Above & Below

Throughout the night, none of the mercenaries try anything or act strangely, though they do all take turns with their own watches. The knight goes first, followed by the three smaller men. The robed figure sleeps soundly throughout the night.

If any of you want to do anything in the middle of the night, let me know, otherwise...

Light sneaks its way through the pines and into your camp. It's the sunniest day it's been in quite some time, though it's chilly. The knight is already up and has his tent folded away, and the other mercenaries are stirring. "Safe travels," the robed figure offers. 

Effort will thoroughly check their supplies before the other party leaves, just to make sure nothing went missing in the night.
Investigation: 21 + Guidance 1

"To you as well," Effort replies.  "Watch out for cultists on your journey.  They seem to be targeting powerful users of arcana and divine magics, should any of your company number among them.  We believe it's related to the slew of kidnappings occurring along the continent.  May the light of the morning sun watch over your travels."

(OOC: I almost feel a little bad for these guys, we're the ones who've been acting like total thugs, LOL.  Well, unless the roll shows they stole anything.  Then it might get interesting. XD )

Effort carefully checks your things and everything is present and accounted for. It seems like they really did just stand watch during the night. 

The robed figure pauses when you mention the cultists again. "Hm, that is concerning. What exactly has the church tasked you with doing? If there is enough to go around, we'd be happy to make some coin from the church as well."

Effort raises an eyebrow.  "I feel like we should trade some more basic information before we talk business."  She stands up and dusts herself off, ensuring that her pack is secure before turning her attention back to the man.

"My name is Effort.  You might consider myself and Burik over there," and she beckons at the reticent dwarf, "as something of spokespeople for our small group.  We'd like to know your names as well, as well as the name of the company you call yourselves, if you are indeed mercenaries for hire."

Assuming that the man is willing to parley that much information, Effort would continue the conversation:  "We're not quite in this for the coin.  More than a few of us were personally targeted by the cultists, so we have a shared common interest, you might say.  However, that is not to say that there is no coin to be had.  But I am afraid the negotiations would be in the hands of the Church, or perhaps the Sons of Osthait if you were considering lending your fighting strength -- and that agreement would have to be settled in Lovilra.  That seems quite a bit of a way out for your group, so I understand if it is not an attractive option."

Quote from Enkida >>

She tells the others of her intent to take second watch, and then crosses her arms and glares at the forest where Kurama made his exit.  

Cadmael.  Are they watching me? she asks.

No more than any of our other companions, comes her familiar's response.  Why did you shout after that man?

Because I'm annoyed, Effort replies with a wrinkle of her brow.  She points her middle finger in the direction of the forest and whispers a message to Kurama:

Take the third watch.  And stop acting so rashly, I am not sure how much more I can cover for your foolish games!

 "Understood...and apologies."  Kurama replies as he finds a spot to keep a proper watch.  "A positive outcome of this though is that I've learned a new truth for the future this evening regarding improved techniques for moving around silently in the dark that I'm actually quite excited to try.  You see while I was before attempting to..." Kurama continues on, regaling Effort with his theory until the connection is broken or severed :)

(Perception for 3rd watch: 19)

Edit: (Sorry I missed that the action had continued onto the next page when I initially replied)

The following morning, having not noticed anything suspicious in the night (I'm assuming),  Kurama will stay where he is and wait till the other group departs before returning to the others; not wanting to cause anymore trouble than he already has.

The robed man smiles. "My name is Shasir, originally from a small village south of Green Fork." He introduces the others and continues, "We are not part of some large mercenary company...I'd say unfortunately, but that it has its perks as well. We've formed this merry band out of common interests, much like you lot. Survival, coin, companionship. Not much interesting beyond that. I'm happy to negotiate with the church or with...the Sons of Oshait? Do you know where I might find them? Any names I can ask around for? I'm not familiar."

If Brask overhears Effort say they're not in it for the coin, he is unable to suppress a snort, but does not say anything further other than a simple:  Safe travels.  

Effort turns and mutters to herself, touching her forehead.  

Why.  Why must I drag up the remains of Emilia, when I have finally managed to emancipate myself from her chains?  Foolish!

 Then she takes a deep breath, and turns around to stare at Shasir.

"It is simple enough to ask after the High Priest of Lathander in Lovilra.  It is not as though Father Xander is an unknown figure within the city.  I must ask, however... would you really brave the journey over the White Wind Mountains simply for the hope of gainful employment?" 

Effort tamps down on her distaste and pulls from her own time at the Temple in Gorta, beginning to spin her web of lies.  The strongest lies, of course, are always built upon the truth, after all.  And if these mercenaries are, indeed, honest in their intentions, she really hopes Xander and Sam will appreciate the cadre of new recruits she is about to send to them.

"What Lathander requires in this time of troubles is more than merely survival, coin, and companionship.  What the Church... no, what all of Oshait needs is men and women of conviction, and of faith.  For it is only conviction and faith which can stand against the evils of the Demon Prince of Gnolls, Yeenoghu.  His only desire is to kill or enslave those who would defy him, and turn those who remain behind, cowering, into mindless sycophants.  And so he culls from the herd of humanity and demi-humans, reaping those in whom he sees the seeds of power, in order to bend and break their minds to serve as his army.  This is what you would be fighting against.  The protection of all of Oshait would be your charge.  Are you, Shasir, and your companions, truly ready to become the Sons and Daughters of Oshait?  Can you find it within yourselves to make that noble sacrifice, and protect this land which you call your home from corruption and despair?"

(OOC: IDK what you'd want here, there are so many things going on in this speech, LOL.  Take a d20: 10 + 4.  Then add 4 for persuasion or 6 for deception?)

Are you well?  You sound like a religious fanatic, Cadmael observes dryly.  There seems to be some humor in the owl's tone.

Yes, yes.  Between last night dealing with Kurama and this morning dealing with Shasir, I will be greatly surprised if I do not spend the entire day being ill to my stomach.

"We find ourselves on both sides of the mountains often enough, believe it or not." Shasir sees that the group is ready to head off. "I've been to Lovilra a number of times. I'm sure I can track down this priest. Just curious if there were others who could be more helpful...or helpful in a different way. You have given us much to reflect upon, and I will make sure we all do just that. But with that, we must depart. Perhaps our paths will cross again. Farewell."

Burik nods a goodbye and Pip waves awkwardly. You set out as well, west again, traveling within eyesight of the other party for a time as they head slightly southwest. Eventually, though, they vanish from your view. 

Once they're gone, Effort drops her squared shoulders and lets out a sigh.  Then she turns and faces the rest of the group.  He eyes narrow when Kurama comes into view.

"Not.  One.  Word.  The sooner we leave this debacle behind the better.  And let us never speak of it again," she hisses, her tail lashing in agitation.  Shouldering her pack, she stomps off towards the mountains, gnashing her teeth in frustration as Cadmael's strange mental laughter echoes in her head.

(Can we count this entire event as Pip learning something about deception from Effort?  LOL!)

Haha, I can't reward these rolls! Effort gains an inspiration for her speech though. :)

You continue moving west, and soon find yourselves back at the edge of the pine forest. The trees thin, the ground becomes rockier with less and less vegetation, which at this point was mostly bits of moss and lichen anyway. The wind stings a bit more, although the sun at your back is certainly welcome. When the wind dies down, the base of the mountains is eerily quiet, and there's little wildlife moving about other than a small kettle of vultures circling off to the north. 

By the afternoon you've reached the undeniable base of the mountain range, with two massive peaks piercing the sky on either side. Judging by what you were told back in Gorta and the knowledge a few of you have, the valley between these two peaks is your only option. It should eventually bring you to a point where you can find Whitehold. This is no lush valley, of course. It's rocky and barren and you can already hear the winds forcing themselves between the mountains.

"Mm, I am ready," Pip announces unprompted. "But...you are all sure this is a good idea?"

Good ideas are for wimps.   Life is meant for bad ideas.  Brask puts a reassuring hand on Pip's shoulder.  This is what it's all about.  Facing down bastards with your friends at your side.  But you stay safe, right?  Hide in the back, shoot and duck down, and no foolish risks, eh?

We need to go carefully.  Scout out, see what we're up against.  Might be some talking to do.  Might get to crushing skulls from the start.  Scouting's not my strength, but we have Cad for that.  Kurama, you up for a bit of scouting too?  From now on we should expect their scouts to be on the lookout, and we could see some fights before we get where we're going.  

Brask takes a deep breath and releases it, and it's easy to sense his excitement at the prospect of assaulting an enemy stronghold which is clearly what he's hoping for, regardless of whether that's what they actually find...

"We are a party of fools, filled with nothing but foolish ideas.  It has never managed to stop us before," Effort declares abruptly, still in a seemingly sour mood from her morning roleplaying as a good person.

Pulling her staff out, Effort uses it as a walking stick.  "I suggest you grab a stick if you have no weapon that can double as a walking aid in this rocky terrain," she tells the others.  "A twisted ankle will slow us down just as much as an enemy ambush.  You may consider nature herself to be our opponents in places like these," she grumbles.

Cadmael.  Stay high and out of trouble.  Please assist us with your eyes, Effort asks. 

Cadmael takes to the skies at her request, staring down at the pass from above.  Effort takes a moment to share the owl's vision and see for herself just how difficult the path they're about to follow will be, before letting Cadmael take over with his natural senses.

Perception: 9

"You may be disappointed," Burik joins Brask in surveying the landscape. "Whitehold has been abandoned for generations. Not sure why this friend of Effort's is holed up there...I guess we shall find out. But for your sake, friend, I hope there's some cultist stronghold at the gates. Although I fear we may be in for more than a few robed fools."

He takes a deep breathe as well and starts hiking into the mountains. 

Cadmael glides up, rising into the open air of the valley...and is thrust back forcefully by a gust of chilling wind. He struggles to maintain his trajectory, and eventually has to concede and drops down a bit. Here is able to fly without a terrible amount of trouble - although Effort can tell the wind is still affecting him - but he won't have the vantage point he would have higher up. 

No movement, he thinks. Wait! Wait...just some kind of weasel among the rocks. It's quiet, but I can't see very far. At least the next few hours should be easy-going.

Completely missing her mood, Brask slaps Effort on the back:  That's the spirit. 

He then starts looking around for a suitable walking stick.

Quote from Enkida >>

Once they're gone, Effort drops her squared shoulders and lets out a sigh.  Then she turns and faces the rest of the group.  He eyes narrow when Kurama comes into view.

"Not.  One.  Word.  The sooner we leave this debacle behind the better.  And let us never speak of it again," she hisses, her tail lashing in agitation.  Shouldering her pack, she stomps off towards the mountains, gnashing her teeth in frustration as Cadmael's strange mental laughter echoes in her head.

 After an uneventful third watch, Kurama waits until the the other party departs before packing up his things and making his way down to the others.  "I..." is all he is able to get out before he is quickly shut down.  Feeling a bit like a child back in his younger days as a monk, Kurama moves towards the back of the group and stays relatively quiet as the group begins moving once again.

Quote from SteveThaiBinh >>

Good ideas are for wimps.   Life is meant for bad ideas.  Brask puts a reassuring hand on Pip's shoulder.  This is what it's all about.  Facing down bastards with your friends at your side.  But you stay safe, right?  Hide in the back, shoot and duck down, and no foolish risks, eh?

We need to go carefully.  Scout out, see what we're up against.  Might be some talking to do.  Might get to crushing skulls from the start.  Scouting's not my strength, but we have Cad for that.  Kurama, you up for a bit of scouting too?  From now on we should expect their scouts to be on the lookout, and we could see some fights before we get where we're going.  

Quote from Billtacular >>

"You may be disappointed," Burik joins Brask in surveying the landscape. "Whitehold has been abandoned for generations. Not sure why this friend of Effort's is holed up there...I guess we shall find out. But for your sake, friend, I hope there's some cultist stronghold at the gates. Although I fear we may be in for more than a few robed fools." 

Kurama takes a peek at Effort before responding, and noticing that she still seems to be in a rather sour mood, reluctantly replies, "I can scout ahead if necessary... If that's alright with everyone." he begins before pausing to look around at the group.  "I was looking to test out a new theory I came up with last night so this might be a good opportunity to experiment." he continues as he pulls out his staff.  (Assuming there's no issues with him scouting)  "If I see anything I'll let everyone know."  As he's about to depart, he thinks on what he had remembered earlier and on Burik's comment and adds, "I think there will be plenty of enemies there no matter what Brask.  Hopefully they're only of the mortal variety though..."  And with that, Kurama will nimbly move ahead down into the valley.

Stealth if necessary: 12,  Acrobatics if necessary: 23,  Perception: 12  (wasn't sure what kind of rolls you'd need so I just put out a bunch just in case)

Kurama, as the rest of the party slowly moves through the center of the valley, you pick your way up the sides on the southern slope. You assume the vantage point has to be far superior, but as you try and climb, you can't help but knock rocks loose from their former resting places. They slide down the slope, dislodging pebbles and other rocks on the way. At one point you slip, and the noise of the falling debris sends two mountain goats - which you had previously not noticed - leaping from a few feet away up the side of the mountain. By the time you stand back up and get your footing, they're long gone. Eventually you do get to a decent lookout spot, though. Looking back east, you can see the now distant pine forest on the horizon, appearing almost as if the land had grown a thin layer of dark hair. To the west, through the valley, you can see that the mountains only grow taller. You can't see around them, of course, and there's nothing but rock and ice in every other direction. The only other movement you see is a giant eagle with golden-brown wings soaring through the valley. It stops on a cliff ledge, and you can see it has an enormous nest tucked into the stone. 

Rejoining the rest of the party, you realize that it's mid-day already. You've made an impressive entry into the mountains, but your surroundings look more and more similar as even the way you came is cut off with views of only gray rock and white snow.

Someone give me a d20 encounter check.

3

(Lol Kurama has been extremely useful lately xp)

You continue through the valley, and the sun overhead feels incredible. The wind has died down, so while it's still bitterly cold, your winter clothes and the warming rays make it bearable...almost pleasant. By late afternoon, you're picking your way over the boulders of a slope. You reach the crest and look out over the other side. In the distance - another few miles, perhaps - you see something that catches your eye. Straight lines stand out in the natural world, and amongst the jagged peaks and rounded boulders of the mountains, you see a horizontal line running across one of the distant mountain faces. A stone wall! Scanning upward, you find an intricately built castle in the side of the mountain beyond the wall, dotting an enormous area of the landscape with stairs and doorways and windows. It's hard to imagine how this was even built, and how long it might have taken, but it's breath-taking. On the near side of the wall, a pair of stone statues stand guard on either side of the gargantuan wooden doors. Worn and weathered from the wind and ice of centuries, they're still impressive in both size and detail. Everyone is silent for a moment as you take in the spectacle of Whitehold.