'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.
Would it be feasible to try hunting a rabbit - while staying close to camp - and cooking it?
There are some in the area, though they keep their distance from the camp for the most part. They are also agile and small. How would Arren wish to hunt them? Whichever way you choose, roll a Survival check to see how successful (if at all) Arren is at hunting rabbits this evening.
Arren finds that staying alert is difficult, having slept very little the previous night. Nonetheless, he can stay up and watch partly through one of the Elves' trance and eventually retire for the night before the Elves swap. When he goes to sleep, the Commandant is still hard at work under the light of one of the candles that has burnt about halfway through. He would also be able to cook the game he caught, if he did. While nothing in the recipe book relates directly to rabbits alone over the fire, it's also simple enough that anyone could cook it to a satisfying degree. At least, considering the available means.
The night passes mostly uneventfully. Should Arren succeed at hunting, a wild coyote might be drawn to the smell, but they are driven away by anyone on watch at the time. Apart from a few other curious wild animals during the night that are easily scared away, nothing notable happens.
Arren:
When Arren wakes, he again feels watched for a few brief moments. If he had any nightmares during the night, he doesn't remember any.
Bryn:
Since Arren asked Bryn to watch over him during the night, Bryn is a little more aware of the Half-Elf during his trance, while they're together in the same tent. He notices the Half-Elf looks strangely stiff during the night, sleeping straight and still as a plank. It doesn't exactly look unnatural, but... people usually move at least a little during their sleep. If it weren't for his chest rising and falling, one could mistake Arren to be dead tonight.
The crew wakes up at sunrise or just before it, tearing down camp quickly before preparing to leave the area. Clouds hang over the valleys below them, a soft-looking blanket between the hills. But up on the mountains, even though the crew rested in a relatively low area, the air is clear and so is the sky.
The second day in the mountains is also mostly quiet, apart from the constant tapping of the horses' hooves and the wheels on the hard, rocky road. At some point, Bryn notices movement on the mountainside high above them. Expecting perhaps an ibex or some bird, he looks in the direction casually, but focusing his attention on the mountainside, he notices a Humanoid figure dressed in a pattern that matches that of the stone. It seems like the figure was watching them, because the moment Bryn turns to look at it, it notices and disappears behind a large rock nearby.
Should Bryn mention this to the others, they might stop the carriage momentarily to scour the mountainside for any other hidden observers, but spot none. Eventually, they move on, and despite being in a state of higher alertness, none notices any other such figures during the day.
As the sun starts getting low in the sky, the carriage is still going in search of a place to stop for the night. Nothing seems appropriate, and at some point, consulting the map, Commandant Nattensbarn decides to push onwards for a little more until they reach a small in marked on the map as a potential stopping spot. "Normally, we'd get to it before sundown if we left Ersta early in the morning, but since that was not the case, we'll surely arrive long after it is completely dark outside. It means we'll have to ride along this cliff here during the night, but I trust you three can see well enough to avoid dropping us all into the chasm."
You ride onwards until the sun eventually sets. As usual, the Commandant refrains from lighting candles inside the carriage, and so she stops working once it's too dark for her to see. From that point, the carriage rides on for a little under an hour before one of you spots a small sign that says "Ledge Lodge, 1km". From there, after a few more minutes on the road along the cliff, Arren, who sits at the front (perhaps Bryn too), spots a small wooden building built into the mountain on the side opposite the cliff. It looks old yet well-maintained, and on a sign nailed above the front door is carved the name "Ledge Lodge". The place is completely silent, though it doesn't look like a place that often accommodates many people, given both its location and size.
Next to it is a man-made cave large enough - though only barely - for the carriage to fit through, and deep enough to house two such carriages. At the end of the cave, there's a wooden trough and a hitching post for the horses. The trough is, unfortunately, completely dry. Aside from that, the cave is empty.
Once the carriage is in this unusual stable, Lieutenant Tireur hops off and, seeing that the Commandant remains in the carriage, peeks inside. "She's asleep." He declares in a low voice after taking a few steps away. "One moment without work and bam! Her body demands what it's owed. Why don't you two head into the inn and order a room for us, perhaps a good meal too? I'll hitch the horses here and then wake her up, joining you in a moment."
"I am not sure I am saying the one who gave Olive the root was a druid, just that the power behind the root might have come from the druids. I am not so familiar with rangers, but if you are saying they share similar powers, then perhaps that is it. I was also hoping you might have some stories of druids beyond those bedtime ones. It doesn't matter though, I guess we will never know", 'Tace' replies.
When asked about the root, he will take out the piece he has left to see the state of it.
Having watched the Sergeant sleep, 'Tace' will report back that he was unusually still. At least, he would have expected more movement. It might be normal for the Sergeant, he hadn't watched him sleep before.
During the following day, 'Tace' does his best to keep vigilant, especially after spotting the figure high above.
"It seems we are being observed, sirs", he says loud enough for both the Sergeant and Lieutenant to hear when he spots the person watching them. "But whoever it is doesn't want us to know they are there. Not a show of force or a warning at the moment".
When they are forced to travel after the sun has set, 'Tace' directs his efforts as the Commandant suggests. Making sure the carriage doesn't veer off the road. The thought of sleeping indoors and getting a decent meal offsetting the discomfort of such a long day seated on the carriage.
When they finally reach Ledge Lodge and can finally get off the carriage, he hops down and stretches. The lieutenant doesn't have to tell him. twice to leave the horses to him and head into the inn. "Yes, sir".
As he approaches, presumably with the Sergeant, he looks to see if there is any light or smoke to be seen coming from the wooden building. Obviously he would notice light before he gets close enough to see smoke, with the limits of his dark vision. He looks for any other signs of habitation as well, perhaps there are sounds to be heard if you listen for them.
Arren gives Tace an apologetic look. "That's about everything I know, I'm afraid. Druidism, rangers… that's not something I ever thought I'd be thinking about until just a few days ago, to be honest."
When the camp is set and everyone is resting from the drive—or working, in the case of the Commandant—Arren picks up his longbow to try to hunt a rabbit to cook it for dinner. Not being a knowledgeable hunter, he doesn't really know the proper technique, so what he does is try to make himself as inconspicuous as possible. He separates himself a bit from the camp, crouching and lying as still as he can, until he spots his target. When he does, he readies the bow slowly, nocks an arrow, and releases it. (Survival: 7+1 bumped +5 = 13) If he misses, he quietly accepts his failure—and the reminder that he needs more practice when time allows. If he succeeds, he'll be glad to share the simple dinner with his companions, sparing a thought for Emma while he cooks it.
The next morning, when the Corporal recounts what he perceived during his sleep, Arren furrows his brow in confusion. "Unusually still? I was expecting something along the lines of sleep-talking. I don't know... I'd think I'd shift a bit in my sleep, much like everyone else." The Half-Elf shakes his head, ready to dismiss the topic entirely. Why dwell on it? He had felt watched that morning again, but perhaps it was just tiredness. It will pass. Same as the nightmares. He hadn't had any last night, after all. "Thank you for watching, Corporal," he adds.
Regarding the figure the Elf had spotted, Arren indeed tries to spot it, but sees nothing. He doesn't like it one bit, but there's little they can do except stay alert for the rest of the journey.
Once they reach the Ledge Lodge, Arren nods toward Walnuts. "If only she would time her rest correctly, and in the right place." He recalls the Commandant saying she might consider improving her schedule when he asked, but it seemed she had deemed the request unnecessary. Or perhaps it was simply a task she didn't find that easy to master.
Arren is surprised to find an inn so well maintained in this place, though less surprised that it appears empty. He simply assumes few travelers take this particular road, preferring the longer but safer route into Pyorre. He doesn't follow the Corporal immediately. Instead, he pauses at the mouth of the cave, scanning the ground for signs that other horses or carriages have been here recently. He also also takes this time because he's not that fine with leaving a sleeping Commandant and a wounded Lieutenant entirely on their own, knowing that someone has been watching them a few hours back. After a brief pause, he falls in step with Tace toward the inn, ready to enter if nothing seems out of place. (ooc: Perception 16)
'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
There are some in the area, though they keep their distance from the camp for the most part. They are also agile and small. How would Arren wish to hunt them? Whichever way you choose, roll a Survival check to see how successful (if at all) Arren is at hunting rabbits this evening.
