The crew, with some uneasy eyes on the woods and that hill, take a short rest. Finding a moment to relax, take a look and bandage wounds, and talk about their next steps.
Wilson, while studying the gem he found, finds it to be a Gem of Brightness. Etched onto the sides are it's three command words: agi (light up), agilao (beam blind 1), agidyne (area). (It contains 4d10+10 charges before becoming inert.)
Morgan toys and plays with the boots. Even placing them on for a moment. After enough time, Morgan is glad to know they are not cursed. But are instead Boots of Striding and Springing.
Once they begin to break down their small rest area, Abigail takes a look around. Off in the distance, there is certainly something. A few trees pushed over to create a narrow passage. Certainly something a giant would do compared to the hydra. Once the others find themselves ready, Sim and Lafetha take point as they head out to the wilderness of the swamp once again. (Using the 18 from last time).
Around an hour, Sim and Lafetha find remnants of the giant's trail. As they follow the clues for another hour, it's Abigail that spots it first. Up on a hill, the way the leaves blow ever so slightly in the wrong direction and way. Some kind of netting likely connected from the trees to give it the appearance of landscape. The light impressions of the giant seem to circle around into the distance, and likely up to the hill as well.
It's about a half-hour walk to get to the top of the hill from your current location. The swamp-water is only around ankle deep in the area, making it easier to travers but still louder than most would prefer. A good fifteen minute walk into the swampy woods, away from the likely camouflaged town, the crew spots another creature. Some kind of large flying bird; a saddle on it's back and some kind of barding across it's chest. Long knife-like beak poking out from a small hood that has been tossed across it's face.
Sim looks at the bird, thinks back about how they saw something fly overhead after leaving the fort and the fact he thinks there had to be a spy to have the raiders just happen to grab all of their cargo and attack us on the river. “I think our spy is here and they know we are coming.”
Sim heads over to the bird to inspect it looking for any clues to who or what type of creature might own it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Abigail whispers, "We should take it slow from here on out and attempt to sneak up to the fort... We have no idea what we are dealing with still, and this is going to work better as a snatch and grab, rather than a confrontation."
Seeing a collective fascination with the birth starting to spread through the group, Abigail growls, "I will go scout ahead. Don't do anything... Never mind, it is inevitable."
((Abigail is going to try to sneak up to the netting.)) Going forward, Abigail will Stealth: 27
Sim, you head over to the large bird. The creature shuffles and tilts it's head towards you as you approach, but it does not seem to be hostile. A few ruffling of it's blue-brown feathers as it moves it's feet a bit with a light sploshing sound in the water. It's rather unique saddle and riding gear is still connected to it; along with the chest plate protecting it's vital organs. A set of saddlebags rests towards the back part of the saddle; bedroll and a few other general supplies easily seen.
You do see on the barding the symbol of a Raven etched into it.
Morgan whispers while putting in the boots "I'm going to steal that bird, and me and Wilson are going to be sky pirates... You guys can come too but you need to bring your own means of flying."
Morgan goes to sneak but their brain is fuzzy and what is darkness becomes unclear. "Okay guys, I'm usually much cooler than this, but I was having blood pollen fever induced nightmares all last night and I'm a mess if I don't get my 8 hours. Whoever owns this bird, it's probably Shatter, is serious business but not part of the group themselves. If they finished the contract then we might be able to hire them to help us. If we take the bird it does give us significant air superiority but does significantly ruin our chances or of recruiting then later or sleeping with me in the future... But also I really want to see someone try to fly it." Morgan assists Sim.
Sim steps up to the bird whispering to it to help it remain calm and also motions to Morgan to do the same then slowly opens the saddle bags and checks the contents.
The birds head tilts from one side, over to the other. Listening to both Sim and Morgan as they approach. A few clicks of it's beak rumble from under the hood; a light chattering noise. Drawing closer still, the birds feathers seem to stand on end. Whipping it's head around to attempt to toss off it's hood - the reigns flying around the air and tearing off a small tree branch. It gives it's wings a heavy flap; kicking up water, dirt and grime into the direction of the two. A deep eagle-like bellow coming out from it's mouth as it takes a few steps back. Getting into a more defensive posture. And making a bit of noise in the process...
Walking up to the bird speak with animals excuse my friends, we just want to ask you some questions. Who is your handler? What are you doing out this way?
Abigail slinks off. Carefully moving up to the netting. She does notice along her route a few well placed holes and pits. Nothing too hard to detect but enough that would likely stop a group from simply rushing to the top. Once there, the netting is rather well made. A thick cord able to hold quite a bit of weight. A local scattering of foilage and intertwined bark giving it the loose apparence of the woods. It doesn't hold up once up close.
From behind the little gaps, there are several buildings. Some do seem like they're dilapadated but others appear refurbished. A few sounds of what may be laughter and muffled conversations that are a good ways off. There doesn't appear to be any guard rotation that you can tell. But the sight lines are incredibly limited and there's a bit of a gap between the facade and what is likely a building. Once you turn around and begin to head back, a few quills are lodged into a tree....
Lafetha heads over to the bird. Her words causing the creature to become quite confused. It's head instantly quirks to the side as the screeching stops. A half hop foward, before giving a few flaps to the directions of Sim and Morgan. "Handler? You mean friend? My friend is the one who looks glittery and smells of old blood." The creature gives it's low squak over to her, answering the questions. "We came here. Job for food."
Abigail's hands run over the short little spines. Some are embedded quite deep into the tree, while others are narrowly in there. Each about a inch long, and fired off with some force. They feel a bit like tortle shell, filled down. The last time you ever saw something like this... you, Sim, Lafetha, Diadochi and Yaalin were busy fighting that Rune covered Hn'ti in the ruins of the mountain town of Hope...
Quickly you glance around. Trying to see anything shimmering and seemingly out of phase. Nothing. If your assumption is correct, and this came from a Rune'd Hn'ti - or something like it - this was a cloud of needle like quills that was launched at this area. It means, whatever did this, is inside the camouflaged town...
Morgan looks at Lafetha, " You can talk to crocs and giant birds? At some point we're going to need to talk about all things you can and can't do, because right now it feels like you're making up powers as you go." They slowly back away from the bird, "that wasn't nearly as funny as I thought it was going to be. Anyway we've got a reasonable idea of one person that's there, I can look like them, as long as we don't run into them I should have relatively free run of the place." Morgan uses disguise self to look like Shatter to illustrate their point. Morgan yawns, "Otherwise we'll have to stealth through the whole place and probably have to kill everyone... we'll probably have to do that anyway bringing the crates out anyway now that I think about it. By the Queen, I'm so tired."
I will edit this, depending on what I see when I get back to the group:
Abigail returns to the group, now fearful of what else could be lurking in the woods. (Not sure if I am still Stealthed or if I need to roll again) When she gets back near to the group, she waits a few moments before breaking stealth, trying to see if anything ambushes them and scanning for anything else that might be watching them from a distance Perception: 9
If, after a moment or two, she does not see anything else watching them and nothing ambushes them, then she will break stealth and tell them that she has found a way into the camp, but that it is likely we will be fighting some invisible foes if things go sideways on us.
The bird gives a few nods over to Lafetha. "Nuts. Treats. Meat," it's head bobs happily to the idea of food. All normal-ish things for a large bird of this size to be wanting for food. "Get the job to get the food!" It bobs it's head a bit more. You don't think it actually knows the job. Just that it's associated the term job to food, and happens to like food...
After a few more minutes of talking to the bird, Abigail seemingly appears behind the group - relaying her information.
The bird looks over to Lafetha, then over to Morgan - disguised as Shatter - before giving a small nod.
Lafetha, you head over. There are several pouches and containers of rations. Both for people, and the bird. In addition, there's a small locked journal. A lockbox. A bedroll and small tent. Flint. Two cans of the lizard oil. Some rope. And three jars of that mystery cure-all potion that Morgan had bought as well back in town.
The crew, with some uneasy eyes on the woods and that hill, take a short rest. Finding a moment to relax, take a look and bandage wounds, and talk about their next steps.
Wilson, while studying the gem he found, finds it to be a Gem of Brightness. Etched onto the sides are it's three command words: agi (light up), agilao (beam blind 1), agidyne (area). (It contains 4d10+10 charges before becoming inert.)
Morgan toys and plays with the boots. Even placing them on for a moment. After enough time, Morgan is glad to know they are not cursed. But are instead Boots of Striding and Springing.
Once they begin to break down their small rest area, Abigail takes a look around. Off in the distance, there is certainly something. A few trees pushed over to create a narrow passage. Certainly something a giant would do compared to the hydra. Once the others find themselves ready, Sim and Lafetha take point as they head out to the wilderness of the swamp once again. (Using the 18 from last time).
Around an hour, Sim and Lafetha find remnants of the giant's trail. As they follow the clues for another hour, it's Abigail that spots it first. Up on a hill, the way the leaves blow ever so slightly in the wrong direction and way. Some kind of netting likely connected from the trees to give it the appearance of landscape. The light impressions of the giant seem to circle around into the distance, and likely up to the hill as well.
It's about a half-hour walk to get to the top of the hill from your current location. The swamp-water is only around ankle deep in the area, making it easier to travers but still louder than most would prefer. A good fifteen minute walk into the swampy woods, away from the likely camouflaged town, the crew spots another creature. Some kind of large flying bird; a saddle on it's back and some kind of barding across it's chest. Long knife-like beak poking out from a small hood that has been tossed across it's face.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Sim looks at the bird, thinks back about how they saw something fly overhead after leaving the fort and the fact he thinks there had to be a spy to have the raiders just happen to grab all of their cargo and attack us on the river. “I think our spy is here and they know we are coming.”
Sim heads over to the bird to inspect it looking for any clues to who or what type of creature might own it.
investigation 19
Abigail whispers, "We should take it slow from here on out and attempt to sneak up to the fort... We have no idea what we are dealing with still, and this is going to work better as a snatch and grab, rather than a confrontation."
Seeing a collective fascination with the birth starting to spread through the group, Abigail growls, "I will go scout ahead. Don't do anything... Never mind, it is inevitable."
((Abigail is going to try to sneak up to the netting.))
Going forward, Abigail will Stealth: 27
Sim, you head over to the large bird. The creature shuffles and tilts it's head towards you as you approach, but it does not seem to be hostile. A few ruffling of it's blue-brown feathers as it moves it's feet a bit with a light sploshing sound in the water. It's rather unique saddle and riding gear is still connected to it; along with the chest plate protecting it's vital organs. A set of saddlebags rests towards the back part of the saddle; bedroll and a few other general supplies easily seen.
You do see on the barding the symbol of a Raven etched into it.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Morgan whispers while putting in the boots "I'm going to steal that bird, and me and Wilson are going to be sky pirates... You guys can come too but you need to bring your own means of flying."
Morgan goes to sneak but their brain is fuzzy and what is darkness becomes unclear. "Okay guys, I'm usually much cooler than this, but I was having blood pollen fever induced nightmares all last night and I'm a mess if I don't get my 8 hours. Whoever owns this bird, it's probably Shatter, is serious business but not part of the group themselves. If they finished the contract then we might be able to hire them to help us. If we take the bird it does give us significant air superiority but does significantly ruin our chances or of recruiting then later or sleeping with me in the future... But also I really want to see someone try to fly it." Morgan assists Sim.
Sim steps up to the bird whispering to it to help it remain calm and also motions to Morgan to do the same then slowly opens the saddle bags and checks the contents.
animal handling 6
Sizing up the bird Wilson chuckles at his companions and reaches for some bandages knowing this is going to be hilarious to watch.....
The birds head tilts from one side, over to the other. Listening to both Sim and Morgan as they approach. A few clicks of it's beak rumble from under the hood; a light chattering noise. Drawing closer still, the birds feathers seem to stand on end. Whipping it's head around to attempt to toss off it's hood - the reigns flying around the air and tearing off a small tree branch. It gives it's wings a heavy flap; kicking up water, dirt and grime into the direction of the two. A deep eagle-like bellow coming out from it's mouth as it takes a few steps back. Getting into a more defensive posture. And making a bit of noise in the process...
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Walking up to the bird speak with animals excuse my friends, we just want to ask you some questions. Who is your handler? What are you doing out this way?
Abigail slinks off. Carefully moving up to the netting. She does notice along her route a few well placed holes and pits. Nothing too hard to detect but enough that would likely stop a group from simply rushing to the top. Once there, the netting is rather well made. A thick cord able to hold quite a bit of weight. A local scattering of foilage and intertwined bark giving it the loose apparence of the woods. It doesn't hold up once up close.
From behind the little gaps, there are several buildings. Some do seem like they're dilapadated but others appear refurbished. A few sounds of what may be laughter and muffled conversations that are a good ways off. There doesn't appear to be any guard rotation that you can tell. But the sight lines are incredibly limited and there's a bit of a gap between the facade and what is likely a building. Once you turn around and begin to head back, a few quills are lodged into a tree....
Lafetha heads over to the bird. Her words causing the creature to become quite confused. It's head instantly quirks to the side as the screeching stops. A half hop foward, before giving a few flaps to the directions of Sim and Morgan. "Handler? You mean friend? My friend is the one who looks glittery and smells of old blood." The creature gives it's low squak over to her, answering the questions. "We came here. Job for food."
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Abigail turns to head back to the group, but upon seeing the quills stops to investigate them, before continuing on her way to the group.
((I figure Nature to figure out what they are, and Investigation to figure out how they may have come to be here.))
Nature: 18
Investigation: 20
Abigail's hands run over the short little spines. Some are embedded quite deep into the tree, while others are narrowly in there. Each about a inch long, and fired off with some force. They feel a bit like tortle shell, filled down. The last time you ever saw something like this... you, Sim, Lafetha, Diadochi and Yaalin were busy fighting that Rune covered Hn'ti in the ruins of the mountain town of Hope...
Quickly you glance around. Trying to see anything shimmering and seemingly out of phase. Nothing. If your assumption is correct, and this came from a Rune'd Hn'ti - or something like it - this was a cloud of needle like quills that was launched at this area. It means, whatever did this, is inside the camouflaged town...
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Morgan looks at Lafetha, " You can talk to crocs and giant birds? At some point we're going to need to talk about all things you can and can't do, because right now it feels like you're making up powers as you go." They slowly back away from the bird, "that wasn't nearly as funny as I thought it was going to be. Anyway we've got a reasonable idea of one person that's there, I can look like them, as long as we don't run into them I should have relatively free run of the place." Morgan uses disguise self to look like Shatter to illustrate their point. Morgan yawns, "Otherwise we'll have to stealth through the whole place and probably have to kill everyone... we'll probably have to do that anyway bringing the crates out anyway now that I think about it. By the Queen, I'm so tired."
"tell me more about this job for food. Could we help? What are you looking for in particular?"
I will edit this, depending on what I see when I get back to the group:
Abigail returns to the group, now fearful of what else could be lurking in the woods. (Not sure if I am still Stealthed or if I need to roll again)
When she gets back near to the group, she waits a few moments before breaking stealth, trying to see if anything ambushes them and scanning for anything else that might be watching them from a distance Perception: 9
If, after a moment or two, she does not see anything else watching them and nothing ambushes them, then she will break stealth and tell them that she has found a way into the camp, but that it is likely we will be fighting some invisible foes if things go sideways on us.
The bird gives a few nods over to Lafetha. "Nuts. Treats. Meat," it's head bobs happily to the idea of food. All normal-ish things for a large bird of this size to be wanting for food. "Get the job to get the food!" It bobs it's head a bit more. You don't think it actually knows the job. Just that it's associated the term job to food, and happens to like food...
After a few more minutes of talking to the bird, Abigail seemingly appears behind the group - relaying her information.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Sim hearing of the quills immediately steps away from the bird to scan the area for tracks and movement.
perception 14
investigation 15
You don't see anything out of the ordinary. But, Abigail did find this up on the hill - half an hour away from where you are and out of sight.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
"may I look in your bag to see if there is any food, so I can feed you?"
deception 14
The bird looks over to Lafetha, then over to Morgan - disguised as Shatter - before giving a small nod.
Lafetha, you head over. There are several pouches and containers of rations. Both for people, and the bird. In addition, there's a small locked journal. A lockbox. A bedroll and small tent. Flint. Two cans of the lizard oil. Some rope. And three jars of that mystery cure-all potion that Morgan had bought as well back in town.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour