Toc lets the others know. "Looks like they might be trying to depart at night. We didn't have a lot of time here....but we may need to prepare to get after them sooner rather than later."
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What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Toc The new wagons seem to be settling down for the night, likely not leaving until morning, but it is clear there are more than just cultists going on this caravan. Likely you guys could get hired on again if you wished.
Germain The roguish woman nods to you, taking your coins. Please give me a perception check. As she steps away she says, "We'll look into it, but, going by your description of the where, that is likely part of the work detail heading north to the reconstruction project on the High Road, so it is likely going to have too many guards to make it worth our time. We'll take a llook though."
"If we join the next caravan as guards, the cultists will clearly know we are tracking them. It would invite very high risk. However, following behind just out of sight has its own risks as well. It seems unlikely we can prevent them from leaving without an attack tonight that damages or destroys their wagons."
"Don't see any problem. Nodwick here will pose as a merchant, we - as guards again. What's so surprising for us - known guards - to get another job? Actually, Toc can be our employer. He had several attempts on his life, we proved to be efficient and he hired us to continue his journey. As believable as anything else."
Toc considers the options. After seemingly weighing the options he says, "I'd prefer following behind I think. If I were really devious, perhaps we scrape together some money and hire a guard, someone new, to join their caravan...whom we can communicate with if the cultists end up doing something unexpected. An inside man as it were. I'd want to interview options and find someone with some morals. That's my option. I think following behind is far less risky. But if folks want to try joining them again as guards and merchants, I'll of course go along."
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What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Germain perception: 8 (Passive is 17 if that matters.)
Germain nods to Toc, "I suspect you may be right, from what I've heard, they're headed to a road reconstruction project, might be harder to sound like we belong there. We could blatantly travel with them and dispense with any pretense at blending in. But as we've some idea where they might be headed, and are less burdened by the wagons, we could actually keep an eye on them with familiars and range ahead or off to the side of them instead of behind where they might be watching for us more. It could also give us opportunities to slow them down should we wish by creating impediments on the road, fallen trees and such."
Toc shakes his head, "No no, I was wrong, it looks like they're staying the night. Everyone can get a good rest but be ready to go early in the morning."
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What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
"Sounds like we have a good plan for tomorrow, I like the idea of traveling to the side or in front of the group as they will definitely be looking behind them, but not necessarily in front of them. Anyone know a good place to spend the night nearby or do we just listen for the most rowdy place and stay there?" Naroth asks.
The cultists are staying at the Silent Shield Inn, which is located only a few streets off of the High Road. You all find another inn, The Raging Lion Inn, which is located a bit further from the High Road, on the opposite side from the cultists.
Naroth settles into a seat in the corner if one is free and whispers to Thezzela what he would like for food. He then orders food and ale for the group making a point to order what Thezzela might want. He will also inquire about a couple of rooms for the group or if they have a larger room that could accommodate all of them, as it might not be a good idea to split the party up into smaller rooms.
Toc's familiar will stay up and keep an eye on the Cultists, specifically their wagon. When Toc is done his meditating he also goes back to watching them. Pretty early he'll go to buy some extra rations for the road.
They attempt to get going, ahead of the Cultists, by 6am. Toc will use Disguise self to stay in town and close to his familiar as they watch for their movements. When they start moving, he'll move out of town and they'll start heading down the High Road ahead of them. At the first "branch" in the road, they'll choose a random direction and head that way.....and Toc's familiar will find a hidden perch nearby to watch. Once they head that way, and are a ways away, Toc's raven will fly to him and tell them which way they went. If it's their way, then the group continues moving, staying ahead on the road a KM or more, just out of sight of the caravan.
Anyone have any other ideas on how to keep tabs on them besides the Raven?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Since the plan is formed and rooms are rented for a night, Taviel finally got the civilized rest she was dreaming about for the last forty days. She planned to see everyone only in the morning but would be momentarily ready if the need arises earlier. The only way she could potentially help with spying is to send Nodwick with the cultists. But this is not something easily arranged on such short notice, so she did not even suggest that plan.
You all have an uneventful night at the tavern/inn. When morning comes you get up early, and move out of the tavern and then out of the city. The High Road stretches North from Waterdeep. There are indeed side roads though, but how far do you travel out of town before pausing to see about waiting for the caravan?
I'd say 1 km unless other folks disagree. Hopefully at that distance we'd look like a group of random travelers on an otherwise busy road this close to town..... if there's no one else around and we'd be too obvious, then....maybe further, depending on how far we can see.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
I'd say 1 km unless other folks disagree. Hopefully at that distance we'd look like a group of random travelers on an otherwise busy road this close to town..... if there's no one else around and we'd be too obvious, then....maybe further, depending on how far we can see.
Leaving the city you travel for a short distance before turning off on one of the first side roads you find...
The main road runs past the crossroads and into the shadow of a forest that seems to grow in size and wildness as the dirt lane travels on. The fields on the others side switch from crops to pastures, and beyond the hedgerow you hear the distant lowing of cattle.
Only staying long enough to have Toc's Raven inform you the caravan is leaving town, and are coming in your direction, you press onward.
The road before you is bumpy and uneven, its cobblestones worn down by both natural elements and frequent use. Dirt and the occasional weed rise up between the scuffed stones, and you feel a pang of sympathy for any merchant cart that has to endure a journey on this path.
This process continues throughout the day, until the raven informs you the caravan has stopped, and is getting ready to camp for the night. As Toc takes a look through the raven's eyes he sees...
A sizable cook fire is at the center of this campground, surrounded by tents and wagons arranged in such a way that every person in the caravan is able to look out for one another. Off to one side, the draft animals and mounts sleep on their feet, bound to picket lines by their well-maintained halters. By the firelight, a bottle might be passed around by the teamsters and guards, the crew enjoying the freedom of the trail before slumber overtakes them for the evening.
Do you plan to continue this as they continue North? Staying just ahead of them, and using the raven to make sure that the cultists don't turn off somewhere?
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Germain Persuasion (Not his strong suit, fyi): 16
Toc lets the others know. "Looks like they might be trying to depart at night. We didn't have a lot of time here....but we may need to prepare to get after them sooner rather than later."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Toc
The new wagons seem to be settling down for the night, likely not leaving until morning, but it is clear there are more than just cultists going on this caravan. Likely you guys could get hired on again if you wished.
Germain
The roguish woman nods to you, taking your coins. Please give me a perception check. As she steps away she says, "We'll look into it, but, going by your description of the where, that is likely part of the work detail heading north to the reconstruction project on the High Road, so it is likely going to have too many guards to make it worth our time. We'll take a llook though."
"If we join the next caravan as guards, the cultists will clearly know we are tracking them. It would invite very high risk. However, following behind just out of sight has its own risks as well. It seems unlikely we can prevent them from leaving without an attack tonight that damages or destroys their wagons."
"Don't see any problem. Nodwick here will pose as a merchant, we - as guards again. What's so surprising for us - known guards - to get another job? Actually, Toc can be our employer. He had several attempts on his life, we proved to be efficient and he hired us to continue his journey. As believable as anything else."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Toc considers the options. After seemingly weighing the options he says, "I'd prefer following behind I think. If I were really devious, perhaps we scrape together some money and hire a guard, someone new, to join their caravan...whom we can communicate with if the cultists end up doing something unexpected. An inside man as it were. I'd want to interview options and find someone with some morals. That's my option. I think following behind is far less risky. But if folks want to try joining them again as guards and merchants, I'll of course go along."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Germain perception: 8 (Passive is 17 if that matters.)
Germain nods to Toc, "I suspect you may be right, from what I've heard, they're headed to a road reconstruction project, might be harder to sound like we belong there. We could blatantly travel with them and dispense with any pretense at blending in. But as we've some idea where they might be headed, and are less burdened by the wagons, we could actually keep an eye on them with familiars and range ahead or off to the side of them instead of behind where they might be watching for us more. It could also give us opportunities to slow them down should we wish by creating impediments on the road, fallen trees and such."
"As you wish," Taviel sighed about the idea of a long awaited night in the inn with a hot bath, but did not argue. "Are going right away?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Toc shakes his head, "No no, I was wrong, it looks like they're staying the night. Everyone can get a good rest but be ready to go early in the morning."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"Sounds like we have a good plan for tomorrow, I like the idea of traveling to the side or in front of the group as they will definitely be looking behind them, but not necessarily in front of them. Anyone know a good place to spend the night nearby or do we just listen for the most rowdy place and stay there?" Naroth asks.
The cultists are staying at the Silent Shield Inn, which is located only a few streets off of the High Road. You all find another inn, The Raging Lion Inn, which is located a bit further from the High Road, on the opposite side from the cultists.
Naroth settles into a seat in the corner if one is free and whispers to Thezzela what he would like for food. He then orders food and ale for the group making a point to order what Thezzela might want. He will also inquire about a couple of rooms for the group or if they have a larger room that could accommodate all of them, as it might not be a good idea to split the party up into smaller rooms.
Toc's familiar will stay up and keep an eye on the Cultists, specifically their wagon. When Toc is done his meditating he also goes back to watching them. Pretty early he'll go to buy some extra rations for the road.
They attempt to get going, ahead of the Cultists, by 6am. Toc will use Disguise self to stay in town and close to his familiar as they watch for their movements. When they start moving, he'll move out of town and they'll start heading down the High Road ahead of them. At the first "branch" in the road, they'll choose a random direction and head that way.....and Toc's familiar will find a hidden perch nearby to watch. Once they head that way, and are a ways away, Toc's raven will fly to him and tell them which way they went. If it's their way, then the group continues moving, staying ahead on the road a KM or more, just out of sight of the caravan.
Anyone have any other ideas on how to keep tabs on them besides the Raven?
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Since the plan is formed and rooms are rented for a night, Taviel finally got the civilized rest she was dreaming about for the last forty days. She planned to see everyone only in the morning but would be momentarily ready if the need arises earlier. The only way she could potentially help with spying is to send Nodwick with the cultists. But this is not something easily arranged on such short notice, so she did not even suggest that plan.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
You all have an uneventful night at the tavern/inn. When morning comes you get up early, and move out of the tavern and then out of the city. The High Road stretches North from Waterdeep. There are indeed side roads though, but how far do you travel out of town before pausing to see about waiting for the caravan?
I'd say 1 km unless other folks disagree. Hopefully at that distance we'd look like a group of random travelers on an otherwise busy road this close to town..... if there's no one else around and we'd be too obvious, then....maybe further, depending on how far we can see.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Sounds good.
Taviel, reunited with her wardrobe and horse, would not remind the guard she was from that distance. It's all good with her.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sounds good.
Leaving the city you travel for a short distance before turning off on one of the first side roads you find...
The main road runs past the crossroads and into the shadow of a forest that seems to grow in size and wildness as the dirt lane travels on. The fields on the others side switch from crops to pastures, and beyond the hedgerow you hear the distant lowing of cattle.
Only staying long enough to have Toc's Raven inform you the caravan is leaving town, and are coming in your direction, you press onward.
The road before you is bumpy and uneven, its cobblestones worn down by both natural elements and frequent use. Dirt and the occasional weed rise up between the scuffed stones, and you feel a pang of sympathy for any merchant cart that has to endure a journey on this path.
This process continues throughout the day, until the raven informs you the caravan has stopped, and is getting ready to camp for the night. As Toc takes a look through the raven's eyes he sees...
A sizable cook fire is at the center of this campground, surrounded by tents and wagons arranged in such a way that every person in the caravan is able to look out for one another. Off to one side, the draft animals and mounts sleep on their feet, bound to picket lines by their well-maintained halters. By the firelight, a bottle might be passed around by the teamsters and guards, the crew enjoying the freedom of the trail before slumber overtakes them for the evening.
Do you plan to continue this as they continue North? Staying just ahead of them, and using the raven to make sure that the cultists don't turn off somewhere?