The Dragon Queen's conquest of Ansalon has begun. The eastern half of the continent has already fallen, and the Red Dragon Army has tested its forces against isolated and fractious lands. The Dragon Army now turns its attention to the west—to the land of Solamnia, a nation known as the home of knights and heroes. Now, the true war begins.
The companions find themselves drawn together en route to Vogler a small town near the great city of Kalaman. A friend of yours has died and his last wish was to reunite all of his companions. Before retiring to the village of Vogler, Ispin Greenshield traveled across Ansalon as a teacher, trader, and adventurer. Along the way, he forged friendships with each of the characters. You soon discover that you were all known by Ispen.
To determine how you personally knew Ispen roll me a d6.
Choose one feat from the players handbook at your level.
Please put your character name at the top of each post
Introduce yourselves to each other.
(please remember that steel coins are the local equivalent of gold, which is now only used for cheap jewellry.)
Please note that I use pictures from the campaign guide and AI generated graphics.
EmileTherese as Cassian Beaumont, Paladin, Knight of the Rose Weathervision as Liwen, Red robed Wizard of the Mages of High Sorcery. Cyreon as Kaelthor of the Ashwood, Druid Circle of Dragons. Twombley as Vardok Nimbleshadow, Ranger. kqstark as Vexi Springheel, Rogue kohlmetz_d as Seaward "Salty" Downeaster, Cleric.
“I can’t believe it. Ispin’s dead. He always brought us such cool things.” Vardok Nimbleshadow is sitting on a rock, resting after walking a good distance, dangling his legs and tossing a pair of dice up and down, looking at the result in his hands as he talks to his good friend Vexi. Every few tosses, a ghostly hand appears and grabs the dice, setting them in his hand, then he grabs them next time with his own hand. He’s kicking his legs in time with the tosses, a faint smile on his face as he practices. “C’mon now, we can’t dawdle all day long. “Down the Brushbrook and then it joins the Vingaard, that will lead you all the way to Vogler.” Isn’t that what Elder Reed said? What things we’ll see! It stinks that it has to be for such a sad occasion. I’ll miss him.”
The scruffy, wild haired redhead Kender scratches his head and pulls out a rolled up parchment, looking at it again. “Becklin Uth Viharin, Knight of the Crown. How official. Wonder what adventures they have had? I wonder how she knew Ispin? Guess we’ll find out, huh?” He puts the dice away lovingly in his pouch and picks up his Hoopak and a nice stone on the ground. He balances the staff and flings the rock with the patch in the middle across the river, watching it skip along the surface. He looks over at Vexi, tilting his head and checking her expression for a response, assessing to see whether she is ready to keep marching on toward their goal. “Are you ready? We’ve got to keep moving if we are going to make it in time. I’ll race you to the top of that hill over yonder! Last one there is a rotten egg!” The Kender in leather armor goes running off, glancing backward to check on his friend as he runs, gauging her speed and laughing as he goes, him mind wandering as he’s running, thinking of the river, their upcoming path, and what lies ahead.
Cassian Beaumont walks with measured strides, the weight of his armor softened by the way he carries himself - steady, assured, every step deliberate. His polished breastplate bears the rose-and-crown sigil of his order, though the edges show the scuffs of long marches and hard battles. A white cape with intricate red and gold trim, kept spotless despite his long journey, hangs over his broad shoulders. His eyes - the right a warm brown, the left a mismatch of black sclera and white iris that clearly has a story behind it - are calm, thoughtful, but sharpen when they fall upon his companions, watchful as if always guarding. His wavy red hair, tied neatly at the back, glimmers faintly like a flame in the sun.
He listens quietly to Vardok’s chatter, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite the heavy purpose that brought them here. “You’re right, we shouldn’t linger,”he says at last, his voice deep, steady, and always slightly too loud as if he is reporting to his superior. “If noble Ispin’s last wish was to see us gathered, then we owe it to him not to delay. Vogler awaits, and so do his memories.” He glances at the kender racing up the hill, shaking his head faintly, though with no real disapproval. “You’ll run yourself ragged before supper if you’re not careful.”
Vexi watches her friend play with dice on a rock, a smirk playing on her lips as she does.. debating if she should snag one of those die out of the air as he is distracted thinking about their old friend. The small kender was thin and a bit unkempt, with her brown, unruly hair piled on top of her head and her brown eyes always dancing like she was laughing at a joke only she knew. She wore brown and dark green leathers, daggers kept at a belt on her side and a well-oiled hoopak at her side.
As she watches, she responds half distracted, "Yeah, sounds like Elder Reed, never leads us astray. Sad occasion? Sure, I'm gonna miss him too, but honestly I'm surprised he lived as long as he did and got to enjoy passing away at an old age. The stories he told? I thought for sure one of his adventures were gonna do him in. I mean, that's how I want to go, not in my sleep, how boring."
She jumps down from the rock she was resting on and spins around, "Her? What makes you think Becklin is a she? Though I don't know if I've met a female knight, that'd be pretty cool." She looks up at Cassian, "Um, no offense." The kender turns around to find her friend already racing away from her towards the hill. She pouts briefly and then gives chase, shouting back to their companion, "Ragged? That's our natural state!"
Liwen wears an impeccably clean red robes with a spellbook clasped to his belt. His hair has been combed where not even 1 strand of hair is out of place and his beard neatly trimmed. On his back is a pack that seems brand new and stuffed with supplies. His hands are soft with no calluses though there are faint scars here and a burn mark there as in the early years of his study his magic tended to backfire. On the right side of his belt are 2 daggers that have seen little use though they have been cared for. He whistles a jaunty tune he learned from Ispin that came from a land beyond Solamnia. "Ispin led a good life, and it ended peacefully. I will miss him and his wonderful stories, but I feel not the heavy weight of sadness. When we reach Vogler I plan to celebrate his life and not dwell on his death." long years of study has left him somewhat thin and at times he quickens his steps to at least not be left behind "You know we need not race to Vogler!"
Kaelthor moved without rustle, drawing the gray folds of his cloak tighter and letting the wild do the rest. A hand brushed the ground as he passed (Mend Plants, 3rd option), coaxing briar and fern to lean in, disguising the slight hollow where he settled. The foliage bent as though a stray breeze had pressed it, then stilled again.
From below came the sound—laughter, light feet pounding the slope, the call of one kender goading the other to chase. He frowned, green eyes narrowing, measuring the cadence. No panic in it. No stumble of someone fleeing pursuit. Still, his pulse slowed as he listened, gaze skimming the ridge line, the river’s shimmer, the undergrowth at the base of the hill.
Nothing. No glint of armor, no shift of branches, no smell of iron or smoke on the wind. Only the shrill joy of a race that made no sense at all on a war-dark road (Perception 7).
He stayed down, the hunter’s patience folding around him (Stealth if needed 12, 13 if with advantage). Let them pass. Let them spill their noise uphill. If there was danger, it had not shown itself. If there was none, he would know it soon enough.
For now, Kaelthor was only another shadow in the brush, waiting.
Sorry, I'm on vacation and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
Seaward "Salty" Downeaster had a dour demeaner, particularly juxtaposed against the two Kenders' jubilant playfulness. Whether this was from the sad news of his companion's passing or his typical mannerism was yet to be disclosed to the group he currently found himself traveling with. The small figure wore studded leather and a pack full of the normal adventuring gear. But what stood out was the assortment of gadgets and tools he carried with him, (and the briny scent of the sea). Was that the reason he went my the moniker "Salty"? Or did it have more to do with his sour attitude?
Like a father figure he called after his short companions, "Not too far ahead, now! You hear?"
The gnome thought to himself as he watched the Kenders take off then quietly remarked, "Ispin told me the same thing many a time. Bad news of his passing, but he must have completed his life's work or he wouldn't have departed this world. Thought he was going to go on forever, that one."
As the group walked along, the tinker worked on a small music box of sorts. A mementos to Ispin if you will. Opening the lid allowed a flourish of sparks, a quick cadence of notes, and a tiny illusion of the man (Ispin) standing proud with a content look on his face. "Not quite right yet. But there is still time before we arrive in Vogler for tweaks."
Not far in the distance you hear the sound of steel shod hooves on the road, more than one horse, perhaps a caravan where you can hitch a ride. The birds in the forest flew up in a crowd, too many people nearby for them.
Vardok crests the hill and looks back, a self satisfied look on his face. He sticks his tongue out at Vexi, then when he’s about to launch into something else, he hears the sounds of hoofbeats on the road. “Hmm, what is that? I wonder if they are going to Vogler too? How many people knew Ispin?! Or, are they going for some other reason..” Vardok moves to a point where he can have a look at who is moving on the road, to get a look at these horsemen. He hides behind a tree until he can have a look.
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A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The paladin nods at Liwen's sentiment, giving a smile but looking distant for just a moment. "Indeed, it is truly a blessing to be able to pass in peace and for your loved ones to have time to mourn. One that will become even rarer in the coming days, I fear..." He shakes his head, not wanting to make the mood overly somber. This small reprieve is a chance to give their mutual friend a send off he would be proud of, after all.
The human's eyes betray his obvious awe at Salty's handiwork on the music box even in its unfinished state. "That melody...Yes, Ispen was quite fond of it. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now I don't think I could forget it if I tried." He chuckles as he thinks back, but is stirred from his thoughts by the familiar sound of hoofbeats.
His expression turns neutral, perhaps a bit tense as they move closer to the source of the noise, listening intently to the rhythm to discern whether it is relaxed or hurried. Civilians fleeing, soldiers carrying a message - these are instinctively the first things that cross his mind.
Liwen not as sharp eyed as Cassian waits until the wagons come into a better view. "Oh, blessed yes a caravan of sorts. Why walk when we can get a ride into Vogler. They are motley caravan aren't they" He eyes the massive horse to the woman in full knightly armor and lingers on the horseless wagon with steam coming from it.
He waves them down and once they are nearer "By any chance is this fine caravan headed towards Vogler? If so, would you mind if I hitched a ride?"
The knight can't hide his relief that the caravan seems calm, finding himself impressed by the particularly large horse and the self-propelled wagon. When he spots Levna he is briefly overtaken by childish excitement, rushing up to meet her before remembering his manners and giving a proper salute.
"Lady Levna, it's good to see you well! This caravan couldn't be in safer hands. I'd be honored to assist if you are headed for Vogler as well."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
Well met Cassian! We're headed for Vogler, me for the funeral and the farmer for the festival afterwards. I've been stationed here with Becklin, heard of strange travellers in the woods. Where's your horse? We'll have to find you another warhorse. She leaned down from her horse and crossed her arm with Cassians
In the meantime ride the wagon with Berthan the farmer, same for you Mage? He has a great knowledge of old songs which pass the time. At best guess we'll get to Vogler the day before Ispins funeral.
Come now we've room on the Tinkers caravan for your gnome friend, Artock built in a guest seat. What about the rest of your party? Are they small enough to ride in the back of the cart along with the baskets of vegetables?
"I will gladly take that offer. Lady Levna. Let me introduce myself I am Liwen" he climbs up next to Berthan in the driver seat. "Well met Berthan, I am Liwen, and I am rather fond of songs myself. Now do tell, what is the oldest song you know?"
He takes out his writing supplies and uses his spellbook as a writing surface as he jots down the songs from musical notes to lyrics. He spends his time chatting about old songs and humming a few bars just to make sure he had the right tone.
After a time, he circles back to the large horse "I can confidently say that is the biggest horse I have ever seen. Who is this beauty and how did they become so large?"