Arren finds that staying alert is difficult, having slept very little the previous night. Nonetheless, he can stay up and watch partly through one of the Elves' trance and eventually retire for the night before the Elves swap. When he goes to sleep, the Commandant is still hard at work under the light of one of the candles that has burnt about halfway through. He would also be able to cook the game he caught, if he did. While nothing in the recipe book relates directly to rabbits alone over the fire, it's also simple enough that anyone could cook it to a satisfying degree. At least, considering the available means.
The night passes mostly uneventfully. Should Arren succeed at hunting, a wild coyote might be drawn to the smell, but they are driven away by anyone on watch at the time. Apart from a few other curious wild animals during the night that are easily scared away, nothing notable happens.
Arren:
When Arren wakes, he again feels watched for a few brief moments. If he had any nightmares during the night, he doesn't remember any.
Bryn:
Since Arren asked Bryn to watch over him during the night, Bryn is a little more aware of the Half-Elf during his trance, while they're together in the same tent. He notices the Half-Elf looks strangely stiff during the night, sleeping straight and still as a plank. It doesn't exactly look unnatural, but... people usually move at least a little during their sleep. If it weren't for his chest rising and falling, one could mistake Arren to be dead tonight.
The crew wakes up at sunrise or just before it, tearing down camp quickly before preparing to leave the area. Clouds hang over the valleys below them, a soft-looking blanket between the hills. But up on the mountains, even though the crew rested in a relatively low area, the air is clear and so is the sky.
The second day in the mountains is also mostly quiet, apart from the constant tapping of the horses' hooves and the wheels on the hard, rocky road. At some point, Bryn notices movement on the mountainside high above them. Expecting perhaps an ibex or some bird, he looks in the direction casually, but focusing his attention on the mountainside, he notices a Humanoid figure dressed in a pattern that matches that of the stone. It seems like the figure was watching them, because the moment Bryn turns to look at it, it notices and disappears behind a large rock nearby.
Should Bryn mention this to the others, they might stop the carriage momentarily to scour the mountainside for any other hidden observers, but spot none. Eventually, they move on, and despite being in a state of higher alertness, none notices any other such figures during the day.
As the sun starts getting low in the sky, the carriage is still going in search of a place to stop for the night. Nothing seems appropriate, and at some point, consulting the map, Commandant Nattensbarn decides to push onwards for a little more until they reach a small in marked on the map as a potential stopping spot. "Normally, we'd get to it before sundown if we left Ersta early in the morning, but since that was not the case, we'll surely arrive long after it is completely dark outside. It means we'll have to ride along this cliff here during the night, but I trust you three can see well enough to avoid dropping us all into the chasm."
You ride onwards until the sun eventually sets. As usual, the Commandant refrains from lighting candles inside the carriage, and so she stops working once it's too dark for her to see. From that point, the carriage rides on for a little under an hour before one of you spots a small sign that says "Ledge Lodge, 1km". From there, after a few more minutes on the road along the cliff, Arren, who sits at the front (perhaps Bryn too), spots a small wooden building built into the mountain on the side opposite the cliff. It looks old yet well-maintained, and on a sign nailed above the front door is carved the name "Ledge Lodge". The place is completely silent, though it doesn't look like a place that often accommodates many people, given both its location and size.
Next to it is a man-made cave large enough - though only barely - for the carriage to fit through, and deep enough to house two such carriages. At the end of the cave, there's a wooden trough and a hitching post for the horses. The trough is, unfortunately, completely dry. Aside from that, the cave is empty.
Once the carriage is in this unusual stable, Lieutenant Tireur hops off and, seeing that the Commandant remains in the carriage, peeks inside. "She's asleep." He declares in a low voice after taking a few steps away. "One moment without work and bam! Her body demands what it's owed. Why don't you two head into the inn and order a room for us, perhaps a good meal too? I'll hitch the horses here and then wake her up, joining you in a moment."
Varielky
"I am not sure I am saying the one who gave Olive the root was a druid, just that the power behind the root might have come from the druids. I am not so familiar with rangers, but if you are saying they share similar powers, then perhaps that is it. I was also hoping you might have some stories of druids beyond those bedtime ones. It doesn't matter though, I guess we will never know", 'Tace' replies.
When asked about the root, he will take out the piece he has left to see the state of it.
Having watched the Sergeant sleep, 'Tace' will report back that he was unusually still. At least, he would have expected more movement. It might be normal for the Sergeant, he hadn't watched him sleep before.
During the following day, 'Tace' does his best to keep vigilant, especially after spotting the figure high above.
"It seems we are being observed, sirs", he says loud enough for both the Sergeant and Lieutenant to hear when he spots the person watching them. "But whoever it is doesn't want us to know they are there. Not a show of force or a warning at the moment".
When they are forced to travel after the sun has set, 'Tace' directs his efforts as the Commandant suggests. Making sure the carriage doesn't veer off the road. The thought of sleeping indoors and getting a decent meal offsetting the discomfort of such a long day seated on the carriage.
When they finally reach Ledge Lodge and can finally get off the carriage, he hops down and stretches. The lieutenant doesn't have to tell him. twice to leave the horses to him and head into the inn. "Yes, sir".
As he approaches, presumably with the Sergeant, he looks to see if there is any light or smoke to be seen coming from the wooden building. Obviously he would notice light before he gets close enough to see smoke, with the limits of his dark vision. He looks for any other signs of habitation as well, perhaps there are sounds to be heard if you listen for them.
Perception: 19+5=24
Arren gives Tace an apologetic look. "That's about everything I know, I'm afraid. Druidism, rangers… that's not something I ever thought I'd be thinking about until just a few days ago, to be honest."
When the camp is set and everyone is resting from the drive—or working, in the case of the Commandant—Arren picks up his longbow to try to hunt a rabbit to cook it for dinner. Not being a knowledgeable hunter, he doesn't really know the proper technique, so what he does is try to make himself as inconspicuous as possible. He separates himself a bit from the camp, crouching and lying as still as he can, until he spots his target. When he does, he readies the bow slowly, nocks an arrow, and releases it. (Survival: 7+1 bumped +5 = 13) If he misses, he quietly accepts his failure—and the reminder that he needs more practice when time allows. If he succeeds, he'll be glad to share the simple dinner with his companions, sparing a thought for Emma while he cooks it.
The next morning, when the Corporal recounts what he perceived during his sleep, Arren furrows his brow in confusion. "Unusually still? I was expecting something along the lines of sleep-talking. I don't know... I'd think I'd shift a bit in my sleep, much like everyone else." The Half-Elf shakes his head, ready to dismiss the topic entirely. Why dwell on it? He had felt watched that morning again, but perhaps it was just tiredness. It will pass. Same as the nightmares. He hadn't had any last night, after all. "Thank you for watching, Corporal," he adds.
Regarding the figure the Elf had spotted, Arren indeed tries to spot it, but sees nothing. He doesn't like it one bit, but there's little they can do except stay alert for the rest of the journey.
Once they reach the Ledge Lodge, Arren nods toward Walnuts. "If only she would time her rest correctly, and in the right place." He recalls the Commandant saying she might consider improving her schedule when he asked, but it seemed she had deemed the request unnecessary. Or perhaps it was simply a task she didn't find that easy to master.
Arren is surprised to find an inn so well maintained in this place, though less surprised that it appears empty. He simply assumes few travelers take this particular road, preferring the longer but safer route into Pyorre. He doesn't follow the Corporal immediately. Instead, he pauses at the mouth of the cave, scanning the ground for signs that other horses or carriages have been here recently. He also also takes this time because he's not that fine with leaving a sleeping Commandant and a wounded Lieutenant entirely on their own, knowing that someone has been watching them a few hours back. After a brief pause, he falls in step with Tace toward the inn, ready to enter if nothing seems out of place. (ooc: Perception 16)
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra