This is a good game for travelling. It encourages you to look around more at the world. You played it as an infant, yes?
"Yes, it was one of the only happy memories of my childhood from after I was conscripted into the military. A number of the soldiers would play it with me as we rode between battlefields, as it seemed like a fairly well known game.... Many of them then died in the battles fought. I hate war by the way, if it isn't obvious. I really hope we can do something to stop the war from kicking off proper and avoid the bloodshed that will follow."
To see if they can pick up the pace some, after guiding the horse and Wash back to the road. Alton hops up in the saddle and continues towards Felderwin at a medium pace. He does stop and ask if anyone has seen a dragonborn come by, just to make sure they are still following Balassar.
Your various journeys continue for a day or so more.
Balassar, you are managing to keep to the trail that Art is leaving. You're not able to recognise tracks as such, but you're stopping here and there to get a sense of where he is, and he's clearly not doing a good job of hiding his passage. There's lots of folks out in the fields working and travelling along the roads - even the side roads - so you never lose track of him. Though you know you are not far behind, he's making good time and it's hard to catch up. Your horse is getting tired, and though you try to coax a little more from it, it doesn't really work and you find yourself forced to stop for a rest earlier than you had hoped. Another night passes.
Alton and Wash, you are following along the road, headed towards the crossroads where the side road to Felderwin town branches off the main north-south road. You are still struggling a little with your horse - not as badly as the first day, but nevertheless you just about maintain a normal walking speed.
Balassar, about the middle of the following day you follow this side trail as it makes a small climb. You know, and have been told by the locals, that this trail runs mostly parallel with the main road, perhaps two miles east of it. So you are still headed to Felderwin. You make the top and... you see him, for the first time, a figure on a horse that might be Art, riding ahead of you. He hasn't seen you, though he would if he turned around. Make a Perception check.
Alton and Wash, you can tell from the locals you talk to that you are about a half a day behind Balassar now, but you keep travelling on.
Wash starts the morning by telling Alton and Trogdor stories from his past. They are mostly to do with his time as a field medic, are medical in nature and quite graphic and the final one ends "so even though he will likely never hear from his left ear or see from his left eye again, considering he came in not breathing and with a crossbow bolt pierced through his skull, I think I did a good job. He visited me in Hupperdook only last year, with a toddler in tow and explained that I was the one that "saved daddy". So, you see, it wasn't all bad and I like to think I made a difference. Unfortunately there were many more that I couldn't save and I have seen more corpses and more people draw their last breath than anyone should... Anyway, sorry that took a macabre turn. Alton, can you regale us with interesting stories from your past?"
[After Alton does that, Wash will ask Trogdor if he is happy to share tales from his past.]
Trogdor seems less than enthusiastic. Not many good memories, not with my captor. Though his homeland is a marvel. From before that... perhaps in the future.
It's Art. He's riding with his hood down, seemingly unworried. You can see up ahead a small village; it seems that Art is headed back towards the main road.
Are you riding quickly to catch up, or stealthily to catch him unawares? Roll an Animal Handling check to race, or Stealth to approach quietly.
Balassar smiles as he tries to think about how to handle the situation. He just shrugs never having been the one for stealth, but maybe the man wouldn't think he knew about the map either "Art! Long time no see." he says waving.
You race towards Art. And you call your greeting. He turns, and you see his eyes widen. He turns back, and begins to race away from you.
You give chase, along the road. Art seems to be a skilled rider but you've also had time in the saddle now, more than perhaps your whole life before now. Nevertheless, he is a skinny half-elf clad in leather armour; you are a tall, powerfully-built dragonborn in heavy chain. He is gaining ground. Is there anything you can do to slow his pace? Feel free to try anything that makes sense, and give me an appropriate roll.
Alton and Wash, you are passing a pleasant journey through the same countryside, though some way behind.
Alton thinks for a moment about his past, "I really don't have much to tell. I grew up in one of the farming communities out here in the Felderwin Tillage; mostly just helping out in the fields when I was old enough to work. I did go a listen to any of those wandering storytellers that would pass through. Their stories are the ones that inspired me to start adventuring and become a bard. Not to say I didn't have my share of mischief out in the fields. Like this one time when Joy and I scared poor Old Man Jenkins with his own scarecrow." Alton chuckles as he remembers the little prank and retells the story to Wash.
Animal Handling: 19 to keep Trigger going in the right direction
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Balassar sighs as he pets Nyx "Well seems like he knows he is in trouble. I'm sorry you have to see this girl." he says pulling out his crossbow as he shoots for the horse Art is riding. He then takes a second breath to fire off another bolt.
OOC:
Attack: 5 Damage: 7
Action Surge to attack again: Attack: 14 Damage: 8
Balassar, you are sadly out of range for your crossbow to hit (I will take that as a single shot with disadvantage, if that's okay, as you are outside the first range for a light crossbow); however, Art does seem aware of the attack and he spurs his horse on. Nevertheless, he seems rattled by your sudden arrival, and he's unable to pull ahead.
The chase continues for perhaps a half hour, and your horse - and his - are beginning to tire. Art has left the small road he was following and attempt to cut directly south, moving through large empty fields where the harvest has been collected and only small remnants of straw, and a lot of dryish dirt, remain. Both your horses seem to have no trouble moving through the terrain, but it does seem to be a little slower than sticking to the road.
You see up ahead what appears to be a road, headed east to west and crossing your path. On the road there are two figures, and you see Art almost pass them, but suddenly reign in his horse to stop and speak to them. They are about two hundred and fifty feet ahead of you.
Alton and Wash, you continue on your merry way. (We will catch up with you, or rather you will catch up with Balassar, shortly I expect.)
Balassar just sighs as he begins to see him talking to the figures. Readying himself for a fight if necessary he draws his badge the watch master gave him "Stop that thief!" he shouts as he holds out his badge waving it "In the name of the King! STOP HIM!"
Balassar, as you get closer, you see that the two figures are a half-orc, tall and imposing with a greatsword on his back, and what appears to be a metal construct. You have seen such creatures around Hupperdook, often employed as manservants or guards for nobles or wealthy merchants, though the half-orc does not look like either.
As you are about thirty feet away, the construct appears to shoot a line like a whip from its arm; a spike pierces Art's side and yanks him off his horse to land face first on the road. As he falls, you hear Art shout: What? What in the hells are you doing! Help! Help!
The half-orc adds: Stay down. If you're innocent you got nothin' to fear, we'll have your back. But if you start running I'm gonna get annoyed. You won't like that.
You are now close enough that you need to pull up your horse or ride past.
Wash plays a game with Alton and Trogdor as they ride on "who can come up with the most outlandish situation that Balassar has got himself into? I'll go first: maybe he has found a portal to an icy mountain-top and now finds himself trapped facing off against a black dragon all by himself. The dragon is breathing fire -- or is it acid -- down on him, but he dodges, as he drives his scimitar into its heart."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Balassar just pulls up on the horse bringing it to a stop. He nods showing the badge again just to reassure them "Thank you for the help. This man is a horse thief, seems I lucked out with you all being ahead. I can offer two platinum for you and..." he looks at the machine "your companion for assisting in stopping him. Are you okay if I approach to take him and exchange the money over?" he asks waiting for their permission. He just continues to keep an eye on them trying to get a feel for if they may or may not be setting up some ruse.
You find the half-orc a little difficult to read; you have only just met him and don't know anything about him.
The construct speaks to you: Have you been pursuing him for long? Your horses look exhausted. Of the constructs you have seen about Hupperdook, you've never heard of one speaking before.
But before you can answer, the half-orc interrupts: Hold on a sec... You got a nice shiny badge and nice shiny coins but how do we know you're on the right side of this little skirmish? Meanin' no disrespect, you don't look like no thief yourself. But d'you have any proof of this man's crimes? Otherwise, I ain't too inclined to sell him out.
The construct speaks in return: Oh, that is an interesting question, my friend. What sort of proof could he offer that would be satisfying? Perhaps we could examine the horse to see if it's evidently not his? The two have the relaxed back-and-forth manner of good friends.
That might work, yeah, the half-orc returns. Knew a fella back in the military who swore he could talk to the horses. Sounded like a load of bull but he'd be right helpful here... Maybe someone's got proof o' payment from a stablemaster? That'd be nice and easy.
Balassar nods "My companions are maybe a day behind us. That horse..." he points to the one Art was riding "He can confirm that was his horse. Additionally, roughly 1 day back is an inn keeper and his wife who will also confirm that we woke up in the morning in a panic to find our horse missing and my friend had something stolen as well. If both of those are not enough, then our employer Mr. Birick in Hupperdook can vouch for us." he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his old uniform insignia "You mentioned military time, where were you stationed? I served for a bit at Ashguard."
Balassar wasn't so happy that he couldn't read these two. He had hope that the one who talked about his military time would understand. He just stayed not advancing just relying on what was going to come next.
Ended up serving in Bladegarden for a while, the half-orc replies. Lots of my kind there, easier to fit in. Ashguard though... fought some of those Xhorhasian scum, eh? Musta been rough.
He looks at Art, scowling: Sounds like this man's got a whole bunch of fellas to back his story up. You got anythin' to say for yourself?
I don't see no bunch of fellas, Art replies. I see some tall tales, and no-one actually here now to back them up. I'm sorry, he says to the half-orc, I understand that from your point of view it's my word against his. I don't know what to suggest, except to go to Felderwin and let the authorities there sort it out.
Look, Art continues to Balassar, I get that you thought I was easy pickings, just a lone traveller in the countryside. Just leave me be, that's all I ask. Ride off and I won't pursue this with the Crownsguard.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"Yes, it was one of the only happy memories of my childhood from after I was conscripted into the military. A number of the soldiers would play it with me as we rode between battlefields, as it seemed like a fairly well known game.... Many of them then died in the battles fought. I hate war by the way, if it isn't obvious. I really hope we can do something to stop the war from kicking off proper and avoid the bloodshed that will follow."
To see if they can pick up the pace some, after guiding the horse and Wash back to the road. Alton hops up in the saddle and continues towards Felderwin at a medium pace. He does stop and ask if anyone has seen a dragonborn come by, just to make sure they are still following Balassar.
Animal Handling: 7
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Wash distracts Alton by asking if he wants to join the game he is playing with Trogdor.
Your various journeys continue for a day or so more.
Balassar, you are managing to keep to the trail that Art is leaving. You're not able to recognise tracks as such, but you're stopping here and there to get a sense of where he is, and he's clearly not doing a good job of hiding his passage. There's lots of folks out in the fields working and travelling along the roads - even the side roads - so you never lose track of him. Though you know you are not far behind, he's making good time and it's hard to catch up. Your horse is getting tired, and though you try to coax a little more from it, it doesn't really work and you find yourself forced to stop for a rest earlier than you had hoped. Another night passes.
Alton and Wash, you are following along the road, headed towards the crossroads where the side road to Felderwin town branches off the main north-south road. You are still struggling a little with your horse - not as badly as the first day, but nevertheless you just about maintain a normal walking speed.
Balassar, about the middle of the following day you follow this side trail as it makes a small climb. You know, and have been told by the locals, that this trail runs mostly parallel with the main road, perhaps two miles east of it. So you are still headed to Felderwin. You make the top and... you see him, for the first time, a figure on a horse that might be Art, riding ahead of you. He hasn't seen you, though he would if he turned around. Make a Perception check.
Alton and Wash, you can tell from the locals you talk to that you are about a half a day behind Balassar now, but you keep travelling on.
Wash starts the morning by telling Alton and Trogdor stories from his past. They are mostly to do with his time as a field medic, are medical in nature and quite graphic and the final one ends "so even though he will likely never hear from his left ear or see from his left eye again, considering he came in not breathing and with a crossbow bolt pierced through his skull, I think I did a good job. He visited me in Hupperdook only last year, with a toddler in tow and explained that I was the one that "saved daddy". So, you see, it wasn't all bad and I like to think I made a difference. Unfortunately there were many more that I couldn't save and I have seen more corpses and more people draw their last breath than anyone should... Anyway, sorry that took a macabre turn. Alton, can you regale us with interesting stories from your past?"
[After Alton does that, Wash will ask Trogdor if he is happy to share tales from his past.]
Trogdor seems less than enthusiastic. Not many good memories, not with my captor. Though his homeland is a marvel. From before that... perhaps in the future.
Balassar just smiles as his hands tighten on the reigns.
OOC:
perception check: 16
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
It's Art. He's riding with his hood down, seemingly unworried. You can see up ahead a small village; it seems that Art is headed back towards the main road.
Are you riding quickly to catch up, or stealthily to catch him unawares? Roll an Animal Handling check to race, or Stealth to approach quietly.
Balassar smiles as he tries to think about how to handle the situation. He just shrugs never having been the one for stealth, but maybe the man wouldn't think he knew about the map either "Art! Long time no see." he says waving.
OOC:
Animal Handling: 18
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
You race towards Art. And you call your greeting. He turns, and you see his eyes widen. He turns back, and begins to race away from you.
You give chase, along the road. Art seems to be a skilled rider but you've also had time in the saddle now, more than perhaps your whole life before now. Nevertheless, he is a skinny half-elf clad in leather armour; you are a tall, powerfully-built dragonborn in heavy chain. He is gaining ground. Is there anything you can do to slow his pace? Feel free to try anything that makes sense, and give me an appropriate roll.
Alton and Wash, you are passing a pleasant journey through the same countryside, though some way behind.
Alton thinks for a moment about his past, "I really don't have much to tell. I grew up in one of the farming communities out here in the Felderwin Tillage; mostly just helping out in the fields when I was old enough to work. I did go a listen to any of those wandering storytellers that would pass through. Their stories are the ones that inspired me to start adventuring and become a bard. Not to say I didn't have my share of mischief out in the fields. Like this one time when Joy and I scared poor Old Man Jenkins with his own scarecrow." Alton chuckles as he remembers the little prank and retells the story to Wash.
Animal Handling: 19 to keep Trigger going in the right direction
Be excellent to each other, and roll for initiative dudes!
Balassar sighs as he pets Nyx "Well seems like he knows he is in trouble. I'm sorry you have to see this girl." he says pulling out his crossbow as he shoots for the horse Art is riding. He then takes a second breath to fire off another bolt.
OOC:
Attack: 5 Damage: 7
Action Surge to attack again: Attack: 14 Damage: 8
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Balassar, you are sadly out of range for your crossbow to hit (I will take that as a single shot with disadvantage, if that's okay, as you are outside the first range for a light crossbow); however, Art does seem aware of the attack and he spurs his horse on. Nevertheless, he seems rattled by your sudden arrival, and he's unable to pull ahead.
The chase continues for perhaps a half hour, and your horse - and his - are beginning to tire. Art has left the small road he was following and attempt to cut directly south, moving through large empty fields where the harvest has been collected and only small remnants of straw, and a lot of dryish dirt, remain. Both your horses seem to have no trouble moving through the terrain, but it does seem to be a little slower than sticking to the road.
You see up ahead what appears to be a road, headed east to west and crossing your path. On the road there are two figures, and you see Art almost pass them, but suddenly reign in his horse to stop and speak to them. They are about two hundred and fifty feet ahead of you.
Alton and Wash, you continue on your merry way. (We will catch up with you, or rather you will catch up with Balassar, shortly I expect.)
Balassar just sighs as he begins to see him talking to the figures. Readying himself for a fight if necessary he draws his badge the watch master gave him "Stop that thief!" he shouts as he holds out his badge waving it "In the name of the King! STOP HIM!"
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Balassar, as you get closer, you see that the two figures are a half-orc, tall and imposing with a greatsword on his back, and what appears to be a metal construct. You have seen such creatures around Hupperdook, often employed as manservants or guards for nobles or wealthy merchants, though the half-orc does not look like either.
As you are about thirty feet away, the construct appears to shoot a line like a whip from its arm; a spike pierces Art's side and yanks him off his horse to land face first on the road. As he falls, you hear Art shout: What? What in the hells are you doing! Help! Help!
The half-orc adds: Stay down. If you're innocent you got nothin' to fear, we'll have your back. But if you start running I'm gonna get annoyed. You won't like that.
You are now close enough that you need to pull up your horse or ride past.
Wash plays a game with Alton and Trogdor as they ride on "who can come up with the most outlandish situation that Balassar has got himself into? I'll go first: maybe he has found a portal to an icy mountain-top and now finds himself trapped facing off against a black dragon all by himself. The dragon is breathing fire -- or is it acid -- down on him, but he dodges, as he drives his scimitar into its heart."
Balassar just pulls up on the horse bringing it to a stop. He nods showing the badge again just to reassure them "Thank you for the help. This man is a horse thief, seems I lucked out with you all being ahead. I can offer two platinum for you and..." he looks at the machine "your companion for assisting in stopping him. Are you okay if I approach to take him and exchange the money over?" he asks waiting for their permission. He just continues to keep an eye on them trying to get a feel for if they may or may not be setting up some ruse.
OOC:
insight check: 7
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
You find the half-orc a little difficult to read; you have only just met him and don't know anything about him.
The construct speaks to you: Have you been pursuing him for long? Your horses look exhausted. Of the constructs you have seen about Hupperdook, you've never heard of one speaking before.
But before you can answer, the half-orc interrupts: Hold on a sec... You got a nice shiny badge and nice shiny coins but how do we know you're on the right side of this little skirmish? Meanin' no disrespect, you don't look like no thief yourself. But d'you have any proof of this man's crimes? Otherwise, I ain't too inclined to sell him out.
The construct speaks in return: Oh, that is an interesting question, my friend. What sort of proof could he offer that would be satisfying? Perhaps we could examine the horse to see if it's evidently not his? The two have the relaxed back-and-forth manner of good friends.
That might work, yeah, the half-orc returns. Knew a fella back in the military who swore he could talk to the horses. Sounded like a load of bull but he'd be right helpful here... Maybe someone's got proof o' payment from a stablemaster? That'd be nice and easy.
Balassar nods "My companions are maybe a day behind us. That horse..." he points to the one Art was riding "He can confirm that was his horse. Additionally, roughly 1 day back is an inn keeper and his wife who will also confirm that we woke up in the morning in a panic to find our horse missing and my friend had something stolen as well. If both of those are not enough, then our employer Mr. Birick in Hupperdook can vouch for us." he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his old uniform insignia "You mentioned military time, where were you stationed? I served for a bit at Ashguard."
Balassar wasn't so happy that he couldn't read these two. He had hope that the one who talked about his military time would understand. He just stayed not advancing just relying on what was going to come next.
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Ended up serving in Bladegarden for a while, the half-orc replies. Lots of my kind there, easier to fit in. Ashguard though... fought some of those Xhorhasian scum, eh? Musta been rough.
He looks at Art, scowling: Sounds like this man's got a whole bunch of fellas to back his story up. You got anythin' to say for yourself?
I don't see no bunch of fellas, Art replies. I see some tall tales, and no-one actually here now to back them up. I'm sorry, he says to the half-orc, I understand that from your point of view it's my word against his. I don't know what to suggest, except to go to Felderwin and let the authorities there sort it out.
Look, Art continues to Balassar, I get that you thought I was easy pickings, just a lone traveller in the countryside. Just leave me be, that's all I ask. Ride off and I won't pursue this with the Crownsguard.