Parked in a field about 100 feet back from the side of the road, Caio can make out a pair of wagons stood close to one another, with a medium-sized campfire nestled in the cove that they form as shelter from the icy wind. One of the wagons appears to have bars in its side, as though it is used for transporting livestock. The other is closed. Two humanoids sit around the fire, while another leans casually against one of the wagons and two more stand watch. They are tall, and heavy set with mossy-coloured skin - Orcs.
The guards are looking carefully down the road in the direction of the approaching travellers, but none seem to have yet noticed Caio slipping closer.
As the group travels down the road, Shiva listens to the others talk amongst themselves, already beginning to miss a certain congenial tiefling. But as Caio suddenly stops the group and deftly steps into the brush, she summons her blade and prepares for a fight.
Caio watches for a moment before slipping back to the road, leaving Ghoul to circle above the camp in wide arcs. "We've found our orcs. Five of them, two standing guard seem to have already noticed us. Two wagons, one looks well suited for carrying livestock. How do we want to approach?"
"Did Ghoul see any other sentries, Caio? If not, you and Shiva flank together while Nik and Astrid and I go straight in and find out what's what?"
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Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Astrid glances towards the orc encampment then back to the group. "I don't see any need to sneak around any longer. I just hope that if we do split up they don't realize that we are trying to surround them." She then steps to place her companions between herself and the orcs, and kneels to the ground to gain some cover for her actions. She pulls a strip of white cloth and loops it around middle and index fingers."Just a little extra precaution."She raises her bandaged hand - waving it toward Alaris, Shivala and herself, then says a quick prayer to Brightmantle."Scribe, provide us with your Aid."
Shiva feels a flowing sensation swim down her body as she is fortified by Astrid's magic. "Thank you Astrid, your efforts to protect us are appreciated. Now that she mentions it, I could become invisible, and position myself wherever would provide the best advantage?" Shiva looks to Alaris expectantly.
"No other sentries." he responds before turning to Astrid. "If we can have the advantage of surprise, why not take it? Invisibility may be unnecessary," he says, turning to Shiva now, "But do as you wish." He draws his bow and readies an arrow before nodding back to the camp with a wily smirk. "Shall we?" With that Caio begins slipping back towards their target.
"If they see us splitting up, that may put them on edge. They could attack or run. Don't we need to figure out where they are taking the kids?" She looks to the rest for guidance on how exactly to proceed.
"They won't see us." he responds matter of factly, and begins chanting a low mantra as he and Shiva begin to circle. The divine words cause the grey landscape to slowly swallow their forms, and their shadows to dissipate into the brown grass. By the time they move behind a small hill they have vanished, and it is impossible for any eyes that had been on them to pick out their approach.
Upon reaching the side of the small hill, Shiva thanks her shadowy friend for his assistance. She then brings the hilt of her blade up to her chest and gently applies pressure, causing sparks of electricity to begin jumping from the sword. These small jolts increase in size and number, until much of her upper body is obscured by the dancing energy. And in a blink, it all vanishes. With the spell complete, she peeks past the hill and watches her companions.
Shiva feels a flowing sensation swim down her body as she is fortified by Astrid's magic. "Thank you Astrid, your efforts to protect us are appreciated. Now that she mentions it, I could become invisible, and position myself wherever would provide the best advantage?" Shiva looks to Alaris expectantly.
"Save your power - stick close to Caio unless things get hairy -- then come pull my fat out of the oven,"Alaris replies with a wink and a grin.
"If they see us splitting up, that may put them on edge. They could attack or run. Don't we need to figure out where they are taking the kids?" She looks to the rest for guidance on how exactly to proceed.
"Let's do it. We won't learn anything standing here." Alaris scans the camp and shrugs, noting the orc's wariness but not seeing any signs of particular hostility. "Come on, you two," they say to Astrid and Nikolai and then walk towards the camp. Stopping halfway there, the paladin raises an empty hand and calls out, "Hello, the camp! Can we approach your fire?"
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Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The two orcs on watch turn to face the strangers approaching their camp, grasping their spears in readiness. The two by the fire also rise slowly to their feet.
"What do you want?" A female voice demands in accented Taneman. Her intonation is deep and melodic with softened consonants.
Alaris leans against Hope's Edge and replies, "A moment to warm ourselves by your fire and maybe some palaver about the area."
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Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"This blade has never tasted innocent blood and never shall. What's in your wagons? Perhaps we could purchase supplies?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Alaris walks three steps closer and leans on Hope's Edge again. "We would love nothing more than to leave you at peace, but we tracked your wagons from the city. We are on the road hunting slavers and we hope you're not them. What's in your wagon there?" Alaris gestures at the barred wagon.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid,Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions! I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
As Alaris parlays with the Orcs, Caio takes it upon himself to investigate closer. The elf glides towards the closed cart, still obscured by shadow, until he is pressed up against the back of the vehicle. His eyes scan the wood for any knotholes or cracks to peer through to no avail. He is just about to give up on his investigation when he remembers his cormorant familiar. With a snap, Ghoul is pulled out of the sky and shunted into the dim interior of the cart. But he is not alone. A scrape of metal, a startled grunt, and a stifled squawk all sound from inside the cart as the magical bird comes face to face with another orc.
Parked in a field about 100 feet back from the side of the road, Caio can make out a pair of wagons stood close to one another, with a medium-sized campfire nestled in the cove that they form as shelter from the icy wind. One of the wagons appears to have bars in its side, as though it is used for transporting livestock. The other is closed. Two humanoids sit around the fire, while another leans casually against one of the wagons and two more stand watch. They are tall, and heavy set with mossy-coloured skin - Orcs.
The guards are looking carefully down the road in the direction of the approaching travellers, but none seem to have yet noticed Caio slipping closer.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
As the group travels down the road, Shiva listens to the others talk amongst themselves, already beginning to miss a certain congenial tiefling. But as Caio suddenly stops the group and deftly steps into the brush, she summons her blade and prepares for a fight.
Caio watches for a moment before slipping back to the road, leaving Ghoul to circle above the camp in wide arcs. "We've found our orcs. Five of them, two standing guard seem to have already noticed us. Two wagons, one looks well suited for carrying livestock. How do we want to approach?"
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"Did Ghoul see any other sentries, Caio? If not, you and Shiva flank together while Nik and Astrid and I go straight in and find out what's what?"
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Astrid glances towards the orc encampment then back to the group. "I don't see any need to sneak around any longer. I just hope that if we do split up they don't realize that we are trying to surround them." She then steps to place her companions between herself and the orcs, and kneels to the ground to gain some cover for her actions. She pulls a strip of white cloth and loops it around middle and index fingers. "Just a little extra precaution." She raises her bandaged hand - waving it toward Alaris, Shivala and herself, then says a quick prayer to Brightmantle. "Scribe, provide us with your Aid."
Shiva feels a flowing sensation swim down her body as she is fortified by Astrid's magic. "Thank you Astrid, your efforts to protect us are appreciated. Now that she mentions it, I could become invisible, and position myself wherever would provide the best advantage?" Shiva looks to Alaris expectantly.
"No other sentries." he responds before turning to Astrid. "If we can have the advantage of surprise, why not take it? Invisibility may be unnecessary," he says, turning to Shiva now, "But do as you wish." He draws his bow and readies an arrow before nodding back to the camp with a wily smirk. "Shall we?" With that Caio begins slipping back towards their target.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
"If they see us splitting up, that may put them on edge. They could attack or run. Don't we need to figure out where they are taking the kids?" She looks to the rest for guidance on how exactly to proceed.
"They won't see us." he responds matter of factly, and begins chanting a low mantra as he and Shiva begin to circle. The divine words cause the grey landscape to slowly swallow their forms, and their shadows to dissipate into the brown grass. By the time they move behind a small hill they have vanished, and it is impossible for any eyes that had been on them to pick out their approach.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Upon reaching the side of the small hill, Shiva thanks her shadowy friend for his assistance. She then brings the hilt of her blade up to her chest and gently applies pressure, causing sparks of electricity to begin jumping from the sword. These small jolts increase in size and number, until much of her upper body is obscured by the dancing energy. And in a blink, it all vanishes. With the spell complete, she peeks past the hill and watches her companions.
"Save your power - stick close to Caio unless things get hairy -- then come pull my fat out of the oven," Alaris replies with a wink and a grin.
"Let's do it. We won't learn anything standing here." Alaris scans the camp and shrugs, noting the orc's wariness but not seeing any signs of particular hostility. "Come on, you two," they say to Astrid and Nikolai and then walk towards the camp. Stopping halfway there, the paladin raises an empty hand and calls out, "Hello, the camp! Can we approach your fire?"
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
The two orcs on watch turn to face the strangers approaching their camp, grasping their spears in readiness. The two by the fire also rise slowly to their feet.
"What do you want?" A female voice demands in accented Taneman. Her intonation is deep and melodic with softened consonants.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Alaris leans against Hope's Edge and replies, "A moment to warm ourselves by your fire and maybe some palaver about the area."
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
"Says the man with the glaive?" The orc replies doubtfully, her voice forthright. "Move along. What we have is our own."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
"This blade has never tasted innocent blood and never shall. What's in your wagons? Perhaps we could purchase supplies?"
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Astrid glances between the orc and Alaris in confusion. "Man...?" The dwarf says under her breath. "These orcs may be dumber than most."
The orc hesitates and glances at her companions.
"We have nothing we can afford to sell. We are simple travellers and not welcome in the city. Please, leave us in peace."
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Alaris walks three steps closer and leans on Hope's Edge again. "We would love nothing more than to leave you at peace, but we tracked your wagons from the city. We are on the road hunting slavers and we hope you're not them. What's in your wagon there?" Alaris gestures at the barred wagon.
Eshuvenniel Kazander Ravid, Valor Bard and Acolyte of the Goddess of Luck
Caradoc Langham, Halfling Rogue - Lost Magics - Epic of Pre-made Proportions!
I'm not looking for heaven or hell... just someone to listen to stories I tell...
Nikolai remains next to Alaris, looking over the orcs and getting a read on their general attitudes and reactions to be accused of being slavers.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
As Alaris parlays with the Orcs, Caio takes it upon himself to investigate closer. The elf glides towards the closed cart, still obscured by shadow, until he is pressed up against the back of the vehicle. His eyes scan the wood for any knotholes or cracks to peer through to no avail. He is just about to give up on his investigation when he remembers his cormorant familiar. With a snap, Ghoul is pulled out of the sky and shunted into the dim interior of the cart. But he is not alone. A scrape of metal, a startled grunt, and a stifled squawk all sound from inside the cart as the magical bird comes face to face with another orc.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger