Zeke nods as Tarja suggests making camp for the night. It was getting chilly for those without an infernal furnace to keep them warm. Taking point, the barbarian opens up his stride and pulls ahead of the rest of the party, quickly catching up to Tarje to help as she scouts the first cave he finds to make sure no one - or nothing else - had the same idea.
Zeke and Tarja survey the rock face and pick the best of several possible camp locations. You are able to find a spot with an overhang large enough to protect the party from any rain and a wind break sufficient enough to greatly minimize the bone chilling wind whipping up through the mountains. Firewood is scarce at best but you are otherwise poised for a solid night of rest despite your distance from civilization. Although it requires a number of steps out away from the cover of camp, sunset over Icespire Peak, the Triboar Trail, Phandalin and the Neverwinter Wood, all to the north, is easily viewed nearby.
(Perception for anyone looking out at the view from your current location above treeline as you ascend the Sword Mountains.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Battling the winds and cold rain, combined with the added physical activity two days in a row, Fae followed along the best she could. There were times she’d slip, or stumble a little, but she’d catch herself and avoid any added tumbles. Parts of her had gone numb while others tingled, so she was glad to be out of the stream bed. Perhaps the scholar might be able to feel her toes again soon?
Clutching her robe and hugging her hands and arms close to her body, Fae would hover from behind when Tarja would point out the tracks to the party. She’d take mental notes to log into her memory for later note updating when she could do it safely out of the rain.
A feint sigh of relief would escape Fae’s lips when Tarja and Zeke agree to look for a place to make camp. By then she was shivering again from the bone chilling winds, but as long as she was moving, her teeth wouldn’t chatter. The wizard was toughing it out the best she could, not wanting to slow their progress down. Another gust of wind would blow causing her to curl in a little, trying to brace herself from the accompanying cold. “Maybe I should have looked into acquiring a fur cloak for the mountains…” She’d whisper beneath her breath, watching it waft away. Another mental note to add.
When a location was found, Fae moved a lot slower but was adamant about wanting to contribute to setting up camp. She’d attempt to assist with gathering firewood. It was a way to keep her moving but it was scarce and hard to find. And what she would find within her ability to carry, without dropping, was barely bark. With a sheepish smile, she’d offer it to Tarja, or another, to start the fire. Eventually when the fire was started, Fae would try to find a space that’s comfortable and to take in their surroundings before even preparing to settle in for the night.
As was his custom when the party made camp Zeke first focused on making sure they were safe. He made a quick patrol of the area, looking for any obvious hazards or dangers before circling back around and setting both a rallying point and a watch station. So far they hadn't had much need of either, but training had turned into habit and habit into instinct over the years. He knew it wasn't a valuable habit at all - until it was completely invaluable.
Once he had set the watch for the night - taking the first watch and the devils' hour as usual - he'd circle back around and make sure the fire was burning and throwing off enough warmth for everyone. This wasn't hard travel by his standards, but for many of them, it was harder physical work than they likely had ever done before.
Seeing their wizard shivering, he would once again make an excuse to sit close to her, letting his wing flare out to catch and reflect the heat from the campfire back onto her tiny frame. He said nothing, simply cleaned and oiled his gear, and sat with her in companionable silence.
(Nothing interesting from the Perception check, and Zeke finds no trouble while surveying the area surrounding your camp. Would anyone else like to say or do anything before we proceed to the long rest?)
(That's it for me! I think I did enough perception checks from me for the last page or two, Tarja's looking in at the cave/shelter rather than out at the view!)
A chilly but otherwise uneventful night passes here at the base of the Sword Mountains and the party wakes to a much dryer, clearer day despite persistent mountain wind. Looking uphill from camp you can see that the wide swath of rocky land you've slowly been ascending seems to narrow between two high peaks as you climb towards your mysterious destination.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Zeke completed his diligent patrols around their camp, Fae would support his safety inspections with one of her own. Standing at the mouth of the cave, she'd cast out her net of divination magic to check for any minds lurking in the shadows that they cannot see. Once satisfied with her scan, she'd move back inside to begin setting her stuff out and drying herself by the fire, relieved to finally sit down. Though, the wizard truly didn't start to warm up until their protector came to sit near by. At the flare of his wings, she was drawn scooch in a bit closer to take in the warmth shared. Eventually she'd shift, pull up her feet to tuck them in at her side. She'd look up with pink cheeks and a dimpled smile to mouth the words 'Thank you.' Violet hues watched his hands work methodically on his gear for some time before returning to her own studies on her lap. It was nice to safely relax in companionable silence, listen to the crackling of the fire and watch it's flames cast light and shadows that dance along the walls.
Perhaps a form of her own meditation to align and prepare herself for what the next day may bring, Fae worked as long as her tired body and mind would allow her. First in leisure, then in task and then finally in study. She was taking advantage of the comfort and downtime to enjoy, organize and update. The wizard would ready as much as she could now, to save her time in the morning. In the end, being human, she'd grow tired and have to lay her head down to rest, reaching for the closest thing for a blanket.
Come morning Fae's eyes would flutter open. She'd slowly sit up in place. Quietly, the wizard would continue preparing her spells from where she fell asleep. Once complete, she'd look around, checking to see if the others were ready to continue.
(Anyone have any morning actions or should we assume the party sets out on up the only obvious route, given no other reason to venture off elsewhere? (Note that as you do set out more of the unkown markings in the loose dirt and gravel are prevalent along your path.))
Tarja would head up along the pass with the party. She would change into wolf form approximately 1 hour before reaching the next landmark, whatever it may be, to check for the presence of others. However, until there's some change in the surroundings expected, she'd stay as a dwarf to be able to communicate with the rest.
The party marches away from their campsite and up the rocky terrain for another two hours, watching their path narrow closer to the steeper slopes where they will pass through a much narrower canyon.
Please make Perception checks. Tarja can roll with Advantage if you'd like to be in wolf form at this time of day.
If we're getting close to the canyon entrance, I'd be in wolf form to try to detect if we were the only ones around or whether there were hints of others. 20
The party continues on as the natural walls close in around you to your left and right. Just before a blind bend in the narrow canyon (25ft wide) Tarja faintly hears the movement on the rocky ledges above and for a brief second gets a whiff of something familiar....giant spiders. Nothing happens in the seconds after you perceive these two things.
Zeke nods as Tarja suggests making camp for the night. It was getting chilly for those without an infernal furnace to keep them warm. Taking point, the barbarian opens up his stride and pulls ahead of the rest of the party, quickly catching up to Tarje to help as she scouts the first cave he finds to make sure no one - or nothing else - had the same idea.
Help Tarja's perception
(If needed, another perception with zeke's advantage to examine a cave? 27)
Zeke and Tarja survey the rock face and pick the best of several possible camp locations. You are able to find a spot with an overhang large enough to protect the party from any rain and a wind break sufficient enough to greatly minimize the bone chilling wind whipping up through the mountains. Firewood is scarce at best but you are otherwise poised for a solid night of rest despite your distance from civilization. Although it requires a number of steps out away from the cover of camp, sunset over Icespire Peak, the Triboar Trail, Phandalin and the Neverwinter Wood, all to the north, is easily viewed nearby.
(Perception for anyone looking out at the view from your current location above treeline as you ascend the Sword Mountains.)
Battling the winds and cold rain, combined with the added physical activity two days in a row, Fae followed along the best she could. There were times she’d slip, or stumble a little, but she’d catch herself and avoid any added tumbles. Parts of her had gone numb while others tingled, so she was glad to be out of the stream bed. Perhaps the scholar might be able to feel her toes again soon?
Clutching her robe and hugging her hands and arms close to her body, Fae would hover from behind when Tarja would point out the tracks to the party. She’d take mental notes to log into her memory for later note updating when she could do it safely out of the rain.
A feint sigh of relief would escape Fae’s lips when Tarja and Zeke agree to look for a place to make camp. By then she was shivering again from the bone chilling winds, but as long as she was moving, her teeth wouldn’t chatter. The wizard was toughing it out the best she could, not wanting to slow their progress down. Another gust of wind would blow causing her to curl in a little, trying to brace herself from the accompanying cold. “Maybe I should have looked into acquiring a fur cloak for the mountains…” She’d whisper beneath her breath, watching it waft away. Another mental note to add.
When a location was found, Fae moved a lot slower but was adamant about wanting to contribute to setting up camp. She’d attempt to assist with gathering firewood. It was a way to keep her moving but it was scarce and hard to find. And what she would find within her ability to carry, without dropping, was barely bark. With a sheepish smile, she’d offer it to Tarja, or another, to start the fire. Eventually when the fire was started, Fae would try to find a space that’s comfortable and to take in their surroundings before even preparing to settle in for the night.
Perception: 12
just an unstable unicorn.
As was his custom when the party made camp Zeke first focused on making sure they were safe. He made a quick patrol of the area, looking for any obvious hazards or dangers before circling back around and setting both a rallying point and a watch station. So far they hadn't had much need of either, but training had turned into habit and habit into instinct over the years. He knew it wasn't a valuable habit at all - until it was completely invaluable.
Once he had set the watch for the night - taking the first watch and the devils' hour as usual - he'd circle back around and make sure the fire was burning and throwing off enough warmth for everyone. This wasn't hard travel by his standards, but for many of them, it was harder physical work than they likely had ever done before.
Seeing their wizard shivering, he would once again make an excuse to sit close to her, letting his wing flare out to catch and reflect the heat from the campfire back onto her tiny frame. He said nothing, simply cleaned and oiled his gear, and sat with her in companionable silence.
(Nothing interesting from the Perception check, and Zeke finds no trouble while surveying the area surrounding your camp. Would anyone else like to say or do anything before we proceed to the long rest?)
(That's it for me! I think I did enough perception checks from me for the last page or two, Tarja's looking in at the cave/shelter rather than out at the view!)
Ready for bed :)
((Same))
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
A chilly but otherwise uneventful night passes here at the base of the Sword Mountains and the party wakes to a much dryer, clearer day despite persistent mountain wind. Looking uphill from camp you can see that the wide swath of rocky land you've slowly been ascending seems to narrow between two high peaks as you climb towards your mysterious destination.
As Zeke completed his diligent patrols around their camp, Fae would support his safety inspections with one of her own. Standing at the mouth of the cave, she'd cast out her net of divination magic to check for any minds lurking in the shadows that they cannot see. Once satisfied with her scan, she'd move back inside to begin setting her stuff out and drying herself by the fire, relieved to finally sit down. Though, the wizard truly didn't start to warm up until their protector came to sit near by. At the flare of his wings, she was drawn scooch in a bit closer to take in the warmth shared. Eventually she'd shift, pull up her feet to tuck them in at her side. She'd look up with pink cheeks and a dimpled smile to mouth the words 'Thank you.' Violet hues watched his hands work methodically on his gear for some time before returning to her own studies on her lap. It was nice to safely relax in companionable silence, listen to the crackling of the fire and watch it's flames cast light and shadows that dance along the walls.
Perhaps a form of her own meditation to align and prepare herself for what the next day may bring, Fae worked as long as her tired body and mind would allow her. First in leisure, then in task and then finally in study. She was taking advantage of the comfort and downtime to enjoy, organize and update. The wizard would ready as much as she could now, to save her time in the morning. In the end, being human, she'd grow tired and have to lay her head down to rest, reaching for the closest thing for a blanket.
Come morning Fae's eyes would flutter open. She'd slowly sit up in place. Quietly, the wizard would continue preparing her spells from where she fell asleep. Once complete, she'd look around, checking to see if the others were ready to continue.
Casted Detect thoughts before LR
Portents: 6 | 16
just an unstable unicorn.
(Fae finds no unexpected minds hidden within the range of her spell.)
(Anyone have any morning actions or should we assume the party sets out on up the only obvious route, given no other reason to venture off elsewhere? (Note that as you do set out more of the unkown markings in the loose dirt and gravel are prevalent along your path.))
Elra watches the markings as they go along the path with interest.
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Tarja would head up along the pass with the party. She would change into wolf form approximately 1 hour before reaching the next landmark, whatever it may be, to check for the presence of others. However, until there's some change in the surroundings expected, she'd stay as a dwarf to be able to communicate with the rest.
The party marches away from their campsite and up the rocky terrain for another two hours, watching their path narrow closer to the steeper slopes where they will pass through a much narrower canyon.
Please make Perception checks. Tarja can roll with Advantage if you'd like to be in wolf form at this time of day.
If we're getting close to the canyon entrance, I'd be in wolf form to try to detect if we were the only ones around or whether there were hints of others. 20
Zeke holds position at the rear, checking their backtrail and ready to spring into action to protect against threats in any direction
The party continues on as the natural walls close in around you to your left and right. Just before a blind bend in the narrow canyon (25ft wide) Tarja faintly hears the movement on the rocky ledges above and for a brief second gets a whiff of something familiar....giant spiders. Nothing happens in the seconds after you perceive these two things.
I suppose I'd try to turn back to Dwarf and warn the party if I have time.
If not, well, Initiative 11