“Vegetables? Heck yeah!” The Kender comes from behind the tree and runs down the hill, pell-mell for the wagon, looking back to wave at Vexi, “C’mon! I’ve got dibs on one of those juicy looking toe-mah-toes!” He pulls up short in front of Levna on horseback, saluting in a very serious manner, saying “Vardok Nimbleshadow, reporting for duty, ma’am. I’ll guard those veggies and the rest of you, with my life if needed! And this is my lieutenant, Vexi.” he turns to wink at her. “She’s wicked accurate with her Hoopak and her bow. And I’m not too shabby with my Hoopak either, I’ll have you know. I’m prepared to perform guard duty, all the way to Vogler, if you’d have us.” He gives her a deep bow, then turns to the rest of them saying, “I guess you know ole Cassian. Liwen and Salty aren’t too bad, I guess.” He looks at both of them and winks. “Welp. Guess we better get to work, guarding these vegetables. A guard’s duty is never done…”. Vardok runs up and jumps into the vegetable wagon, picks out the ripest looking tomato and holds it, rubbing it, considering it.
She's a beaut isn't she, called her Sprite for her fine footwork. I was given her by a warrior from Moonshae for services rendered when he was ill.
She's a shire horse, won all those brass medallions at the last few county fairs. I'm trying to find a stallion as well, and breed them. Good for plough or cart, a real farmers dream. She's very gentle too.
Let me know if the ride is too rough and I'll try to steer away from the ruts. So you're a Mage, never met one before. How did your test at Wayreth go Liwen? Is it as dangerous as they say?
Vexi comes running out of the forest on Vardok's heels. She stops short when she gets close to the large horse and slowly walks by it, her eyes huge. But then she turns and looks to see who Vardok is talking to, arrogantly calling her his lieutenant, she'll remember that one she will.
But then she sees Levna and her mouth drops open. She drops to one knee and lowers her head in what she hopes is a good deal amount of respect. Then pops up and stares at the woman. "A female knight? I was just a tellin Vardok I've never met one before! I'm Vexi Springheel, so very nice to meet you!"
Hearing what Levna has to say about kender's, she scampers in after Vardok before she can change her mind and shouts over her shoulder, "Don't worry, he won't have more than just that juicy red one!" then to Vardok, "Hey! Give me a bite!"
Salty moves to climb on to the gnome's wagon, greeting the knight and the drivers as he passes. "Well met Ser Levna, and a warm greeting to you kin. Call me Salty. Interesting mechanism for mobilization. How fair the wheels on the roads? Any issues with torque, perhaps a tread between them for muddier/sandy routes? What's the fuel you use; I imagine wood is easiest to come by in the woods, but oil might be more efficient." He intensely eyes the wagon and makes mental notes for how Artock's application of gnomish tech might differ from his own and how he might capitalize on future applications for his own inventions. "Noticed you studying a map, anything in particular you looking for or just ensuring you are on the right track?"
A frown crosses his face as Vardok assumes the position of 'guard' on the vegetable cart. "What's the going price per pound you looking for at market Berthan? His voice raised ever so slightly.
"Thanks to you Ser Levna for making the journey to Vogler a bit easier. Can you tell me anything about the Brass Crab? Will need to secure accommodations prior to Ispin's memorial."
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The Dragon Queen's conquest of Ansalon has begun. The eastern half of the continent has already fallen, and the Red Dragon Army has tested its forces against isolated and fractious lands. The Dragon Army now turns its attention to the west—to the land of Solamnia, a nation known as the home of knights and heroes. Now, the true war begins.
The companions find themselves drawn together en route to Vogler a small town near the great city of Kalaman. A friend of yours has died and his last wish was to reunite all of his companions. Before retiring to the village of Vogler, Ispin Greenshield traveled across Ansalon as a teacher, trader, and adventurer. Along the way, he forged friendships with each of the characters. You soon discover that you were all known by Ispen.
To determine how you personally knew Ispen roll me a d6.
Choose one feat from the players handbook at your level.
Please put your character name at the top of each post
Introduce yourselves to each other.
(please remember that steel coins are the local equivalent of gold, which is now only used for cheap jewellry.)
Please note that I use pictures from the campaign guide and AI generated graphics.
EmileTherese as Cassian Beaumont, Paladin, Knight of the Rose
Weathervision as Liwen, Red robed Wizard of the Mages of High Sorcery.
Cyreon as Kaelthor of the Ashwood, Druid Circle of Dragons.
Twombley as Vardok Nimbleshadow, Ranger.
kqstark as Vexi Springheel, Rogue
kohlmetz_d as Seaward "Salty" Downeaster, Cleric.
The invitation
Vardok Nimbleshadow
“I can’t believe it. Ispin’s dead. He always brought us such cool things.” Vardok Nimbleshadow is sitting on a rock, resting after walking a good distance, dangling his legs and tossing a pair of dice up and down, looking at the result in his hands as he talks to his good friend Vexi. Every few tosses, a ghostly hand appears and grabs the dice, setting them in his hand, then he grabs them next time with his own hand. He’s kicking his legs in time with the tosses, a faint smile on his face as he practices. “C’mon now, we can’t dawdle all day long. “Down the Brushbrook and then it joins the Vingaard, that will lead you all the way to Vogler.” Isn’t that what Elder Reed said? What things we’ll see! It stinks that it has to be for such a sad occasion. I’ll miss him.”
The scruffy, wild haired redhead Kender scratches his head and pulls out a rolled up parchment, looking at it again. “Becklin Uth Viharin, Knight of the Crown. How official. Wonder what adventures they have had? I wonder how she knew Ispin? Guess we’ll find out, huh?” He puts the dice away lovingly in his pouch and picks up his Hoopak and a nice stone on the ground. He balances the staff and flings the rock with the patch in the middle across the river, watching it skip along the surface. He looks over at Vexi, tilting his head and checking her expression for a response, assessing to see whether she is ready to keep marching on toward their goal. “Are you ready? We’ve got to keep moving if we are going to make it in time. I’ll race you to the top of that hill over yonder! Last one there is a rotten egg!” The Kender in leather armor goes running off, glancing backward to check on his friend as he runs, gauging her speed and laughing as he goes, him mind wandering as he’s running, thinking of the river, their upcoming path, and what lies ahead.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Cassian Beaumont
Cassian Beaumont walks with measured strides, the weight of his armor softened by the way he carries himself - steady, assured, every step deliberate. His polished breastplate bears the rose-and-crown sigil of his order, though the edges show the scuffs of long marches and hard battles. A white cape with intricate red and gold trim, kept spotless despite his long journey, hangs over his broad shoulders. His eyes - the right a warm brown, the left a mismatch of black sclera and white iris that clearly has a story behind it - are calm, thoughtful, but sharpen when they fall upon his companions, watchful as if always guarding. His wavy red hair, tied neatly at the back, glimmers faintly like a flame in the sun.
He listens quietly to Vardok’s chatter, a faint smile tugging at his lips despite the heavy purpose that brought them here. “You’re right, we shouldn’t linger,” he says at last, his voice deep, steady, and always slightly too loud as if he is reporting to his superior. “If noble Ispin’s last wish was to see us gathered, then we owe it to him not to delay. Vogler awaits, and so do his memories.” He glances at the kender racing up the hill, shaking his head faintly, though with no real disapproval. “You’ll run yourself ragged before supper if you’re not careful.”
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
Vexi Springheel
Vexi watches her friend play with dice on a rock, a smirk playing on her lips as she does.. debating if she should snag one of those die out of the air as he is distracted thinking about their old friend. The small kender was thin and a bit unkempt, with her brown, unruly hair piled on top of her head and her brown eyes always dancing like she was laughing at a joke only she knew. She wore brown and dark green leathers, daggers kept at a belt on her side and a well-oiled hoopak at her side.
As she watches, she responds half distracted, "Yeah, sounds like Elder Reed, never leads us astray. Sad occasion? Sure, I'm gonna miss him too, but honestly I'm surprised he lived as long as he did and got to enjoy passing away at an old age. The stories he told? I thought for sure one of his adventures were gonna do him in. I mean, that's how I want to go, not in my sleep, how boring."
She jumps down from the rock she was resting on and spins around, "Her? What makes you think Becklin is a she? Though I don't know if I've met a female knight, that'd be pretty cool." She looks up at Cassian, "Um, no offense." The kender turns around to find her friend already racing away from her towards the hill. She pouts briefly and then gives chase, shouting back to their companion, "Ragged? That's our natural state!"
Liwen
Liwen wears an impeccably clean red robes with a spellbook clasped to his belt. His hair has been combed where not even 1 strand of hair is out of place and his beard neatly trimmed. On his back is a pack that seems brand new and stuffed with supplies. His hands are soft with no calluses though there are faint scars here and a burn mark there as in the early years of his study his magic tended to backfire. On the right side of his belt are 2 daggers that have seen little use though they have been cared for. He whistles a jaunty tune he learned from Ispin that came from a land beyond Solamnia. "Ispin led a good life, and it ended peacefully. I will miss him and his wonderful stories, but I feel not the heavy weight of sadness. When we reach Vogler I plan to celebrate his life and not dwell on his death." long years of study has left him somewhat thin and at times he quickens his steps to at least not be left behind "You know we need not race to Vogler!"
Kaelthor of the Ashwood:
Kaelthor moved without rustle, drawing the gray folds of his cloak tighter and letting the wild do the rest. A hand brushed the ground as he passed (Mend Plants, 3rd option), coaxing briar and fern to lean in, disguising the slight hollow where he settled. The foliage bent as though a stray breeze had pressed it, then stilled again.
From below came the sound—laughter, light feet pounding the slope, the call of one kender goading the other to chase. He frowned, green eyes narrowing, measuring the cadence. No panic in it. No stumble of someone fleeing pursuit. Still, his pulse slowed as he listened, gaze skimming the ridge line, the river’s shimmer, the undergrowth at the base of the hill.
Nothing. No glint of armor, no shift of branches, no smell of iron or smoke on the wind. Only the shrill joy of a race that made no sense at all on a war-dark road (Perception 7).
He stayed down, the hunter’s patience folding around him (Stealth if needed 12, 13 if with advantage). Let them pass. Let them spill their noise uphill. If there was danger, it had not shown itself. If there was none, he would know it soon enough.
For now, Kaelthor was only another shadow in the brush, waiting.
Sorry, I'm on vacation and while I will try to check-in at least daily, I cannot promise that I will always be able to do so. From September 1, I should be back to normal.
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Tribute || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus ||
Seaward "Salty" Downeaster
Seaward "Salty" Downeaster had a dour demeaner, particularly juxtaposed against the two Kenders' jubilant playfulness. Whether this was from the sad news of his companion's passing or his typical mannerism was yet to be disclosed to the group he currently found himself traveling with. The small figure wore studded leather and a pack full of the normal adventuring gear. But what stood out was the assortment of gadgets and tools he carried with him, (and the briny scent of the sea). Was that the reason he went my the moniker "Salty"? Or did it have more to do with his sour attitude?
Like a father figure he called after his short companions, "Not too far ahead, now! You hear?"
The gnome thought to himself as he watched the Kenders take off then quietly remarked, "Ispin told me the same thing many a time. Bad news of his passing, but he must have completed his life's work or he wouldn't have departed this world. Thought he was going to go on forever, that one."
As the group walked along, the tinker worked on a small music box of sorts. A mementos to Ispin if you will. Opening the lid allowed a flourish of sparks, a quick cadence of notes, and a tiny illusion of the man (Ispin) standing proud with a content look on his face. "Not quite right yet. But there is still time before we arrive in Vogler for tweaks."
DM
Not far in the distance you hear the sound of steel shod hooves on the road, more than one horse, perhaps a caravan where you can hitch a ride. The birds in the forest flew up in a crowd, too many people nearby for them.
Vardok
Vardok crests the hill and looks back, a self satisfied look on his face. He sticks his tongue out at Vexi, then when he’s about to launch into something else, he hears the sounds of hoofbeats on the road. “Hmm, what is that? I wonder if they are going to Vogler too? How many people knew Ispin?! Or, are they going for some other reason..” Vardok moves to a point where he can have a look at who is moving on the road, to get a look at these horsemen. He hides behind a tree until he can have a look.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Cassian
The paladin nods at Liwen's sentiment, giving a smile but looking distant for just a moment. "Indeed, it is truly a blessing to be able to pass in peace and for your loved ones to have time to mourn. One that will become even rarer in the coming days, I fear..." He shakes his head, not wanting to make the mood overly somber. This small reprieve is a chance to give their mutual friend a send off he would be proud of, after all.
The human's eyes betray his obvious awe at Salty's handiwork on the music box even in its unfinished state. "That melody...Yes, Ispen was quite fond of it. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now I don't think I could forget it if I tried." He chuckles as he thinks back, but is stirred from his thoughts by the familiar sound of hoofbeats.
His expression turns neutral, perhaps a bit tense as they move closer to the source of the noise, listening intently to the rhythm to discern whether it is relaxed or hurried. Civilians fleeing, soldiers carrying a message - these are instinctively the first things that cross his mind.
Perception: nat 20+3
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
DM
Cassian Perception
He sees a farm wagon full of vegetables being pulled by the largest horse he had ever seen, with brass medals down his collar.
Behind him was a small tinkers wagon being propelled forward on its wheels by a steam engine a gnome busy looking at a map.
Lastly he smiles with delight, the middle aged female knight riding with her horse in plate was he's old mentor Levna. He'd been her squire years ago.
A good group to spend the night with, there was just 3 bells until dark, safety in numbers.
What do you do?
Liwen not as sharp eyed as Cassian waits until the wagons come into a better view. "Oh, blessed yes a caravan of sorts. Why walk when we can get a ride into Vogler. They are motley caravan aren't they" He eyes the massive horse to the woman in full knightly armor and lingers on the horseless wagon with steam coming from it.
He waves them down and once they are nearer "By any chance is this fine caravan headed towards Vogler? If so, would you mind if I hitched a ride?"
Cassian
The knight can't hide his relief that the caravan seems calm, finding himself impressed by the particularly large horse and the self-propelled wagon. When he spots Levna he is briefly overtaken by childish excitement, rushing up to meet her before remembering his manners and giving a proper salute.
"Lady Levna, it's good to see you well! This caravan couldn't be in safer hands. I'd be honored to assist if you are headed for Vogler as well."
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
DM
Levna
Well met Cassian! We're headed for Vogler, me for the funeral and the farmer for the festival afterwards. I've been stationed here with Becklin, heard of strange travellers in the woods. Where's your horse? We'll have to find you another warhorse. She leaned down from her horse and crossed her arm with Cassians
In the meantime ride the wagon with Berthan the farmer, same for you Mage? He has a great knowledge of old songs which pass the time. At best guess we'll get to Vogler the day before Ispins funeral.
Come now we've room on the Tinkers caravan for your gnome friend, Artock built in a guest seat. What about the rest of your party? Are they small enough to ride in the back of the cart along with the baskets of vegetables?
Liwen
"I will gladly take that offer. Lady Levna. Let me introduce myself I am Liwen" he climbs up next to Berthan in the driver seat. "Well met Berthan, I am Liwen, and I am rather fond of songs myself. Now do tell, what is the oldest song you know?"
He takes out his writing supplies and uses his spellbook as a writing surface as he jots down the songs from musical notes to lyrics. He spends his time chatting about old songs and humming a few bars just to make sure he had the right tone.
After a time, he circles back to the large horse "I can confidently say that is the biggest horse I have ever seen. Who is this beauty and how did they become so large?"
Vardok
“Vegetables? Heck yeah!” The Kender comes from behind the tree and runs down the hill, pell-mell for the wagon, looking back to wave at Vexi, “C’mon! I’ve got dibs on one of those juicy looking toe-mah-toes!” He pulls up short in front of Levna on horseback, saluting in a very serious manner, saying “Vardok Nimbleshadow, reporting for duty, ma’am. I’ll guard those veggies and the rest of you, with my life if needed! And this is my lieutenant, Vexi.” he turns to wink at her. “She’s wicked accurate with her Hoopak and her bow. And I’m not too shabby with my Hoopak either, I’ll have you know. I’m prepared to perform guard duty, all the way to Vogler, if you’d have us.” He gives her a deep bow, then turns to the rest of them saying, “I guess you know ole Cassian. Liwen and Salty aren’t too bad, I guess.” He looks at both of them and winks. “Welp. Guess we better get to work, guarding these vegetables. A guard’s duty is never done…”. Vardok runs up and jumps into the vegetable wagon, picks out the ripest looking tomato and holds it, rubbing it, considering it.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
DM
Berthan
She's a beaut isn't she, called her Sprite for her fine footwork. I was given her by a warrior from Moonshae for services rendered when he was ill.
She's a shire horse, won all those brass medallions at the last few county fairs. I'm trying to find a stallion as well, and breed them. Good for plough or cart, a real farmers dream. She's very gentle too.
Let me know if the ride is too rough and I'll try to steer away from the ruts. So you're a Mage, never met one before. How did your test at Wayreth go Liwen? Is it as dangerous as they say?
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Levna
You have Kender in your party, two of them! She said accusingly, watching them jump into the wagon. She sighed as she saw one take a tomato in hand.
Going by Ispins tales of them, we'll need to hang them up by their toes and check their pockets!
Liwen just call me Ser Levna, I'm no titled lady. That was my sister.
Vexi
Vexi comes running out of the forest on Vardok's heels. She stops short when she gets close to the large horse and slowly walks by it, her eyes huge. But then she turns and looks to see who Vardok is talking to, arrogantly calling her his lieutenant, she'll remember that one she will.
But then she sees Levna and her mouth drops open. She drops to one knee and lowers her head in what she hopes is a good deal amount of respect. Then pops up and stares at the woman. "A female knight? I was just a tellin Vardok I've never met one before! I'm Vexi Springheel, so very nice to meet you!"
Hearing what Levna has to say about kender's, she scampers in after Vardok before she can change her mind and shouts over her shoulder, "Don't worry, he won't have more than just that juicy red one!" then to Vardok, "Hey! Give me a bite!"
Salty
Salty moves to climb on to the gnome's wagon, greeting the knight and the drivers as he passes. "Well met Ser Levna, and a warm greeting to you kin. Call me Salty. Interesting mechanism for mobilization. How fair the wheels on the roads? Any issues with torque, perhaps a tread between them for muddier/sandy routes? What's the fuel you use; I imagine wood is easiest to come by in the woods, but oil might be more efficient." He intensely eyes the wagon and makes mental notes for how Artock's application of gnomish tech might differ from his own and how he might capitalize on future applications for his own inventions. "Noticed you studying a map, anything in particular you looking for or just ensuring you are on the right track?"
A frown crosses his face as Vardok assumes the position of 'guard' on the vegetable cart. "What's the going price per pound you looking for at market Berthan? His voice raised ever so slightly.
"Thanks to you Ser Levna for making the journey to Vogler a bit easier. Can you tell me anything about the Brass Crab? Will need to secure accommodations prior to Ispin's memorial."