in one of the watches himself, timing it so he can still get at least six hours of sleep. It could be the first watch, or the last one, just before dawn.
When it's time to sleep, Arren feels a little apprehensive, given how he felt the last days upon waking. But the last time they slept under the stars, he didn't feel watched, nor did he have any nightmares... In any case, he wonders how he'll fare tonight, and if the Corporal will be able to notice anything.
(ooc: Would it be feasible to try hunting a rabbit - while staying close to camp - and cooking it? Arren doesn't have any of the ingredients listed in the recipe book he got—such as carrots or potatoes ... I could have thought of picking a few from the stewpot!—but I imagine a rabbit cooked over a small fire, with a bit of seasoning, would make a better meal than standard rations.
Perception rolls: 8+3=11 / 1+3 = 4 ouch! / 12+3=15. Watch rolls - adding 3 as @Volcano did, just in case: 19+3=22 / 6+3=9 / 3+3=6)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Arren's equipment:
I've set up the sheet to illustrate this:
- The "Equipment" section is what he usually carries most of the time.
- The "Backpack" section is something he would pick if he expected to travel somewhere to investigate that place. Example: when they went into the forest to search for Emma.
- The "Carriage" section contains the rest of his belongings, which he doesn't use that often.
* Driving the carriage: I think I'd remove the two javelins from the Equipment section. Not sure it is possible that he could be seated having those strapped on his back. The sword and shield though, sound more plausible.
* Sleeping: Arren would doff the chainmail, shield, and longsword, though he would keep them very close—especially the weapons. The idea is that when he wakes up, the first thing he touches are his weapons, so he can pick them up super quickly, if necessary. The dagger, I'd say, he keeps on his person at all times.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra