Varax gives the cart one last go-over, making sure everything they need is there. Once done, he turns to the others "Shall we get going then? Gundren and Sildar will surely make greater coverage than us, but I would like to not fall any further behind than necessary, yes?"
Niche turns around when Kal answered her unexpectedly, “Well, no fighting at all is what I’d like.” She said with a shrug, “Each to their own but I wont wasting energy walking when we’ve got a perfectly good wagon to sit on.” She slings her rucksack across her back and hops nimbly onto the back of the wagon, settling down between two crates of supplies, mostly covered and out of sight.
I 'spect you won't like this journey, then. There's reson why Rockseeker's hirin' this many guards. If t'were a safe trip, we wouldn't be gettin' paid good coin.
If Branagh is going to drive, then once we get out of town, Kal will set up an agreed upon system of hand signals and checks to communicate with them. What kind of lands are we traveling thru? I'm assuming a road thru woods for the most part?
Kal will range out ahead as far as he can get AND be able to pop out and signal the cart (or whichever person is in line of sight in front of the cart) as necessary. Assuming it is woods, he will tend to stay in the tree line more than travel on the road. If he encounters anything suspicious, he would retreat, signal the wagon to hold position, and then go back to actually investigate.
Edit: he also spends several minutes studying the map, setting the route in his mind. Would even make an individual quick and dirty sketch copy of it to keep with him in his logbook.
With everyone taking their positions, Varax saddles up on shotgun next to Brannagh. "To a good journey and good coin, my friend!" He gives another sharp grin to his riding companion.
Just to check, Niche watching behind the group, Natalia will be walking on one of the flanks with the wagon, Kal leading the pack with hand signs, Bran driving, and Varax riding shotgun so to speak, Franklin is (I am assuming) watching the other flank opposite Natalia?
At Branagh's flick of the reigns the oxen spring into action, the cart starts to move at a pretty good clip down the street. The group leaves town before the sun even begins to peak over the hills on the horizon, there is virtually no traffic as you begin your journey out of the city. Once you reach the edge you can see 2 horses in the far distance down the hill fading away. The first steps in your journey have begun. You can see as the sun starts to peak over the horizon the 2 horses again, the sun lights up a bright sky that varies in hue's from a bright orange to a deep blue behind you, there a few low and wispy clouds in the sky. The area starts to come to life around you with the bird calls and the occasional insect noises. There are trees scattered all around, but it is thick by no means. Most of the trees in this area have been cleared for building of homes, furniture, ect. There are a few farms that you pass with livestock and crops, but they pay no attention to you as they are busy with the animals or repairing fences. As far as the eye can see there is not currently any more traffic on this road.
(Talk time guys as you continue on the journey) (Or any other activity you may have in mind like forage for food while traveling, sharing knowledge and perspectives)
Natalia moves closer to the wagon near Niche and has a decently lengthy conversation with her that is quiet and nobody can really hear much of, it is a message in the 'Thieves Cant'
The message to Niche in the small talk. (Forgive me as I am not terribly good at this)
It will be a few days journey before we make it to Phandalin, we might as well get to know each other, even though it takes a long time to do so. I figure we have a decent amount of time on this journey so lets get started. I will ask a question and you can ask a question, seems fair enough to me if you will oblige. Onething that I would like to know, is where are you from? Perhaps just a region if you will. If you answer my one question, then I will answer any you have for me. That sounds fair enough to me, am I right?
Niche made a face at the prospects of fighting but had to agree with the ranger’s comment, how could she have just ignored the likelihood that there’s more to just delivering goods with this good of a pay. Having second thoughts on her job choice, the young halfling frowned a little but soon shook her head to cast the doubts away, getting out of Neverwinter asap will remain her top priority. Gundren said he was fine last time anyways, maybe her luck will last.
The journey remained uneventful as she had hoped, Niche inspected the goods on the wagon a little more thoroughly, especially taking note of where the valuables are stored, then settled down again against a softer sac once she had committed what she saw to memory. She was almost dozing off with the rhythmic rocking movement of the wagon when a familiar tongue snapped her back into alertness, the voice coming from Natalia who had lagged behind a little to reach her. A look of surprise and confusion swept Niche’s face before an understanding was reached as she recognised the cant she hadn’t heard of in a while.
(Damn this is pretty cool)
Niche quickly replied in a hushed and guarded tone “You know what, I do think that’s fair if you are really so interested. An intriguing land is where I’m from, much further south from here where those similar to us thrive. Although that’s a long while ago, I’ve been travelling quite a bit by various means. Now what interest me is, why you chose to leave so suddenly, don’t want deal with waitressing work or did you like us that much?”
(Can I also get a brief description of any valuables in the back of the wagon and where they are? Happy to roll for perception or investigation if necessary)
No need to roll for perception, you see 15 sealed sacs of flour, 2 large kegs of ale, several casks of salted meat, a dozen shovels, pick axes, sledge hammers, crowbars, one barrel of oil, and a six dozen hooded lanterns. All of this is stacked fairly neatly but not too high. With some time and effort your uncomfortable and cramped ride could become a nice one while using your pack as a pillow you could have enough room to lay down and take a nap, even sleep in here at night due to your tiny size. Of course this will not work with everyones packs inside with you.
Note: Niche's size is Tiny, even smaller than Small due to background ect. (So she will be able to fit into smaller places than she normally would. You all would have been able to notice this from her appearance)
I already had arrangements with Gundren to take this trip next week, I justwant to move the timeframe up. You know I do have a few other things I manage other than being a maid as you so put it. It is sad to know that you no longer go back home, do you not have any family there? We can all be making coin doing whatever business we wish to partake in, but it is nice to visit family and friends if you have them. Even to have partners in life to share your dreams with, and of course the plans for the future. I think sometimes I should not need to rely on anyone, but then I realize that I need some help to get the things I want and dream about. Do you have anyone special in your life or someone you are Interested in?
(This is a depiction of how the Cant would go in game and the extra time it would take to get any information using it. It could cost you valuable minutes easily if you had to dig for that information, keep this in mind Niche.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Niche cocks her head as she interpreted Natalia’s proposal, the carefree and excited expression she put on in front of the group gone as her eyes narrowed in a more experienced manner, looking to decipher her intentions. (Insight check if necessary, checking to see if she’s trustworthy : 18 )
(Omg this is so hard to think of ahaha but very fun way to communicate)
“Partnership is not something I’m too familiar with, it’s not quite easy to find long term companions when you are often in a journey. Nor is there anyone fond enough in my memory that makes me want to return anywhere, sometimes a thing or two interest me but these can be found in many more places and doesn’t tie my down.” She shifts into a position where she can see Natalia’s expression more clearly, “You speak as if you have a good home to return to but I can’t say the same. I am rather used to this independent life style already, trust me, I do better on my own most of the time and get what I want just as easily.But I’m curious of your other jobs, it’s good having many talents and tohave multiple ways of making some coins isn’t it. I don’t meet someone who is so curious to know me quite often, you might want to look out for the others too, maybe you can find out more there that’s more interesting for you. I think I’ll keep my experience my own, this is unless you’d care to share what you have in mind when you arrive in Phandalin. What new job will you be having there? Something with Good pay?“
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Well I cant tell you all of the specifics, but Let me tell you this. I know Gundren sometimes has things he can't always take care of himself, some things he is too busy for or simply does not have time to do. I do some of the odd and end tasks if they are required. She seems to think a brief moment.You know, I don't have a family per se, but I have made friendships that are close enough to satisfy that need. Most of them are business related, but there is nothing wrong with making some coin while making friends. I mean beggars can't be choosers and all. You have to make money to wake the world go round. She chuckles and hesitates a few seconds before asking. If you don't mind me asking, what possessed you to get into this type of business? Do you have any future plans beyond this trip? I dont know of many jobs in Phandalin that are avalible.
18
Natalia seems to be honest as far as you can tell. But then again the question is to remain, would you trust you if you were her? She seems to have the art of manipulation down, but you cant see what her game is, you do not believe that she is false in her offer to you. Keep in mind that as always there may be a job that as is common in these specific transactions, comes with a lack of some important information.
Khal is out in front. He's enjoying being out in the woods, in his element. On the agreed upon schedule, he comes out in front of the wagon and gives the pre-arranged 'all-clear' signal as long as nothing catches his eye. Barring any complications, I presume this continues on until the mid-day break for a meal.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
“Friends heh? Is he one of them or just a one time thing?” Niche nodded her head towards Branagh’s direction with a cheeky smile, seemingly have loosened up a little more. The woman seemed sincere enough in her offer but it would be naive for her to not expect any more hidden conditions or information conveniently missed in conversation.
She gave a little sigh when Natalia continued with her probing questions, “You don’t Give up do you. If you mean adventuring, it’s a good way to get a bit of coin and more so free travel at the same time, staying in one place without any new information for too long won’t do you any good. If you mean something else, and I do think I know what you are thinking, fate brought those who’s skilled in this trade to me when I’m in a place I don’t belong, that’s the closest I got to having a group of friends.” She said as she slips a gold coin out from the hidden pocket in her sleeve, it seems to just suddenly appear in her palm. She flipped the coin in the air, catching it and continues to flip it around absent mindedly between her fingers, “It’s how I got by when I grew up and so it will stay, there ain’t many ways for little guys like me to get by when you have no one that has your back. Plus saying no to perfectly good opportunities for some extra coins is just stupid, though it’s not what most people will agree with.” Niche paused, noticing her voice had gotten raised and her expression gloomy. She took a deep breath, bringing herself back to a low whisper and an impassive look. “As to plans, I’ll be frank I didn’t think that far ahead, maybe I’ll look for another adventuring party, maybe I’ll stick around if this one strikes my fancy and decides to journey on after the job is done.” She tucks the gold coin back out of sight as smoothly as she took it out, “Depending on how much I can get out of it of course.”
“Friends heh? Is he one of them or just a one time thing?”
Natalia laughs, and replies "Well I never kiss and tell, but there is a very good chance I would like to make it more than a one time thing, We will have more to discuss later at some point I think"
Natalia smiles and walks back a bit from the wagon, ending her conversation with Niche.
As the sun rises in the sky and brings a nice warmth you on your journey as it is getting closer to noon, a cooling breeze starts to kick up as you cover ground, little hill after little hill on the trail, you notice that there seems to be a few more tree's encroaching closer to the path, you can smell the foliage more strongly now and hear the birds and other animals (frogs occasionally, crickets, locusts ect.) your vision starts to become restricted in terms of distance due to the foliage. You can still see for a maximum of about 1200 feet and a minimum of 500 feet on the path ahead. As it is mid day, what does the group wish to do in the terms of food/break? Will there be a swap in drivers/positions if you do stop? The road (about 40 feet across) is wide enough that if another party came through they could go around you.
Am I mis-remembering that there were provisions in the wagon for the hirelings? If there are supplies provided, then I say we use them. If there aren't, then Kal offers to forage and hunt. If anyone wants to assist, that's great.
Kal's content to keep point, but he offers to switch off as driver if necessary.
Rockseeker provide us with victuals or do I need ta round us som'en up?
Kal begins to takes a gander in the back of the cart, he sees nothing that has been set aside for them. Natalia walks over and pulls out the box under the seat and all of the provisions are in there for the trip. (There was enough packed for 6 people and as Wilhorn never showed up, Natalia will take his share.)
“Tsk. Well I’m not going anywhere yet.” Niche clicked her tongue in annoyance when Natalia refused to let up more info but didn’t push further, leaving her to walk back in her position. Another chat would likely be in order since her proposal did pique Niche’s interest, maybe once everyone is asleep.
Niche props herself up and focuses back on the road they behind them, noticing that the trees are now much closer to the path than when they began the journey. Taking a quick survey of their surroundings, the little halfling hops off the back to stretch her legs, joining the rest at the front of the wagon. “Oh lunch time is it? I’ve still got two meat pies from yesterday’s dinner too, didn’t want to waste them.”
Varax gives the cart one last go-over, making sure everything they need is there. Once done, he turns to the others "Shall we get going then? Gundren and Sildar will surely make greater coverage than us, but I would like to not fall any further behind than necessary, yes?"
I 'spect you won't like this journey, then. There's reson why Rockseeker's hirin' this many guards. If t'were a safe trip, we wouldn't be gettin' paid good coin.
Chuckles when she climbs in the back.
Guess you're on rear guard.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
Branagh hops onto the driver seat and once everyone coming aboard has done he’ll give the reins a flick.
Animal handling. 9
If Branagh is going to drive, then once we get out of town, Kal will set up an agreed upon system of hand signals and checks to communicate with them. What kind of lands are we traveling thru? I'm assuming a road thru woods for the most part?
Kal will range out ahead as far as he can get AND be able to pop out and signal the cart (or whichever person is in line of sight in front of the cart) as necessary. Assuming it is woods, he will tend to stay in the tree line more than travel on the road. If he encounters anything suspicious, he would retreat, signal the wagon to hold position, and then go back to actually investigate.
Edit: he also spends several minutes studying the map, setting the route in his mind. Would even make an individual quick and dirty sketch copy of it to keep with him in his logbook.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
With everyone taking their positions, Varax saddles up on shotgun next to Brannagh. "To a good journey and good coin, my friend!" He gives another sharp grin to his riding companion.
Just to check, Niche watching behind the group, Natalia will be walking on one of the flanks with the wagon, Kal leading the pack with hand signs, Bran driving, and Varax riding shotgun so to speak, Franklin is (I am assuming) watching the other flank opposite Natalia?
Warforged Fighter Talien
Sounds good so far.
At Branagh's flick of the reigns the oxen spring into action, the cart starts to move at a pretty good clip down the street. The group leaves town before the sun even begins to peak over the hills on the horizon, there is virtually no traffic as you begin your journey out of the city. Once you reach the edge you can see 2 horses in the far distance down the hill fading away. The first steps in your journey have begun. You can see as the sun starts to peak over the horizon the 2 horses again, the sun lights up a bright sky that varies in hue's from a bright orange to a deep blue behind you, there a few low and wispy clouds in the sky. The area starts to come to life around you with the bird calls and the occasional insect noises. There are trees scattered all around, but it is thick by no means. Most of the trees in this area have been cleared for building of homes, furniture, ect. There are a few farms that you pass with livestock and crops, but they pay no attention to you as they are busy with the animals or repairing fences. As far as the eye can see there is not currently any more traffic on this road.
(Talk time guys as you continue on the journey) (Or any other activity you may have in mind like forage for food while traveling, sharing knowledge and perspectives)
Natalia moves closer to the wagon near Niche and has a decently lengthy conversation with her that is quiet and nobody can really hear much of, it is a message in the 'Thieves Cant'
The message to Niche in the small talk. (Forgive me as I am not terribly good at this)
It will be a few days journey before we make it to Phandalin, we might as well get to know each other, even though it takes a long time to do so. I figure we have a decent amount of time on this journey so lets get started. I will ask a question and you can ask a question, seems fair enough to me if you will oblige. One thing that I would like to know, is where are you from? Perhaps just a region if you will. If you answer my one question, then I will answer any you have for me. That sounds fair enough to me, am I right?
Warforged Fighter Talien
Niche made a face at the prospects of fighting but had to agree with the ranger’s comment, how could she have just ignored the likelihood that there’s more to just delivering goods with this good of a pay. Having second thoughts on her job choice, the young halfling frowned a little but soon shook her head to cast the doubts away, getting out of Neverwinter asap will remain her top priority. Gundren said he was fine last time anyways, maybe her luck will last.
The journey remained uneventful as she had hoped, Niche inspected the goods on the wagon a little more thoroughly, especially taking note of where the valuables are stored, then settled down again against a softer sac once she had committed what she saw to memory. She was almost dozing off with the rhythmic rocking movement of the wagon when a familiar tongue snapped her back into alertness, the voice coming from Natalia who had lagged behind a little to reach her. A look of surprise and confusion swept Niche’s face before an understanding was reached as she recognised the cant she hadn’t heard of in a while.
(Damn this is pretty cool)
Niche quickly replied in a hushed and guarded tone “You know what, I do think that’s fair if you are really so interested. An intriguing land is where I’m from, much further south from here where those similar to us thrive. Although that’s a long while ago, I’ve been travelling quite a bit by various means. Now what interest me is, why you chose to leave so suddenly, don’t want deal with waitressing work or did you like us that much?”
(Can I also get a brief description of any valuables in the back of the wagon and where they are? Happy to roll for perception or investigation if necessary)
No need to roll for perception, you see 15 sealed sacs of flour, 2 large kegs of ale, several casks of salted meat, a dozen shovels, pick axes, sledge hammers, crowbars, one barrel of oil, and a six dozen hooded lanterns. All of this is stacked fairly neatly but not too high. With some time and effort your uncomfortable and cramped ride could become a nice one while using your pack as a pillow you could have enough room to lay down and take a nap, even sleep in here at night due to your tiny size. Of course this will not work with everyones packs inside with you.
Note: Niche's size is Tiny, even smaller than Small due to background ect. (So she will be able to fit into smaller places than she normally would. You all would have been able to notice this from her appearance)
I already had arrangements with Gundren to take this trip next week, I just want to move the timeframe up. You know I do have a few other things I manage other than being a maid as you so put it. It is sad to know that you no longer go back home, do you not have any family there? We can all be making coin doing whatever business we wish to partake in, but it is nice to visit family and friends if you have them. Even to have partners in life to share your dreams with, and of course the plans for the future. I think sometimes I should not need to rely on anyone, but then I realize that I need some help to get the things I want and dream about. Do you have anyone special in your life or someone you are Interested in?
(This is a depiction of how the Cant would go in game and the extra time it would take to get any information using it. It could cost you valuable minutes easily if you had to dig for that information, keep this in mind Niche.)
Warforged Fighter Talien
Niche cocks her head as she interpreted Natalia’s proposal, the carefree and excited expression she put on in front of the group gone as her eyes narrowed in a more experienced manner, looking to decipher her intentions. (Insight check if necessary, checking to see if she’s trustworthy : 18 )
(Omg this is so hard to think of ahaha but very fun way to communicate)
“Partnership is not something I’m too familiar with, it’s not quite easy to find long term companions when you are often in a journey. Nor is there anyone fond enough in my memory that makes me want to return anywhere, sometimes a thing or two interest me but these can be found in many more places and doesn’t tie my down.” She shifts into a position where she can see Natalia’s expression more clearly, “You speak as if you have a good home to return to but I can’t say the same. I am rather used to this independent life style already, trust me, I do better on my own most of the time and get what I want just as easily. But I’m curious of your other jobs, it’s good having many talents and to have multiple ways of making some coins isn’t it. I don’t meet someone who is so curious to know me quite often, you might want to look out for the others too, maybe you can find out more there that’s more interesting for you. I think I’ll keep my experience my own, this is unless you’d care to share what you have in mind when you arrive in Phandalin. What new job will you be having there? Something with Good pay?“
Well I cant tell you all of the specifics, but Let me tell you this. I know Gundren sometimes has things he can't always take care of himself, some things he is too busy for or simply does not have time to do. I do some of the odd and end tasks if they are required. She seems to think a brief moment. You know, I don't have a family per se, but I have made friendships that are close enough to satisfy that need. Most of them are business related, but there is nothing wrong with making some coin while making friends. I mean beggars can't be choosers and all. You have to make money to wake the world go round. She chuckles and hesitates a few seconds before asking. If you don't mind me asking, what possessed you to get into this type of business? Do you have any future plans beyond this trip? I dont know of many jobs in Phandalin that are avalible.
18
Natalia seems to be honest as far as you can tell. But then again the question is to remain, would you trust you if you were her? She seems to have the art of manipulation down, but you cant see what her game is, you do not believe that she is false in her offer to you. Keep in mind that as always there may be a job that as is common in these specific transactions, comes with a lack of some important information.
Warforged Fighter Talien
Khal is out in front. He's enjoying being out in the woods, in his element. On the agreed upon schedule, he comes out in front of the wagon and gives the pre-arranged 'all-clear' signal as long as nothing catches his eye. Barring any complications, I presume this continues on until the mid-day break for a meal.
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
“Friends heh? Is he one of them or just a one time thing?” Niche nodded her head towards Branagh’s direction with a cheeky smile, seemingly have loosened up a little more. The woman seemed sincere enough in her offer but it would be naive for her to not expect any more hidden conditions or information conveniently missed in conversation.
She gave a little sigh when Natalia continued with her probing questions, “You don’t Give up do you. If you mean adventuring, it’s a good way to get a bit of coin and more so free travel at the same time, staying in one place without any new information for too long won’t do you any good. If you mean something else, and I do think I know what you are thinking, fate brought those who’s skilled in this trade to me when I’m in a place I don’t belong, that’s the closest I got to having a group of friends.” She said as she slips a gold coin out from the hidden pocket in her sleeve, it seems to just suddenly appear in her palm. She flipped the coin in the air, catching it and continues to flip it around absent mindedly between her fingers, “It’s how I got by when I grew up and so it will stay, there ain’t many ways for little guys like me to get by when you have no one that has your back. Plus saying no to perfectly good opportunities for some extra coins is just stupid, though it’s not what most people will agree with.” Niche paused, noticing her voice had gotten raised and her expression gloomy. She took a deep breath, bringing herself back to a low whisper and an impassive look. “As to plans, I’ll be frank I didn’t think that far ahead, maybe I’ll look for another adventuring party, maybe I’ll stick around if this one strikes my fancy and decides to journey on after the job is done.” She tucks the gold coin back out of sight as smoothly as she took it out, “Depending on how much I can get out of it of course.”
Branagh is trying not to listen but you notice he starts to blush ever slightly after Niches comment to Natalia.
“Friends heh? Is he one of them or just a one time thing?”
Natalia laughs, and replies "Well I never kiss and tell, but there is a very good chance I would like to make it more than a one time thing, We will have more to discuss later at some point I think"
Natalia smiles and walks back a bit from the wagon, ending her conversation with Niche.
As the sun rises in the sky and brings a nice warmth you on your journey as it is getting closer to noon, a cooling breeze starts to kick up as you cover ground, little hill after little hill on the trail, you notice that there seems to be a few more tree's encroaching closer to the path, you can smell the foliage more strongly now and hear the birds and other animals (frogs occasionally, crickets, locusts ect.) your vision starts to become restricted in terms of distance due to the foliage. You can still see for a maximum of about 1200 feet and a minimum of 500 feet on the path ahead. As it is mid day, what does the group wish to do in the terms of food/break? Will there be a swap in drivers/positions if you do stop? The road (about 40 feet across) is wide enough that if another party came through they could go around you.
Warforged Fighter Talien
Am I mis-remembering that there were provisions in the wagon for the hirelings? If there are supplies provided, then I say we use them. If there aren't, then Kal offers to forage and hunt. If anyone wants to assist, that's great.
Kal's content to keep point, but he offers to switch off as driver if necessary.
Rockseeker provide us with victuals or do I need ta round us som'en up?
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus
Kal begins to takes a gander in the back of the cart, he sees nothing that has been set aside for them. Natalia walks over and pulls out the box under the seat and all of the provisions are in there for the trip. (There was enough packed for 6 people and as Wilhorn never showed up, Natalia will take his share.)
Warforged Fighter Talien
“Tsk. Well I’m not going anywhere yet.” Niche clicked her tongue in annoyance when Natalia refused to let up more info but didn’t push further, leaving her to walk back in her position. Another chat would likely be in order since her proposal did pique Niche’s interest, maybe once everyone is asleep.
Niche props herself up and focuses back on the road they behind them, noticing that the trees are now much closer to the path than when they began the journey. Taking a quick survey of their surroundings, the little halfling hops off the back to stretch her legs, joining the rest at the front of the wagon. “Oh lunch time is it? I’ve still got two meat pies from yesterday’s dinner too, didn’t want to waste them.”
How may I assist in fixin' dinnah?
"Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth." A Camus