Germain will pull the Toc aside quietly, "Whoever killed him wiped away their tracks very carefully. This was an assassination rather than a random killing. Perhaps our new 'friend' wanted to provoke a fight?"
Toc raises an eyebrow to Germain, “Seems like a reasonable possibility. But we have no way of really knowing unless one of us can speak to the dead and ask him.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Toc would notice the cultists glaring at him, and giving him angry looks as he moves away. They clearly believe Toc did this, no matter what Jos is telling the wagon master.
Toc wanders away and pretends not to notice. However he keeps an extra sharp eye out, and that evening he's going to change his behavior. Usually he'd stay in an Inn but he's run out of cash. Instead he sets up his tent, but once inside, he casts invisibility and sneakily tries to leave his tent and find somewhere else hidden where he can hide and wait and watch. His spider is also amidst a wagon nearby and keeps an eye on him. He messages the others that he wouldn't be surprised if they try something that evening.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Loren seems intent on pushing forward, and getting to Waterdeep as quickly as possible. The caravan is on the road in as short of order as she can manage it, after the dead body was found.
The next five days travel in quick succession. Loren is grim, and clearly ready to be done with these cultists, and, frankly, a good majority of the other merchants. She has taken to sitting with Toc at his campfire at night, as she has seen how much he, and the others, have done for the caravan over the trip. During their talks she often speaks of retiring after this run, and starting up a tavern, maybe in Waterdeep, maybe back in Daggerford.
When the caravan rolls into Waterdeep after two months on the road, most of the merchants disperse to the city’s markets, warehouses, and stables. They’ve reached their destination and you are each paid off in silver and thanked for your service.
The cult wagons don’t follow the same pattern as the others from the caravan. Instead, they break off and head for the north side of the city. before looking for a place to spend the night. Everyone who you know to be associated with the cult gathers at the same spot by nightfall. Azbara Jos remains with the cultists during this time.
What does the group do? In Waterdeep following the cult wagons to the north side would not be difficult, so I included the above in this post. How do you wish to keep watch of them and/or what else do you wish to do now that you are in Waterdeep.?
(Yay to level. But what to do depends on how much silver did we get.)
There was no need for keeping appearance anymore and Taviel, after warm goodbyes to her two helpers, reunited with the group. Her suggestion would be to follow the cultists, learn, where they are staying, find a nearby inn and stay there while discretely keeping an eye on them. The group had enough familiars between them to keep watch, and should cultists move (as in "with their wagon" move) the group could follow using Nodwick's wagon as an excuse.
Loren is a quiet camp fire guest, especially to Loren. Though she's found herself in a poor situation he can't help but feel her own actions have not helped. She's put the letter of the law above her own instincts and the, what he sees as, the obvious morale right. That said, he is polite and certainly feels sorry for the caravan leader. When they eventually make it to Waterdeep and the cultists have gone their own way (with at least Toc's familiar, now a hawk, flying over the city tracking their wagon), he bids his farewell to her.
"I may not have agreed with many of your decisions during the trip, but....despite all that, you kept the peace. Very few died, despite the attempts, and all of the caravans arrived at their destination. For this I must applaud you. It was a sour situation. And I fear that these cultists are spread wide. I can't see how this is a limited situation. The roads will becoming more dangerous I fear....perhaps the life of a bar owner may be safest for the short term. Either way, I appreciate you getting us here. Fare thee well, and I hope next time I see you it's as the owner of a popular successful tavern here in Waterdeep."
As he bids her farewell he sends messages to the rest of the group, "I must say, working as a harper has not made me rich. Quite the opposite, I literally have no money. I would appreciate a loan so I can avoid sleeping on the street this evening. We do need to find some cash. I find myself with a magnificent gift from a wizard, his spellbook. It includes two spells that could alter our fates in a battle. A spell to blast an entire area in a sphere of fire, and a spell that I can use to counter other casters spells. However, each will require 150 gold worth of supplies for me to scribe and learn it."
I spent the last of my money turning my familiar back into a raven so that it can follow the wagon. "We should all split up into groups of two, and follow the different cultists to learn where they are going. I'm curious to know how much the dragon cult has infiltrated the great city of Waterdeep. And of course we'll need to follow them. I suggest we attempt to do so in secret. Trailing behind on the road out of site, and using my familiar, and invisibility spells to keep track of them and ensure we don't lose them. The raven will hopefully be less obvious for the next leg of our journey....assuming they have not simply brought the treasure here, to some secret head of their cult in the city."
Toc will cast invisibility at 3rd level on himself and whoever is paired with him to assist in their following the cultists.
Also, on additional note, as a point of standard operating procedure, each morning when the group is gathered for breakfast, Toc is now going to ritually cast "Water Breathing" on them all. It will last all day. Just in case, could come in handy.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
(Most of the wagons on this caravan are not cult wagons, but normal merchants...)
Taviel finds herself offered a job with... Achreny Ulyeltin (Male Human Merchant). Ulyeltin is an independent wagon master with two wagons in this caravan. Both are hauling cured furs and uncured hides. He is a boorish man without a trace of civilization about him. He’s not unfriendly — just smelly, vulgar, and utterly without manners. His second wagon driver and two laborers, on the other hand, are perfectly pleasant. if she accepts, Taviel is hired as a sergeant for 8 gp per tenday, plus food and living expenses on the road. Sergeants are expected to manage two to five other guards.
Ulric is offered a job by... Oyn Evenmor (Male Human Merchant). Evenmor is an independent wagon master hauling exotic birds to the lucrative markets in Waterdeep. He is a stubborn, argumentative man with strong opinions about almost everything, but he is generous when it comes to pouring drinks for those who will sit and argue with him endlessly. If he accepts, Ulric is hired as a bodyguard for the merchant at 10 gp per tenday, plus food and living expenses on the road. Bodyguards are expected to stick close to their employer and protect him or her against harm.
Naroth is offered a job by... Samardag the Hoper (Male Human Merchant). Perhaps someone who hauls crates of expensive, fragile porcelain in a bouncing, jarring wagon along the Trade Way must be a born optimist. In Samardag’s world, the sky is always blue, the weather is always fine, and the outlook for tomorrow is always bright. Odds are he would be a wealthy man if he hung onto his money, but he is a soft touch for every urchin and hard-luck story that crosses his path. If he accepts, Naroth is hired as a bodyguard for the merchant at 10 gp per tenday, plus food and living expenses on the road. Bodyguards are expected to stick close to their employer and protect him or her against harm.
Germain is offered a job by... Aldor Urnpoleshurst (Male Human Lawyer). A lawyer by training but a skunk by inclination, Urnpoleshurst is relocating from Baldur’s Gate to anywhere that isn’t Baldur’s Gate. Gossip around the caravan is that he was driven out by a scandal, and that’s hard not to believe. He is suspicious of everyone and makes outrageous accusations at the drop of a hat. If he accepts, Germain is hired as a bodyguard for the merchant at 10 gp per tenday, plus food and living expenses on the road. Bodyguards are expected to stick close to their employer and protect him or her against harm.
(Quoting this to help everyone remember how much they were earning, I think we traveled around 50 days, is that right?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After watching the cultists get settled, Germain will pay for a room for himself and Toc at whatever inn the others choose before taking to the streets. He's going to spend the day looking for any signs of an organized criminal element.
Ulric thanks Oyn for his pay and his company on the long road and wishes him safe travels in the future.
Once a ways off, he also joins Taviel to discuss next steps. The cultists are clearly aware of them but unlikely to overhear their conversation.
"I agree on the need to watch these cultists. It is likely they will have more resources here, plus we will need to be aware of the city watch. We have to know where they are going next.
Toc, I can easily spare you 200 silver for your food and lodging while we are in town. I am also willing to chip in so you can learn these spells but that may take time."
Naroth accepts his pay from Samardag and then makes his way to the rest of the group. whispering to Thezzela that he might want to stay under his cloak for now, not sure how the city folk will react to the Pseudo-dragons presence. "I promise I will find you some food at soon as possible, if you smell anything to your liking let me know and I will go about purchasing some of it for you."
Then finding the rest of the group, "We do need to keep tabs on these cultists and not let them slip from our grasp. Toc as a group I am sure we can accommodate your needs and I am more than willing to help out."
DM, I have a Greatsword +1 in my inventory and I also have a "Langdedrosa Cyanwrath - Greatsword*" listed as well, are these one and the same? And of course I have no idea where the hell I got the "named" one. I am more than happy to research this named sword if need be.
"And 200 silver more, if it helps," Taviel pitied the mages, they always seemed to be in need of money only to sustain their knowledge. Oh, well, not everyone is gifted. "Do not have much on me, but count it as yours too, your spells are the group's asset after all."
Toc accepts 100 silver from Taviel, and 100 silver from Ulric. "Thank you both. This is enough at the moment. We can't afford the spells, but it'll keep me out of an alley tonight." He winks and smiles at them both. "Alright. Let's find a place somewhat close to the north end of town."
People will undoubtedly need time to shop and explore Waterdeep. Using his Raven Toc will keep an eye on the cultists. Also, depending on where they are, we'll try and find some place that's convenient for us to keep an eye on them. Is there a room for rent that can see where they're staying, or a tower that they can climb up to and sit in? They'll take shifts so people can sleep and shop and explore while a group of 2 is always keeping an eye on them.
Toc will use Disguise Self and Invisibility to help get himself or others into good spots to watch from.
If they park in a warehouse, Toc will use invisibility or disguise self to get eyes on it, to see if they're unloading it, or moving it to another wagon or saddle bags, or what. He eyes the treasure.
For shopping, Toc will use 100 silver to buy enough materials to transform his familiar once more in the future. He'll also refresh his rations for the road. The rest he'll use for food and lodgings as needed.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
It is very clear, right off, that the cultists are not planning on staying in the city. As your raven watches them, they are already making preparations to leave the following morning.
Germain As you walk around the north section of town, in the Farm Ward, you find several pickpockets, and would-be theifs loittering around. They scowl at you, and move to give you plenty of space, clearly not wishing to talk with you overly much.
That night Ulric talks to the group over their meal. "We will need to act quickly, this group is clearly not waiting around for either reinforcements or more cargo. We need to follow them, but we are not yet provisioned for a journey of unknown length. We have a pack horse thanks to Germains recent acquisition but no supplies."
"I used to be a solider in my local militia, I could try and talk to the city guard and see if maybe they could hinder their departure." Naroth mentions.
Germain will eye one of the most successful looking thieves and holds up a pair of silver coins and makes a beckoning gesture. Assuming he comes close enough to talk, Germain speaks quietly, "How would you like an opportunity to get very rich? I saw a group carrying wagonloads of gold and jewels that are just asking to be taken by those with talent. Perhaps you know some people who might be interested?" And he'll give the address for where the cultists are staying then return to his group, telling them about his conversation and suggesting it'd be a good opportunity to see what's going on.
Naroth grins wider than you have ever seen him grin before and claps Germain on the shoulder, "I knew I liked you for a reason, let's continue to have your familiar watch the cultists. While we take what meager gold we have and see about getting us some traveling equipment. So we can follow what is left of the cultist's caravan in the morning."
Toc As the night draws closer, your raven sees other wagons assembling at the same area as the cultist wagons. From what you can tell it looks as if another caravan is assembling, though this looks more like a resupply or work-force style caravan, than a group of merchants.
Germain Give me a persuasion roll
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Germain will pull the Toc aside quietly, "Whoever killed him wiped away their tracks very carefully. This was an assassination rather than a random killing. Perhaps our new 'friend' wanted to provoke a fight?"
Toc raises an eyebrow to Germain, “Seems like a reasonable possibility. But we have no way of really knowing unless one of us can speak to the dead and ask him.”
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Toc would notice the cultists glaring at him, and giving him angry looks as he moves away. They clearly believe Toc did this, no matter what Jos is telling the wagon master.
Toc wanders away and pretends not to notice. However he keeps an extra sharp eye out, and that evening he's going to change his behavior. Usually he'd stay in an Inn but he's run out of cash. Instead he sets up his tent, but once inside, he casts invisibility and sneakily tries to leave his tent and find somewhere else hidden where he can hide and wait and watch. His spider is also amidst a wagon nearby and keeps an eye on him. He messages the others that he wouldn't be surprised if they try something that evening.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Loren seems intent on pushing forward, and getting to Waterdeep as quickly as possible. The caravan is on the road in as short of order as she can manage it, after the dead body was found.
The next five days travel in quick succession. Loren is grim, and clearly ready to be done with these cultists, and, frankly, a good majority of the other merchants. She has taken to sitting with Toc at his campfire at night, as she has seen how much he, and the others, have done for the caravan over the trip. During their talks she often speaks of retiring after this run, and starting up a tavern, maybe in Waterdeep, maybe back in Daggerford.
When the caravan rolls into Waterdeep after two months on the road, most of the merchants disperse to the city’s markets, warehouses, and stables. They’ve reached their destination and you are each paid off in silver and thanked for your service.
The cult wagons don’t follow the same pattern as the others from the caravan. Instead, they break off and head for the north side of the city. before looking for a place to spend the night. Everyone who you know to be associated with the cult gathers at the same spot by nightfall. Azbara Jos remains with the cultists during this time.
What does the group do? In Waterdeep following the cult wagons to the north side would not be difficult, so I included the above in this post. How do you wish to keep watch of them and/or what else do you wish to do now that you are in Waterdeep.?
Plus, everyone can go up a level now...
(Yay to level. But what to do depends on how much silver did we get.)
There was no need for keeping appearance anymore and Taviel, after warm goodbyes to her two helpers, reunited with the group. Her suggestion would be to follow the cultists, learn, where they are staying, find a nearby inn and stay there while discretely keeping an eye on them. The group had enough familiars between them to keep watch, and should cultists move (as in "with their wagon" move) the group could follow using Nodwick's wagon as an excuse.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(Woot).
Loren is a quiet camp fire guest, especially to Loren. Though she's found herself in a poor situation he can't help but feel her own actions have not helped. She's put the letter of the law above her own instincts and the, what he sees as, the obvious morale right. That said, he is polite and certainly feels sorry for the caravan leader. When they eventually make it to Waterdeep and the cultists have gone their own way (with at least Toc's familiar, now a hawk, flying over the city tracking their wagon), he bids his farewell to her.
"I may not have agreed with many of your decisions during the trip, but....despite all that, you kept the peace. Very few died, despite the attempts, and all of the caravans arrived at their destination. For this I must applaud you. It was a sour situation. And I fear that these cultists are spread wide. I can't see how this is a limited situation. The roads will becoming more dangerous I fear....perhaps the life of a bar owner may be safest for the short term. Either way, I appreciate you getting us here. Fare thee well, and I hope next time I see you it's as the owner of a popular successful tavern here in Waterdeep."
As he bids her farewell he sends messages to the rest of the group, "I must say, working as a harper has not made me rich. Quite the opposite, I literally have no money. I would appreciate a loan so I can avoid sleeping on the street this evening. We do need to find some cash. I find myself with a magnificent gift from a wizard, his spellbook. It includes two spells that could alter our fates in a battle. A spell to blast an entire area in a sphere of fire, and a spell that I can use to counter other casters spells. However, each will require 150 gold worth of supplies for me to scribe and learn it."
I spent the last of my money turning my familiar back into a raven so that it can follow the wagon. "We should all split up into groups of two, and follow the different cultists to learn where they are going. I'm curious to know how much the dragon cult has infiltrated the great city of Waterdeep. And of course we'll need to follow them. I suggest we attempt to do so in secret. Trailing behind on the road out of site, and using my familiar, and invisibility spells to keep track of them and ensure we don't lose them. The raven will hopefully be less obvious for the next leg of our journey....assuming they have not simply brought the treasure here, to some secret head of their cult in the city."
Toc will cast invisibility at 3rd level on himself and whoever is paired with him to assist in their following the cultists.
Also, on additional note, as a point of standard operating procedure, each morning when the group is gathered for breakfast, Toc is now going to ritually cast "Water Breathing" on them all. It will last all day. Just in case, could come in handy.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
(Quoting this to help everyone remember how much they were earning, I think we traveled around 50 days, is that right?)
After watching the cultists get settled, Germain will pay for a room for himself and Toc at whatever inn the others choose before taking to the streets. He's going to spend the day looking for any signs of an organized criminal element.
Perception: 16
Investigation: 8
(It was 40 days.)
Taviel recieves 240 silver.
Ulric recieves 800 silver.
Naroth recieves 400 silver.
Germain earns 400 silver.
Ulric thanks Oyn for his pay and his company on the long road and wishes him safe travels in the future.
Once a ways off, he also joins Taviel to discuss next steps. The cultists are clearly aware of them but unlikely to overhear their conversation.
"I agree on the need to watch these cultists. It is likely they will have more resources here, plus we will need to be aware of the city watch. We have to know where they are going next.
Toc, I can easily spare you 200 silver for your food and lodging while we are in town. I am also willing to chip in so you can learn these spells but that may take time."
Naroth accepts his pay from Samardag and then makes his way to the rest of the group. whispering to Thezzela that he might want to stay under his cloak for now, not sure how the city folk will react to the Pseudo-dragons presence. "I promise I will find you some food at soon as possible, if you smell anything to your liking let me know and I will go about purchasing some of it for you."
Then finding the rest of the group, "We do need to keep tabs on these cultists and not let them slip from our grasp. Toc as a group I am sure we can accommodate your needs and I am more than willing to help out."
DM, I have a Greatsword +1 in my inventory and I also have a "Langdedrosa Cyanwrath - Greatsword*" listed as well, are these one and the same? And of course I have no idea where the hell I got the "named" one. I am more than happy to research this named sword if need be.
"And 200 silver more, if it helps," Taviel pitied the mages, they always seemed to be in need of money only to sustain their knowledge. Oh, well, not everyone is gifted. "Do not have much on me, but count it as yours too, your spells are the group's asset after all."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Toc accepts 100 silver from Taviel, and 100 silver from Ulric. "Thank you both. This is enough at the moment. We can't afford the spells, but it'll keep me out of an alley tonight." He winks and smiles at them both. "Alright. Let's find a place somewhat close to the north end of town."
People will undoubtedly need time to shop and explore Waterdeep. Using his Raven Toc will keep an eye on the cultists. Also, depending on where they are, we'll try and find some place that's convenient for us to keep an eye on them. Is there a room for rent that can see where they're staying, or a tower that they can climb up to and sit in? They'll take shifts so people can sleep and shop and explore while a group of 2 is always keeping an eye on them.
Toc will use Disguise Self and Invisibility to help get himself or others into good spots to watch from.
If they park in a warehouse, Toc will use invisibility or disguise self to get eyes on it, to see if they're unloading it, or moving it to another wagon or saddle bags, or what. He eyes the treasure.
For shopping, Toc will use 100 silver to buy enough materials to transform his familiar once more in the future. He'll also refresh his rations for the road. The rest he'll use for food and lodgings as needed.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
It is very clear, right off, that the cultists are not planning on staying in the city. As your raven watches them, they are already making preparations to leave the following morning.
Germain
As you walk around the north section of town, in the Farm Ward, you find several pickpockets, and would-be theifs loittering around. They scowl at you, and move to give you plenty of space, clearly not wishing to talk with you overly much.
That night Ulric talks to the group over their meal.
"We will need to act quickly, this group is clearly not waiting around for either reinforcements or more cargo. We need to follow them, but we are not yet provisioned for a journey of unknown length. We have a pack horse thanks to Germains recent acquisition but no supplies."
"I used to be a solider in my local militia, I could try and talk to the city guard and see if maybe they could hinder their departure." Naroth mentions.
Germain will eye one of the most successful looking thieves and holds up a pair of silver coins and makes a beckoning gesture. Assuming he comes close enough to talk, Germain speaks quietly, "How would you like an opportunity to get very rich? I saw a group carrying wagonloads of gold and jewels that are just asking to be taken by those with talent. Perhaps you know some people who might be interested?" And he'll give the address for where the cultists are staying then return to his group, telling them about his conversation and suggesting it'd be a good opportunity to see what's going on.
Naroth grins wider than you have ever seen him grin before and claps Germain on the shoulder, "I knew I liked you for a reason, let's continue to have your familiar watch the cultists. While we take what meager gold we have and see about getting us some traveling equipment. So we can follow what is left of the cultist's caravan in the morning."
Toc
As the night draws closer, your raven sees other wagons assembling at the same area as the cultist wagons. From what you can tell it looks as if another caravan is assembling, though this looks more like a resupply or work-force style caravan, than a group of merchants.
Germain
Give me a persuasion roll