It's a long night... the crew of the Windhook heading out of the grove and into the open fields. Doing their best to try and find some kind of shelter that isn't obvious, but, keeping a fire and tending to wounds will make a camp slightly bigger than one may hope for.
Morgan, Lafetha, and Tarak take their shifts. Watching the horizon for anything that may be coming. Getting some sleep when they can. A few of them stitching their wounds closed and applying small paltice to the wounds knowing they'd be... feeling better at least by morning. (Morgan, Lafetha, and Tarak get a long rest).
Wilson and Abigail have a touch and go night. This gnome clearly starved and dehydrated. Force feeding him through the night, making sure he's able to get some kind of water. Likely on the brink of death. But through hours of work and constant stirring after only catching quick cat naps - they keep him alive. (Wilson and Abigail get a short rest).
As the sun rises, you all find your new Gnome friend stirring awake. He's clearly the target at hand; eyes a bright yellow - nearly glowing. Same with a few age spots across his the back of his hands; twinkling in the light just a bit. He sits up, holding his head a bit as he looks first to the sky then around to the crew. "This is either a new tactic, or, things have changed." A big, goofy grin spreads across his small face; several teeth missing from his maw. "So why am I here? And why are you here." He tries to bring himself to standing but.. that doesn't go well. Wobbling on his feet before falling straight back down on his butt.
Tarak approaches the gnome and greets him. “My name is Tarak and after you went missing and your relay of information ceased, we were hired to find you, hopefully save you, and bring the documents you carried to a correspondent of certain Matron who you were going to deliver it to in the first place. You obviously don’t have the documents on you or they would have been taken. Please tell me the Ashguard didn’t break you. It would be much simpler to go get them and leave if we have the upper hand. Are you well enough to tell us where we need to go to get them before we get out of this place?”
The gnome gives a bit of a puzzled look. "There's a lot of Matrons and people out there." He again tries to stand up, but falters and lands on his butt. "Well... likely won't be getting up and leaving anytime soon. My feet seem to have forgotten how to stand up and move." He seems to laugh a bit, shaking his head.
"Everyone breaks," he says in reference to torture. "It's a matter of when. And truth be told I may have. Or maybe I didn't. With days bleeding, who can say what was said in a state of one's mind being a little gone?" His fingers trace in the ground, picking at blades of grass like a kid. "But tell me, what is your mission? Where are we to be going?"
He lays back down on the ground, closing his eyes, taking in a deep breath. Before breaking into a coughing spasm. Still clearly not well. Judging from his condition, it'll take a few days for him to get back to full strength.
Abigail kneels next to the gnome, unfolding the Ashe Guard map with all of the crossed out villages.
"Look, we were employed to secure some documents that you authored - and which the Ashe Guard are attempting to also secure. For our purposes, we do not need to know what the contents of the documents are, just that we must have the correct documents and to ensure their safe passage to a location designated by our employer. Your life is and was not part of the contract, but we are going to assume our company will get additional marks for keeping you alive as well. More helpful for our immediate assignment, you can more quickly identify the documents you authored, and - our hope is - point out where you hid them."
At this Abigail gestures over the maps in the hopes that the gnome will use it to indicate where they should head toward.
The gnome looks at the map, then back across the others.
"Well... answers that question. You aren't believers, but rather mercenaries." Again he looks at the map. "And it seems that I likely wasn't entirely broken. Otherwise they'd be gone and I'd be dead." His fingers tap on the map. Just sort of, around, a few times. "Well... I guess we should be on our way." He reaches out, grabbing a hold of Abigail by bits of fur on her arm. Slowly pulling himself up. Using the tabaxi to steady himself for a moment. "Alright... I guess I need to be leading the way."
He looks around a bit, looking for something to help him walk. "Here's the ruff of it all. I'll lead you there. But won't be showing you where. Have to make sure you're on the up and up, and it'll take a little while to walk there." The suggestion of it taking a little while leads Abigail to believe its on the opposite side of the map - the 'far' portion of the town. He takes two steps away from Abigail before - again - falling down. Grumbling a few choice curse words in gnomish. "Did any of you kill that wood witch? Or did it manage to get away?"
Tarak answers “The Druid escaped. I would very much like to not see him again so we should move quickly.” Looking at a nearby tree Tarak assesses the wood strength and the branches and finds a branch that can be used as a crutch. Then hands it to the gnome. He will take point.
Morgan: You find the gnome difficult to get a read on.
Tarak heads back to the grove, out of the camp to grab some wood sturdy enough to help the gnome. With a bit of a nod, the gnome sets out. Leading the crew with a bit of a limp....
About 5 hours later, the gnome is resting on the ground. Panting from the rather easy walk so far today. It going a bit slower than you're all used too. From the direction of the town directly on the river - where the Windhook is - something rather large is flying towards you all.
From the direction of the main hub town - way off in the distance - a lone figure is way off in the distance.
"Well, I can only assume that your lover, Shatter, is coming from that direction, Morgan." Abigail points toward the flying figure, "And am going to go ahead and assume that whoever is coming from the other direction is likely not going to aid us in fighting him - perhaps even someone the Ashe Guard have sent. So, anyone have any ideas on getting out of this developing situation? Maybe we can attempt to hideout somewhere in the farmland?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Morgan looks confused, "Lover is a strong word it's more like... wait are you jealous? awww don't be. It's a whole thing. I do want to point out that if we run, Shatter is going to ruin the Windhook, that's the obvious place we'd be, he'd go there first, and even if we aren't there that's how we escaped him for so long that it behooves him to cripple the ship in some way. Also Shatter seems to be able to find us wherever we go so unless there is a strategically advantageous place to hide out we can get to I don't see the point. I don't know who this other guy could be but they are looking for us or our charge I don't want to play in the shatter fight, because we're already not looking good for that fight. Which also means if there is a chance that person is an ally then we need to fold them into the ranks ASAP. I'll scout it out. don't worry."
Morgan will disguise self as a mysterious full elf, and try to get more information on this lone figure. stealth19 and perception23
Morgan slips off. Using some of the farmland and various terrain to hide their trail from where the group is, to get closer to the lone figure.
He comes up to a better vantage point. The lone figure appears to be a single Ashgard: the bare chest and the face paint giving away it's allegiance. Small cuts into callused thick hide run over the left arm and shoulder. A pungent satchel of what is likely meat of small local rodents is open - two thin strips of it being held in a outstretched arm - along with what looks like a hawk's hood hanging off a small belt.
Twin ivory small blades rest on the other side, along with a small array of tonics. He's clearly waiting. Unaware of not only Morgan, but likely the group as a whole.
"How did you piss off Shatter this time? Never mind I don't want to know. I can distract him for a bit but I doubt I can buy you too much time without giving them something in return."
Rubbing his brows he sighs again
"Where can I meet you all? I am gonna give them the asheguard and hope they can entertain each other for a while. Any objections?"
Assuming there are none he will take off below the trees and fly for maybe 30 or so minutes in an angled direction from the group before flying up and breaking cover to make himself obvious to ((the assumed)) Shatter and ashguard. Heading to meet Shatter in the air.
Wilson's approach definitely catches Shatter's attention. As he approaches, the mounted bird swirl to gain some height and a better advantage. Pistol being drawn and quickly aimed over at the figure. As Wilson get's closer, the pistol falls down to the side. Hammer moving from the cocked to a relaxed postition. The darkened T-shape visor of his adamantine helm looking over at Wilson as he approaches. His bird continuing it's more forward approach; keeping a steady pace.
"The Wilson..." Shatter's voice muffled and echos inside his helm. "Why are you here...."
From down below, the crew sees Wilson and the large bird in the distance. Nothing seemingly hostile going on between them.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"We need to keep moving, if we want to avoid... whatever horrible meeting is about to take place."
Abigail is going to attempt to lead the gnome and the rest of the party into the best possible vantage point she can muster headed in a sort of diagonal direction if possible - away and out from Shatter, but out and toward the Ashguard (if that makes sense).
I am going to throw a Nature [19] roll in here because I am assuming there are no structures around to hide in or around, so she is hoping to spot some plants or shrub that are more likely to help with a stealth situation (i.e. corn is better to hide in over wheat... not sure if a nature check is really needed for an observation like that, but maybe there is some crop growing around that is like, "That need wet soil to survive, maybe we can roll around in the mud to help us blend in.")
Not sure if we should be throwing in some stealth as well?
Abigail takes a look around while Morgan is gone, closer towards the lone figure while Wilson is up in the air.
Knowing that time is of the essence, she looks around. Seeing some of the crops that are bustling about. Staying off the roads is key... and while wading through the terraced fields may be slower.. it will give some cover from the sky. The gnome grumbles, but doesn't give too much of a complaint. Following the tabaxi to get out of sight.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Morgan is going to try to get an ivory knife ((ghost blade is in pocket dimension)) if when they get closer that see anything that might look like written orders they'll take those as well ((if have to choose then the paper, got to keep up on that hot Goss)) sleight of hand 26
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Opposed Notice: 7 Remembering the smell: 15
Morgan goes to reach down, attempting to slink through the tall grass. Getting closer and closer. A hand reaching out to attempt to grab towards the belt before a loud thwack rings in Morgan's head. The Loxodon's massive fist coming around and striking right across the shoulder and collar bone; like being hit with a hammer (4 dmg).
"Thief, I have no time for you, or your plight." He makes a head gesture for them to scurry off, hand moving to rest on the blades and tonic. Other hand still out reached, waiting.
Abigail accepts Wilson's help in trying to nurse the gnome back to some semblance of functionality.
Medicine: 21
Wilson assists Abigail in addressing the gnomes wounds, passing bandages meds anything she asks for.
It's a long night... the crew of the Windhook heading out of the grove and into the open fields. Doing their best to try and find some kind of shelter that isn't obvious, but, keeping a fire and tending to wounds will make a camp slightly bigger than one may hope for.
Morgan, Lafetha, and Tarak take their shifts. Watching the horizon for anything that may be coming. Getting some sleep when they can. A few of them stitching their wounds closed and applying small paltice to the wounds knowing they'd be... feeling better at least by morning. (Morgan, Lafetha, and Tarak get a long rest).
Wilson and Abigail have a touch and go night. This gnome clearly starved and dehydrated. Force feeding him through the night, making sure he's able to get some kind of water. Likely on the brink of death. But through hours of work and constant stirring after only catching quick cat naps - they keep him alive. (Wilson and Abigail get a short rest).
As the sun rises, you all find your new Gnome friend stirring awake. He's clearly the target at hand; eyes a bright yellow - nearly glowing. Same with a few age spots across his the back of his hands; twinkling in the light just a bit. He sits up, holding his head a bit as he looks first to the sky then around to the crew. "This is either a new tactic, or, things have changed." A big, goofy grin spreads across his small face; several teeth missing from his maw. "So why am I here? And why are you here." He tries to bring himself to standing but.. that doesn't go well. Wobbling on his feet before falling straight back down on his butt.
What do you do?
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Tarak approaches the gnome and greets him. “My name is Tarak and after you went missing and your relay of information ceased, we were hired to find you, hopefully save you, and bring the documents you carried to a correspondent of certain Matron who you were going to deliver it to in the first place. You obviously don’t have the documents on you or they would have been taken. Please tell me the Ashguard didn’t break you. It would be much simpler to go get them and leave if we have the upper hand. Are you well enough to tell us where we need to go to get them before we get out of this place?”
The gnome gives a bit of a puzzled look. "There's a lot of Matrons and people out there." He again tries to stand up, but falters and lands on his butt. "Well... likely won't be getting up and leaving anytime soon. My feet seem to have forgotten how to stand up and move." He seems to laugh a bit, shaking his head.
"Everyone breaks," he says in reference to torture. "It's a matter of when. And truth be told I may have. Or maybe I didn't. With days bleeding, who can say what was said in a state of one's mind being a little gone?" His fingers trace in the ground, picking at blades of grass like a kid. "But tell me, what is your mission? Where are we to be going?"
He lays back down on the ground, closing his eyes, taking in a deep breath. Before breaking into a coughing spasm. Still clearly not well. Judging from his condition, it'll take a few days for him to get back to full strength.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Abigail short rest Hit Point recovery: 6
Abigail kneels next to the gnome, unfolding the Ashe Guard map with all of the crossed out villages.
"Look, we were employed to secure some documents that you authored - and which the Ashe Guard are attempting to also secure. For our purposes, we do not need to know what the contents of the documents are, just that we must have the correct documents and to ensure their safe passage to a location designated by our employer. Your life is and was not part of the contract, but we are going to assume our company will get additional marks for keeping you alive as well. More helpful for our immediate assignment, you can more quickly identify the documents you authored, and - our hope is - point out where you hid them."
At this Abigail gestures over the maps in the hopes that the gnome will use it to indicate where they should head toward.
The gnome looks at the map, then back across the others.
"Well... answers that question. You aren't believers, but rather mercenaries." Again he looks at the map. "And it seems that I likely wasn't entirely broken. Otherwise they'd be gone and I'd be dead." His fingers tap on the map. Just sort of, around, a few times. "Well... I guess we should be on our way." He reaches out, grabbing a hold of Abigail by bits of fur on her arm. Slowly pulling himself up. Using the tabaxi to steady himself for a moment. "Alright... I guess I need to be leading the way."
He looks around a bit, looking for something to help him walk. "Here's the ruff of it all. I'll lead you there. But won't be showing you where. Have to make sure you're on the up and up, and it'll take a little while to walk there." The suggestion of it taking a little while leads Abigail to believe its on the opposite side of the map - the 'far' portion of the town. He takes two steps away from Abigail before - again - falling down. Grumbling a few choice curse words in gnomish. "Did any of you kill that wood witch? Or did it manage to get away?"
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Tarak answers “The Druid escaped. I would very much like to not see him again so we should move quickly.” Looking at a nearby tree Tarak assesses the wood strength and the branches and finds a branch that can be used as a crutch. Then hands it to the gnome. He will take point.
Morgan says nothing, but makes sure that they think the Gnome is telling the truth,
Insight 7
Morgan: You find the gnome difficult to get a read on.
Tarak heads back to the grove, out of the camp to grab some wood sturdy enough to help the gnome. With a bit of a nod, the gnome sets out. Leading the crew with a bit of a limp....
About 5 hours later, the gnome is resting on the ground. Panting from the rather easy walk so far today. It going a bit slower than you're all used too. From the direction of the town directly on the river - where the Windhook is - something rather large is flying towards you all.
From the direction of the main hub town - way off in the distance - a lone figure is way off in the distance.
What do you do?
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
"Well, I can only assume that your lover, Shatter, is coming from that direction, Morgan." Abigail points toward the flying figure, "And am going to go ahead and assume that whoever is coming from the other direction is likely not going to aid us in fighting him - perhaps even someone the Ashe Guard have sent. So, anyone have any ideas on getting out of this developing situation? Maybe we can attempt to hideout somewhere in the farmland?"
Morgan looks confused, "Lover is a strong word it's more like... wait are you jealous? awww don't be. It's a whole thing. I do want to point out that if we run, Shatter is going to ruin the Windhook, that's the obvious place we'd be, he'd go there first, and even if we aren't there that's how we escaped him for so long that it behooves him to cripple the ship in some way. Also Shatter seems to be able to find us wherever we go so unless there is a strategically advantageous place to hide out we can get to I don't see the point. I don't know who this other guy could be but they are looking for us or our charge I don't want to play in the shatter fight, because we're already not looking good for that fight. Which also means if there is a chance that person is an ally then we need to fold them into the ranks ASAP. I'll scout it out. don't worry."
Morgan will disguise self as a mysterious full elf, and try to get more information on this lone figure. stealth 19 and perception 23
Morgan slips off. Using some of the farmland and various terrain to hide their trail from where the group is, to get closer to the lone figure.
He comes up to a better vantage point. The lone figure appears to be a single Ashgard: the bare chest and the face paint giving away it's allegiance. Small cuts into callused thick hide run over the left arm and shoulder. A pungent satchel of what is likely meat of small local rodents is open - two thin strips of it being held in a outstretched arm - along with what looks like a hawk's hood hanging off a small belt.
Twin ivory small blades rest on the other side, along with a small array of tonics. He's clearly waiting. Unaware of not only Morgan, but likely the group as a whole.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Wilson looks at the group and sighs.
"How did you piss off Shatter this time? Never mind I don't want to know. I can distract him for a bit but I doubt I can buy you too much time without giving them something in return."
Rubbing his brows he sighs again
"Where can I meet you all? I am gonna give them the asheguard and hope they can entertain each other for a while. Any objections?"
Assuming there are none he will take off below the trees and fly for maybe 30 or so minutes in an angled direction from the group before flying up and breaking cover to make himself obvious to ((the assumed)) Shatter and ashguard. Heading to meet Shatter in the air.
Wilson's approach definitely catches Shatter's attention. As he approaches, the mounted bird swirl to gain some height and a better advantage. Pistol being drawn and quickly aimed over at the figure. As Wilson get's closer, the pistol falls down to the side. Hammer moving from the cocked to a relaxed postition. The darkened T-shape visor of his adamantine helm looking over at Wilson as he approaches. His bird continuing it's more forward approach; keeping a steady pace.
"The Wilson..." Shatter's voice muffled and echos inside his helm. "Why are you here...."
From down below, the crew sees Wilson and the large bird in the distance. Nothing seemingly hostile going on between them.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
"We need to keep moving, if we want to avoid... whatever horrible meeting is about to take place."
Abigail is going to attempt to lead the gnome and the rest of the party into the best possible vantage point she can muster headed in a sort of diagonal direction if possible - away and out from Shatter, but out and toward the Ashguard (if that makes sense).
I am going to throw a Nature [19] roll in here because I am assuming there are no structures around to hide in or around, so she is hoping to spot some plants or shrub that are more likely to help with a stealth situation (i.e. corn is better to hide in over wheat... not sure if a nature check is really needed for an observation like that, but maybe there is some crop growing around that is like, "That need wet soil to survive, maybe we can roll around in the mud to help us blend in.")
Not sure if we should be throwing in some stealth as well?
Stealth: 23
Abigail takes a look around while Morgan is gone, closer towards the lone figure while Wilson is up in the air.
Knowing that time is of the essence, she looks around. Seeing some of the crops that are bustling about. Staying off the roads is key... and while wading through the terraced fields may be slower.. it will give some cover from the sky. The gnome grumbles, but doesn't give too much of a complaint. Following the tabaxi to get out of sight.
It seems like this could certainly work.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour
Morgan is going to try to get an ivory knife ((ghost blade is in pocket dimension)) if when they get closer that see anything that might look like written orders they'll take those as well ((if have to choose then the paper, got to keep up on that hot Goss)) sleight of hand 26
Opposed Notice: 7
Remembering the smell: 15
Morgan goes to reach down, attempting to slink through the tall grass. Getting closer and closer. A hand reaching out to attempt to grab towards the belt before a loud thwack rings in Morgan's head. The Loxodon's massive fist coming around and striking right across the shoulder and collar bone; like being hit with a hammer (4 dmg).
"Thief, I have no time for you, or your plight." He makes a head gesture for them to scurry off, hand moving to rest on the blades and tonic. Other hand still out reached, waiting.
DM PbP Series (Completed) : The Blackmire Company, Voyage of the Windhook ,Shanty of Soulripper, The Streets of Dunnour